It may have seemed that Pascack Valley would have trouble in its game against Ridgefield Park, with both its starting and backup quarterbacks unavailable to play. However, a thriving run game showed that Valley can score without a functioning passing attack.

On Saturday afternoon, PV bounced back against Ridgefield Park to snap a three game losing streak. PV nearly pitched a shutout in a 26-7 win. In this contest, the running game was able to carry the load, as it totaled a combined 357 yards on the ground.

“I think all our quarterbacks responded extremely well this week in practice. Jake DeMilia did a great job stepping in there. Gio DeGiglio, Michael Garay, Jake Williams, we pride ourselves on team guys… guys that will do anything for their team and their teammates” said Cusumano.

With starting quarterback Stephen Begen was out with an injured shoulder, and missing several starters for disciplinary reasons, PV had multiple players in the lineup that had not been at those positions in previous games, including quarterback and the offensive line.

“I thought that Dylan Driscoll stepped in and did a great job at our center position. Jesse Lagrosa at the guard position. David Alburtus at the fullback position. We always have that preparation for the next guy up,” Cusumano said.

He also mentioned that a decision has yet to be made regarding the status of those who were suspended for Saturday’s game, referring to everything as “day-to-day.”

The first half was a very successful one for PV as they scored once in the 1st quarter on a 6-yard TD by RB Mike Gulino. PV put together a strong drive, led by the rushing of senior Greg Zoll and Gulino.

On the first play of the 2nd quarter, Pascack Valley scored on a 7-yard rushing TD by Jake Williams.

After multiple defensive stops, the Indians tacked on another score later in the half, this one a 5-yard TD by Zoll. At halftime, PV led 20-0 after three rushing touchdowns by three different backs.

“The line’s got to keep pushing and our running backs have to keep running with passion like we have been,” said RB Jake Williams on the team’s ground-and-pound success.

In the second half, Pascack Valley picked up right where they left off. Williams scored the first points of the half on a 30-yard TD to make the score 26-0. 

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Indians completed its first pass. With many backup players in for both teams, Gio DeGiglio escaped a sack and connected with Kris Ostrowski for a 1st down.

PV’s defense was pitching a shutout until the final minutes of the game when Ridgefield Park threw for a long TD.

While PV’s running backs and the entire offensive line put forth terrific efforts, the performance of the defense went slightly unnoticed. PV held Ridgefield Park to just 54 yards in the first half, including two three-and-outs in the first quarter. 

One of PV’s defensive highlights on Saturday came in the 2nd quarter. After Ridgefield Park’s QB dropped back to pass, PV defender Brandon Lin strip-sacked him and Charlie Looes recovered the fumble to give Valley the ball at the 30 yard line. 

“I think we tackled a lot better today. When you can tackle well on defense and cause turnovers, I thought we had a couple big turnovers there on the strip sack by Brandon Lin. Anytime you can wreak havoc in the backfield, it’s going to do well for you defensively,” said Coach Cusumano. 

PV improved to 2-5 on the year with their win on Saturday, and will travel to Connecticut to take on New Canaan (4-2) next week.