Pascack Valley football team looks to feed off of strong senior class

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Olivia Jackson

Jake Crawbuck scrambles out of the pocket. The football team looks to build on last year’s sectional semifinal run.

Coach: Len Cusumano

Last year’s record: 7-4 (4-1 in conference play)

Key Returners: Capt. Nick Bruzzi (Sr.), Capt. Quinn Flanagan (Sr.), Capt. Brandon Flanagan (Sr.), Conor Higgins (Sr.), Hunter Hein (Sr.)  

Key Newcomers: Jake Crawbuck (Sr.), Danny Kastanis (Sr.), Christian Vargas (Sr.), Owen Deady (Jr.), Jake Merlino (Jr.), Kevin Regula (So.), Joey Von Tobel (Jr.), Shane Burke (So.), Colin Foley (Jr.)

Key Losses: Steven Dembowski (Delaware Football), Nick Messina (Muhlenberg Football), Matt Bell (Kings College Football), Nick Savariego (Plymouth State Football and Wrestling), Dylan Hutchinson, Ethan Silcher

Strength and Weakness of Team: Coach Cusumano thinks that this senior class, although lacking starting position experience, has waited its turn and is ready to prove itself. Coach Cusumano stresses the need for “players to make plays.”

While Cusumano believes the team lacks in-game experience, he hopes the seniors will be able to lead their team with toughness and determination.

Outlook on the Season: Cusumano wants to remain consistent and focused only on the challenge directly in front of them. Going 1-0 every week has always been his goal and will continue to be this year. He stresses the importance of performing well both on and off of the field.

Coach’s Comment: “Players have to make plays, no doubt about it,” Cusumano said. “We can do our best to put them in the best position possible, [but] they have to go out and execute.”

First Game Preview:

The Pascack Valley Football team will play its first game this Friday, at home, against Ramsey at 6:00 p.m. In last year’s bout against Ramsey, Valley lost a tough one 21-7. This year, Valley hopes to get some revenge, this time on its own turf. “You know obviously it’s a Bergen County team, who is well coached, with some experience on both sides of the ball,” Cusumano said. “It’s a good matchup for both teams, and we are excited to get it going against a quality opponent in Ramsey.”

Following a second round exit to Cranford in the North 2, Group 3 sectional semifinal last season, Valley looks to rebound and make an even deeper run into the postseason this year.