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Personal Injury AttorneyYou Deserve with Help from William Gonzalez
William Gonzalez-Black

The Personal Injury Attorney in Park Ridge, NJ, You Can Trust

Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.

The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.

Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Park Ridge, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

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Personal Injury Attorney Park Ridge, NJ

The William Gonzalez Law Difference

William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.

After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.

Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Park Ridge, NJ, who sticks by their side.

Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.

  • Auto Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Slip-and-Fall Accidents
  • Workers' Compensation Cases
  • DUI Cases
  • Municipal Court Cases

If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey

While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.

Car-Accidents

Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.

  • Driving Too Fast
  • Talking or Texting While Driving
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Making Improper Lane Changes
  • Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
  • Rear-Ending Other Drivers

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Park Ridge, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.

 William Gonzalez Law Park Ridge, NJ

There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.

Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

 Auto Accidents Park Ridge, NJ

If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.

  • Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
  • Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more

If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.

 Truck Accidents Park Ridge, NJ

If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.

 Car Accidents Park Ridge, NJ

Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.

However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.

Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.

  • Poor Lighting
  • Narrow Stairs
  • Wet Floors
  • Missing Handrails
  • Uneven Flooring
  • Defective Sidewalks

 Motorcycle Accidents Park Ridge, NJ

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Park Ridge, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.

William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.

What are Personal Injuries in New Jersey?

When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.

There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:

  • Pain and Suffering
  • Bodily Harm
  • Emotional Distress

Pain and Suffering in New Jersey

Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.

To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.

Bodily Harm in New Jersey

When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.

Emotional Distress in New Jersey

Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.

If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Park Ridge, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.

How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey

In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.

According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.

Personal Injury Attorney Park Ridge, NJ

In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.

Legal Duty

According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.

Breach of Duty

To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.

Causation

One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Park Ridge, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.

Damages

When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.

William Gonzalez Law Pro Tip

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.

A Personal Injury Attorney in Park Ridge, NJ, You Can Count On

The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.

When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.

 William Gonzalez Law Park Ridge, NJ

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Latest News in Park Ridge, NJ

Park Ridge girls basketball wins first sectional title in program history

PARK RIDGE − History surrounded the Park Ridge girls basketball team on Saturday afternoon.Not only did junior Allie Shenloogian score 26 points and become the program's all-time leading scorer, but the Owls shut down a powerful Mountain Lakes team, 43-28, to win the first North 1, Group 1 sectional title in program history."This moment feels amazing," Shenloogian said. "We didn't get the outcome last season that we wanted and we just put our hearts into training during the offseason for this moment and it ...

PARK RIDGE − History surrounded the Park Ridge girls basketball team on Saturday afternoon.

Not only did junior Allie Shenloogian score 26 points and become the program's all-time leading scorer, but the Owls shut down a powerful Mountain Lakes team, 43-28, to win the first North 1, Group 1 sectional title in program history.

"This moment feels amazing," Shenloogian said. "We didn't get the outcome last season that we wanted and we just put our hearts into training during the offseason for this moment and it came out good."

Shenloogian scored 13 points in each half for Park Ridge with her final basket giving her 1,666 career points. Park Ridge took a timeout with just over two minutes left and holding on to a 13-point lead in order to acknowledge the accomplishment.

"I knew I was close, but I didn't know I hit the mark until coach called the timeout and they said it," Shenloogian said. "I've put a lot of work into my game to try and do whatever I can for this team. Being the all-time leading scorer for this program is such an honor."

The Owls frustrated the Lakers offensively, holding a Mountain Lakes team that had averaged more than 50 points per game in the state tournament to just 13 first half points. Senior Abigail McManus had a double-double with 10 rebounds and a team-leading 22 steals. After the game, McManus was among the Owls that were emotional following the historic team win.

"We poured so much blood, sweat and tears into this season," McManus said. "We knew if we worked hard enough, we would make it this far. Winning it all means so much to me and to this program and I'm just so happy."

Head coach Ryan Dennis was also fighting back tears after the game. Since taking over the program in the 2015-16 season, Dennis has enjoyed multiple league titles and seen the Owls reach a couple of sectional finals. He said Saturday's victory meant a lot for the program and the alumni that helped pave the way for current generation.

"When I took over, we had eight wins my first season," Dennis said. "That team was the building blocks that got us to this moment and I know that they're smiling right now knowing the role they played in getting us here."

The celebration continued for a while as Owls players and staff were invited to cut down the nets after the victory. After the team's seniors, Shenloogian was among the first players able to cut a piece off the net and ended up with a piece of the net where her history-making points went through.

"I think she's one of the best players in the county," Dennis said. "Her game continues to develop and she does it on both sides of the court. I'm lucky to coach her and I'm grateful that she was here to help finish the job and get this championship."

