Life after Chris Partridge might not be so easy for the Paramus Catholic football team.

In their first game after the departure of their highly-successful head coach, the Paladins suffered a stunning 42-20 upset at the hands of Eastern Christian of Maryland. Paramus Catholic came into the game ranked #1 in New Jersey but were dominated for much of the night.

Tavion Washington touched the ball three times for Eastern Christian, scoring three touchdowns. He caught two TD passes in the second quarter, including a 17-yarder on the final play of the first half. Then early in the third period, Washington raced 54 yards for the score from the Wildcat formation, giving the Honey Badgers a 30-7 lead.

Paramus Catholic twice pulled within two touchdowns in the fourth quarter but never seriously threatened to come back. Quarterback Allan Walters completed 19-of-40 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns, but threw four interceptions. Donald Stewart caught two TD passes.

The Paladins also got little done on the ground against the surprisingly tough Eastern Christian defense.

Alex Barker threw for 158 yards and three scores for the Honey Badgers. Eastern Christian also piled up more than 200 yards rushing on the day, with Leddie Brown also scoring a rushing touchdown.

The Honey Badgers are now 1-1 on the season.

Paramus Catholic will try to bounce back from this loss when they host Pope John next week.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey vs. Maryland high school football game, click play in the box at left.