Rutherford 21 Hackettstown 13
The Bulldogs claimed its first sectional football title in 51 years thanks to two Abellany Mendez touchdowns and a stingy defensive effort. Mendez got the scoring started with a 72 yard TD run in the first quarter. Billy Finn capped off a 15 play drive in the second quarter that was over seven minutes long to give Rutherford a 14-7 lead. Hackettstown got within 14-13 at the half thanks to a Tyler Gagliardi 3 yard score. Kyle Russell’s 25 yard TD pass to Mendez was the only scoring of the second half as the Rutherford defense pitched a shutout over the final two quarters and created three turnovers in the game. JSZ has all the highlights and post-game reaction from MetLife Stadium:
JSZ Championship Weekend Coverage
Jersey Sports Zone will have camera crews at MetLife Stadium, Kean, Rutgers and Rowan. We’ll have extended highlights and post-game reaction from around the state on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We wrap up our high school football coverage on December 7 with the JSZ Football Banquet at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge. Thanks to our sponsor and supporters for a tremendous 2017 season on the gridiron!
