Lyndhurst vs. Rutherford football : Keys to the game

This marks the third time in four seasons that Lyndhurst will visit Rutherford in the North 2, Group 2 football playoffs. The Bulldogs won the 2015 meeting, 35-12, and prevailed last year, 30-6, but both of those games at Tryon Field were first-round contests.

This one has markedly higher stakes, as the two 9-1 teams meet in the sectional final.

Rutherford is in its third sectional final under eighth-year coach Andy Howell (65-26 record) and is the defending champion. The only Bergen County school to defeat the Bulldogs in that span is Hasbrouck Heights in the NJIC final three weeks ago.

Lyndhurst is seeking its second sectional title of the playoff era (1974-present) and has posted its highest win total since the 1983 North 1, Group 2 championship squad finished 11-0. The Golden Bears have strung together three straight winning seasons under coach fifth-year coach Rich Tuero (24-24-1).

What does Lyndhurst need to do to win?

Getting another big outing from running back Piotr Partyla (1,666 yards, 23 TD), as they did in the semifinals, certainly would be a huge boost for the Golden Bears. The two teams are very similar, and if either one is able to control the ball more than the other, that may tip the scales.

In a close game, senior Benny Franchino also could be a difference-maker. At receiver, he has a team-best 27 catches for 476 yards and six touchdowns, and his powerful leg has produced four field goals (in seven attempts) with a long of 50.

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What does Rutherford need to do to win?

Senior running back Abellany "Johnny" Mendez (1,424 yards, 28 TD) has carried the Bulldogs all season, while fullback Justin Finelli (75 carries, 325 yards) provides a change of pace. Getting both going on the ground will be key, but both are adept at catching the ball as well. Mendez leads Rutherford with 20 catches for 217 yards and three scores.

In the bid to control the point of attack, the Bulldogs have a proven pass rusher in senior Lawson Fisher (7.5 sacks), as well as strong linebackers in Regan Landrigan and Kris Guzman (three fumble recoveries each).

Series history

There are some gaps in the head-to-head series (1962-82 and 1993-2004), but based on NorthJersey.com's research, Lyndhurst holds a 25-17-2 lead dating back to 1936.

The Golden Bears enjoyed a 20-0-2 stretch over a 42-year span that ended in 1991, but since 2005, the Bulldogs have won six of seven.

X-factor

This may be a "last team with the ball wins" type game. Although Franchino gives Lyndhurst the kicking edge, Matteo Sullivan got his shot to try a field goal in the NJIC final and can say that his percentage is a perfect 1-for-1.