Pascack Valley Vs. Ridgefield Park

When: October 21, 2016

Location: Ridgefield Park High School

Time: 7:00 p.m.

2016 Records:

Pascack Valley: 1-5

Ridgefield Park: 5-2

PV Perspective: Pascack Valley will look to build on their first victory of the season, a 48-42 win over Demarest last Friday, when they travel to Ridgefield Park.  Senior Matt Urrea accounted for all seven of the Indians’ touchdowns, rushing for six touchdowns and 312 yards in route to victory.  On one of his three passing attempts, Urrea connected with Junior receiver Kyle Alvarado for a 43 yard touchdown pass.  Urrea was recognized for his stellar performance with The Bergen Record H.S. Male Athlete of the Week.  Junior Sam Cassidy, who got the start in place of the injured Joe Campagna, completed his lone pass for 12 yards.  Defensively, Tommy Uhl lead the way with 11 tackles, while Austin Piorkowski added 8 tackles.  Senior Phil Wong recorded 1.5 sacks.  Friday’s victory was the first victory of in the head coaching career of Len Cusumano.  Thus far this season, the Indians have leaned heavily upon the rushing attack, averaging 193.5 rushing yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry.  Meanwhile, Valley has only averaged 69 passing yards per game.

Ridgefield Park Lowdown: The Scarlets, who began the season by rattling off five straight victories, have struggled recently.  Ridgefield Park has dropped their past two contests, only scoring 7 points combined in both games.  On October 7, the Scarlets were shut out 42-0 in Westwood.  Last week, they fell 42-7 to River Dell, a team that beat Pascack Valley 21-14 earlier in the season.  Sophomore Jonas Espinal accounted for the lone touchdown last Friday for the Scarlets.  Thus far this season, Espinal has rushed for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has also caught 20 passes for 388 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Espinal is a threat on special teams, as well, as he returned a punt return for a touchdown.

Key Matchups:

PV Defense Vs. Ridgefield Park Offense: Pascack Valley’s defense and Ridgefield Park’s offense have both struggled in their past couple of games. Pascack Valley has allowed 90 points in their past two games, while Ridgefield Park only scored 7 points in their past two contests. On Friday night in Ridgefield Park, something has to give. Will the Indians’ defense improve their play or will the Ridgefield Park offense break out of their recent slump? If Pascack Valley’s defense can play like they played in the first half last week, where they only allowed 8 points, Ridgefield Park’s offensive struggles are bound to continue.  However, if the Scarlets’ offense plays like they did in their first 5 games, where they averaged 29 points, the Valley defense will need to be much improved.

Matt Urrea Vs. Ridgefield Park Defense: Urrea has been the centerpiece of the Pascack Valley offense in their first 6 games. Barring anything unforeseen, Urrea is bound to pass the 1,000 rushing yards plateau on Friday night.  He has rushed for 13 touchdowns this season on 986 yards.  Meanwhile, the Ridgefield Park defense has allowed 84 points in their past two games. Unless the Scarlets’ defense can play stout, Urrea is likely to have yet another big game for the Indians.