Ridgewood Park at Pascack Valley

When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.

Location: Pascack Valley High School

2017 Records:

Pascack Valley: 1-5

Ridgefield Park: 4-3

Pascack Valley Perspective:

Background: For the third straight week, Pascack Valley lost by at least 20 points, most recently against Demarest.  Demarest shut out the Indians 35-0 last week at home.  The loss to Demarest came after back to back losses blowout losses to Ramapo and Wayne Hills.  Playing in their Homecoming game, the Indians looks for their second consecutive series victory against Ridgefield Park following a 26-0 win last season.

PV’s Offense: Pascack Valley’s offense struggled mightily last week against Demarest, with only 143 total yards from scrimmage and zero points to show for it.  Not only did Pascack Valley suffer a big loss in the game, the Indians suffered a big loss to their team, as well.  In the second quarter of the game, sophomore signal caller Stephen Begen was forced to leave the game with a shoulder injury following a sack.  Before leaving the game, Begen completed three of his five pass attempts for 13 yards and one interception.  On Tuesday, coach Len Cusumano noted that Begen was “day to day,” but that “as always” the team was “getting the next guy ready if and when they have to play.”  On Saturday, PV will likely have a somewhat different look to its lineup, including under center, as the Indians are expected to be without several starters being disciplined after an off-the-field incident.  Cusumano’s only comment was that the team was “working it out internally.”

PV’s Defense: The Indians defensive struggles continued against Demarest, as well, allowing 35 points and 474 total yards.  For the third consecutive game, Valley allowed 20 or more points to its opponent.  Pascack Valley was unable to turn the ball over, as well, with no interceptions or fumble recoveries.  Cusumano noted that the team’s tackling was “a little bit poor” against Demarest.

Ridgefield Park Perspective:

Ridgefield Park has a winning record on the season, but is not as good as its record may suggest.  While Ridgefield Park has won four games this season, all four of its wins have come against teams with losing records: Teaneck, Indian Hills, Cliffside Park, and Fort Lee.  When the Scarlets have faced higher-caliber opponents, they have struggled.  In the past two weeks, Ridgefield Park has lost to Westwood (6-1) 47-6 and River Dell (6-1) 50-22.  The star player for the Scarlets is senior running back and receiver Jonas Espinal.  Espinal is a three sport athlete, starting on the football, basketball, and baseball teams. Colleges have shown interest in him both for his baseball and football prowesses.  According to NorthJersey.com, as of August, the football programs at the following schools had been in contact with Espinal: Central Connecticut State, Connecticut, Boston College, Syracuse, Wagner College, Maine, American International, Temple and Delaware.  Espinal scored two touchdowns for Ridgefield Park last week against River Dell.