The gym at Park Ridge High School is filled floor to ceiling with championship banners, including one wall dedicated to sectional championships. With girls basketball breaking through for their first, the Owls will need to do some redecorating to make room for yet another banner.

"I don't think I get a say in where it goes," Dennis laughed. "I'm just happy that we get a banner. Wherever it goes, it will be my favorite banner in this gym because it will remind me of what this team has meant and how much this community has supported this team."

Park Ridge football hangs on for tight win over Butler - What it means

BUTLER – Deron McLaughlin could run off a laundry list of characteristics to describe teammate Luke Macfie’s strengths on the football field.“Vision, speed, he’s got everything,” McLaughlin said of his senior running back. “He’s always in the right place at the right time.”Macfie grabbed an interception as time expired to thwart a late rally as Park Ridge edged Butler 14-10 in the NJIC Patriot Division matchup Friday night.As the Owls crept inside the Butler ...

BUTLER – Deron McLaughlin could run off a laundry list of characteristics to describe teammate Luke Macfie’s strengths on the football field.

“Vision, speed, he’s got everything,” McLaughlin said of his senior running back. “He’s always in the right place at the right time.”

Macfie grabbed an interception as time expired to thwart a late rally as Park Ridge edged Butler 14-10 in the NJIC Patriot Division matchup Friday night.

As the Owls crept inside the Butler 5, the Bulldogs appeared to be out of chances in the waning moments of the contest. But Matt Barile posted an interception near the goal line to resuscitate Butler with 1:14 left.

Butler quarterback Bobby Battipede managed to move his team 73 yards to the Park Ridge 26, but a long toss to P.J. Coffey fell into the leaping hands of Macfie for the victory. It was one of two interceptions by Park Ridge in the game.

“Defensively we did a lot to keep them out of their game,” said Park Ridge coach Tom Curry, Jr., whose team has allowed 25 points in four games this season. “McLaughlin was a dominant force on the line and that helped to get some pressure on them.”

Neither team had much success finishing drives in the first half as Park Ridge held a 7-3 advantage at halftime.

Butler (3-1) grabbed a 3-0 lead courtesy of a 22-yard field goal by Coffey. Park Ridge finished off a 10-play, 74-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown grab by Michael Montgomery from Cole Hughes with 4:06 remaining in the opening half.

What it means

With the victory, Park Ridge (4-0) boasts the only undefeated mark in the division at 3-0. A home win against Wallington next week will seal the outright crown, giving the Owls their third Patriot title in four seasons.

Park Ridge, which opened the season with four consecutive victories for the fifth time in six years, has won four straight in the rivalry between the two schools. Butler was hoping to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2019.

Key play

It’s tough to pick one play but easy to pick one player as leaving his mark on the game Friday night. Macfie opened and closed the second half with two of the biggest plays of the season for Park Ridge.

After finishing the first half with just 11 rushing yards, Macfie found a gap on the left side courtesy of blocks by Leul Cetoute and Matt Rozzi for a 52-yard jaunt to put the Owls at the Butler 8 and set up Hughes’ rushing touchdown just 24 seconds into the third quarter.

Macfie clinched the game with an interception at his own 4-yard line to end the Bulldogs’ final drive.

By the numbers

► The four-point margin of defeat is the closest Butler has come to beating its rival since 2020.

► After registering just 78 yards in the first half, Park Ridge had eight plays that amassed 10 yards or longer after halftime.

Game balls

► Macfie had 115 yards on 12 carries and an interception for Park Ridge.

► Shane Stecz had an interception with 1:19 left for the Owls.

► Jason Murray had a fumble recovery, and Luca Toriello had a sack to foil a third-and-17 play and force a 12-yard loss in the first quarter for Butler.

They said it

“This got us one step closer to our goals. This was for the division. We’re going for the NJIC and then we’re going right to Rutgers for the (Group 1) championship.” – McLaughlin said.

Up next

► Park Ridge (4-0) hosts Wallington Friday.

► Butler (3-1) hosts Pompton Lakes Friday.

Park Ridge football advances to NJIC title game with big second half against Lyndhurst

PARK RIDGE − Cole Hughes did more passing than rushing in the first half, and he was stopped more often than not.The Park Ridge quarterback then kept it on the ground in the second half and ran wild.Hughes’ four second-half scores powered the Owls to a 40-21 victory over Lyndhurst in Friday night’s NJIC football semifinal at Doc Lewis Field.Park Ridge (6-1) will face unbeaten Rutherford in the conference final next weekend.Hughes threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Shannon late in the second ...

PARK RIDGE − Cole Hughes did more passing than rushing in the first half, and he was stopped more often than not.

The Park Ridge quarterback then kept it on the ground in the second half and ran wild.

