The rivalry between Pascack Valley and Hills has been going on for many years. Since 2016, the Panthers have had nine consecutive victories showing their dominance as of late. The last time the Broncos won was in 2015, a 45-15 score that marked the start of a new era of the rivalry.
Recent Series History:
- 2025: Valley wins 52-20
- 2024: Valley wins 43-31
- 2023: Valley wins 44-25
- 2022: Valley wins 38-31
- 2020: Valley wins 36-25
- 2019: Valley wins 42-25
- 2018: Valley wins 50-15
- 2017: Valley wins 51-24
- 2016: Valley wins 33-27
- 2015: Hills wins 45-15
(No meet was held in 2021 due to covid.)
2026 Dual Outlook
Coming into this dual, Valley has only 4 losses this season. This is thanks to their deep lineup shown by them not losing a dual by more than 12 points all season. Co-captain Luke Stempkowski (Jr.) is undefeated this season, and became the Bergen County champion at 157 pounds. For Valley to win, they will have to do what they did all season: not give up long streaks of points towards the middle of the dual.
The Broncos have historically kept duals close against Valley, often keeping the score closer than the final margin suggests, most notably in 2016 and 2022 when the match was decided by just a few points. For Hills to pull off the upset, they will need to limit pins and hope for a lot of help from their low-weighted players.
While both teams have star power, the duel will come down to whoever can win the close games in the middle of the lineup. With the NJSIAA State Sectionals just around the corner, tomorrow’s dual will not only add on to a rivalry, but it will also become crucial for standing in the state tournament.
