Blocked punts.

They don’t happen often, at any level, but when one occurs, it usually leads to something big, and in Pascack Valley’s case, that something was its first touchdown of the night in a 35-0 shutout victory Friday night over Northern Highlands at Pascack Valley High School.

The punt was blocked by Joe Williams on a fourth down play deep in Northern Highlands’ end of the field. Greg Collier scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown.

“I just jumped and blocked it,” said Williams.

“I went for the block and the next thing I know, the ball is in the air,” said Collier. “I just ran to it and scored.”

What led to the blocked punt for the Indians was what coach Craig Nielsen referred to as “terrific defense,” which forced a fumble, recorded three sacks, and posted its first shutout of the season in its final regular-season game.

“It was a comeback from a difficult week,” said Nielsen, whose team lost in a heartbreaker to Ramapo last week, 21-19, but was able to gain back some confidence and swagger.  

“We made a statement,” Williams added.

As usual, running back Jorge Cortes led the Indians on offense. Cortes exploded for 221 yards on 34 carries and one touchdown.

He wasn’t the only one who enjoyed a nice offensive game, however. Running back Rocco Swatek recorded two touchdowns, and wide receiver Mike Pimpinella caught a 13 yard pass for a score.

Coach Nielsen’s philosophy for tonight’s game was a bit different than others, as the Indians will play their first state playoff game next week.

“Get out healthy,” said Nielsen happily, after no major injuries were sustained during the game. Collier hurt his shoulder during the game, which Nielsen described as “just a stinger.”

“I’ll be fine,” Collier reassured.

Next week, the Indians will play their first state playoff game at home, and the team is very confident about the game.

“We feel good with all the momentum,” Williams said.