Hughes’ four second-half scores powered the Owls to a 40-21 victory over Lyndhurst in Friday night’s NJIC football semifinal at Doc Lewis Field.

Park Ridge (6-1) will face unbeaten Rutherford in the conference final next weekend.

Hughes threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Shannon late in the second quarter but was also picked off twice before the break.

“I think we were just trying to figure things out after an awful game last week,” the senior said, referring to a 22-20 loss to Waldwick/Midland Park.

In the second half, “We got back to our basics, and we pounded the ball. The line did a great job, me and Luke [Macfie] we able to make plays.”

What it means

The Owls and Rutherford met in the 2021 NJIC final at the latter’s field. This time, Park Ridge will have home-field advantage as it seeks to become the first school north of Route 46 to win the conference crown.

Rutherford is the two-time defending champion.

“They’re a tremendous football team,” Owls coach Tom Curry IV said. “They’re well-coached, they have players all around. So, I think it’s going to be a really good football game, just like it was when we went there a couple years ago [27-20 final].”

Lyndhurst (4-3), which defeated Park Ridge in the 2019 NJIC final, dropped its third in a row.

Key plays

For the Golden Bears, the big breaks came on kick returns. Anthony Pizzuti, Viktor Kanjak and Marcelo Navarro combined to gain 113 yards on three returns (37.7 average) when Park Ridge decided to kick it deep, and Pizzutti’s 67-yarder on the opening kickoff set up a 7-0 Lyndhurst lead.

The Owls adjusted by squib kicking more in the second half, which helped them rally from a 14-7 halftime deficit.

They took the lead for good after Macfie made an interception in his own end zone to thwart a long Lyndhurst drive. On the next play, Hughes broke loose for an 80-yard TD that made it 19-14.

Passing (not) fancy

6-of-12, 87 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT: Park Ridge’s passing stats, which included just one attempt (a 31-yard completion) in the second half.

5-of-21, 66 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT: The Lyndhurst line through the air, including a trick-play pass by lineman Jake Herman.

Game balls

► Hughes rushed 21 times for 243 yards, adding a 71-yard score late, and chipped in 8 tackles and a sack on defense.

► Macfie had 12 carries for 111 yards and a 37-yard TD run to put it away, and he added 5 tackles.

► Roddy Morinho shouldered the load for Lyndhurst on the ground (12 carries, 70 yards, TD) and in the air (3 catches, 33 yards, TD), while making 6 tackles and an INT.

They said it

“They’re kids. I think they looked ahead a little bit too much and got a little bit too ahead of themselves and kind of got excited for this game. And that’s on us, it’s our job as coaches to make sure their heads stay on. … They came to practice and refocused, and it was good to see.” − Curry on Park Ridge rebounding from its first loss

Mountain Lakes football headed back to sectional final after holding off Park Ridge

PARK RIDGE – Bradley Rodgers was saved by a taped-up ankle and a little bit of luck.A game-time decision made the game-sealing play on Friday night.The Mountain Lakes linebacker picked off a pass with under two minutes left, helping the fourth seed knock off No. 1 Park Ridge, 21-14, in the North 1, Group 1 football semifinals.The Herd averaged more than five yards per carry with a Wing-T offense that shortened the game and wore down the Owls.But the fact that Rodgers was the one to clinch thei...

PARK RIDGE – Bradley Rodgers was saved by a taped-up ankle and a little bit of luck.

A game-time decision made the game-sealing play on Friday night.

The Mountain Lakes linebacker picked off a pass with under two minutes left, helping the fourth seed knock off No. 1 Park Ridge, 21-14, in the North 1, Group 1 football semifinals.

The Herd averaged more than five yards per carry with a Wing-T offense that shortened the game and wore down the Owls.

But the fact that Rodgers was the one to clinch their championship berth against Hawthorne seemed unlikely on Thursday afternoon. Coach Darrell Fusco said the junior wasn't able to walk after tweaking his ankle at the end of practice.

"His dad, we're now calling him Dr. Rodgers," Fusco said. "He's not a doctor, but he iced him all day and got him ready. Just a great play to put the game away. And to fall down [at the 4] was tremendous. I don't think that was on purpose."

Park Ridge had used all three timeouts by the time Rodgers intercepted a pass near midfield and darted down the left sideline. And by getting tackled near the goal-line, Rodgers was able to let his team kneel out the last 1:53. Whether the final sequence was planned was in the eye of the beholder.

"Not necessarily," Rodgers said before changing course. "But now that I'm thinking about it, yeah."

What it means

Mountain Lakes (8-2) is heading back to the sectional final with a chance at its second straight title and the third in a decade. Hawthorne will host the title game on its home grass as the third seed.

Park Ridge finished the season at 7-3.

"I'm just proud of our kids," Fusco said. "This is a tough team to beat. [Park Ridge QB Cole Hughes] is a touchdown waiting to happen, as you saw. To go on the road is tough. It's an hour bus-ride and tonight we have no locker room. We're in a tent. Our kids just handled all of it."

Inside the game

There was no question about what the Mountain Lakes offense wanted to do, but no easy way to stop it. The Herd ran the ball on 47 of their 50 offensive plays with fullback Carson Fitch and running backs Jordan Hernando and Ian Redzepagic sharing the load.

Fitch churned out 135 yards, including the winning touchdown late in the third quarter. A bloodied forearm and bandaged wrist showed the toll of his physical running style.

"It's amazing," Fitch said. "We have three great backs and we all push as hard as we can. It's all hustle."

Mountain Lakes went up on its opening possesson on a short play-action touchdown pass to Fitch. It was the Herd's only pass on an 11-play drive.

"The way you stop our Wing-T is bring a lot of bodies," Fusco said. "We knew we had an opportunity if we bootlegged."

Redzepagic added 12 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown for Mountain Lakes.

Park Ridge scored on runs by Luke Macfie (1 yard) and Hughes, who turned a Tush Push into a 62-yard run.

"That can break you in a game, but our kids came back and scored right after," Fusco said. "Our kids just kept finding a way. I'm so proud of the group."

Rutherford football topples Park Ridge, wins third straight NJIC championship

PARK RIDGE − Rutherford plus rain is a winning formula in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference football final.The Bulldogs defeated host Park Ridge, 26-7, Friday night at Doc Lewis Field for their third consecutive NJIC championship.Two years ago, they topped the Owls in a misty drizzle at their home field.This time, Rutherford (8-0) played through steady rainfall that reached downpour status in the first half, relying on its ground game to secure the crown.Check out the photo gallery, the...

PARK RIDGE − Rutherford plus rain is a winning formula in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference football final.

The Bulldogs defeated host Park Ridge, 26-7, Friday night at Doc Lewis Field for their third consecutive NJIC championship.

Two years ago, they topped the Owls in a misty drizzle at their home field.

This time, Rutherford (8-0) played through steady rainfall that reached downpour status in the first half, relying on its ground game to secure the crown.

Check out the photo gallery, then continue reading.

"We love the rain," said Matt Scheibe, one of the soaked-yet-beaming Rutherford seniors.

Scheibe is one of six Bulldogs to start the 2021 title game as sophomores and play in every game of the "three-peat". Classmate Cole Goumas scored three touchdowns, including a 39-yarder to ice the win with 6:24 remaining.

"Just a lot of chemistry, a lot of experience," Goumas said, "and we just push ourselves and work hard."

What it means

The NJIC trophy remains with a South Bergen school for the eighth year in a row. This was only the second final played on a "North" team's home field – Hasbrouck Heights won the inaugural title at Pompton Lakes in 2016.

Rutherford has won half of the tournaments contested, while Park Ridge (6-2) fell to 0-3 all-time in the final.

Key plays

The Bulldogs led 13-0 near the end of the first quarter when freshman QB Myles Balchan found Scheibe for a 62-yard gain as time expired. Goumas then scored from 10 yards out on the first play of the second quarter.

Park Ridge cut the lead to 20-7 with 4.6 seconds left in the half, as Cole Hughes threw a 5-yard TD pass to Jacob Shannon (6 catches, 53 yards). At the time, it seemed to give the Owls an emotional lift.

"That got us all fired up, and it got us all locked in during halftime," Scheibe said afterward. "We didn't have a locker room, we were waiting outside in the pouring rain... after that, we just wanted it bad."

Ryan Ward recovered a fumble on Park Ridge's opening drive of the second half, and Nick Lora's fourth-down interception in the end zone with 2:21 to go clinched it.

COOPER:Freshman goes from ball boy to starting QB for NJIC champions

Game balls

► Goumas carried 25 times for 171 yards as part of a Bulldog attack that featured 31 runs and only 6 passes.

► Ward had three 1-yard runs, one of which went for a TD an another on fourth down to set up Goumas' final score.

► Scheibe caught three passes for 75 yards and made 7 tackles for a defense that held Hughes to 20 yards on 14 rushes – which forced the Owls to go to the air, where they completed 11-of-27 for 126 yards.

They said it

"Myles is a freshman, everyone looks down on him, but at the same time, we push him in practice. We tell him to work hard, we teach him things he never knew, and to be honest, I think the team has more trust in him now." —Goumas on Balchan's performance

"Anytime you get a weather game like this, ball security is imperative, and I thought we did a good job of holding onto the football and letting our guys make plays. At the end of the day, in that kind of weather, you're not going to be able to throw the ball, so I thought up front we controlled the game, which kind of won it for us." —Rutherford coach Steve Dunn

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