After Kevin Regula’s rushing touchdown made the score 35-20 with 8:05 left in the game, it seemed that Pascack Valley was well on its way to its first win of the season. However, this was not the case, as Demarest would end up going on a 15-0 scoring run, forcing the game into overtime, where Valley eventually would win, 42-35, after forcing a turnover on downs from Demarest during its offensive possession.

Valley’s rushing core, consisting mainly of So. RB Kevin Regula and Sr. FB Quinn Flanagan, played a big role in Valley’s win. It combined for 145 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner scored by Flanagan.

Sr. WR Conor Higgins also had a big day for Valley, finishing with 96 receiving yards and three touchdowns: including one for 32 yards on the last play of the first half.

Although the result was a Valley win, while up 35-27, with 2:20 left in the fourth quarter, Sr. QB Jake Crawbuck punted the ball out of a non-punt formation on fourth-and-twelve. The play was unsuccessful, as Crawbuck’s punt was blocked, and Demarest took control of the ball in Valley’s territory. A few plays later, Demarest tied the game at 35 apiece, behind a short run from Sr. RB Joe Carpanzano followed by a successful two-point conversion attempt, forcing overtime.

That wasn’t Valley’s only muffed punt of the game. On Valley’s first punt attempt of the game, the snap heading towards Sr. OL Nick Bruzzi went over his head, forcing Bruzzi to scoop the ball up and throw a pick-six.

So. QB Liam Zelman made his first start of his high school career for Demarest and tallied 127 total yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His interception fell into the hands of Valley QB Jake Crawbuck, who finished the game with 190 total yards, three touchdown passes, and one thrown interception. Crawbuck’s interception left Demarest with terrific field position, giving them the ball at their opponent’s 30-yard line late in the first half. Two plays later, Sr. RB Chris Short took the handoff for a 23-yard touchdown, making it 14-13, Valley.

Overall, Short was the leading offense producer for Demarest, finishing with 89 total yards and two touchdowns before an early fourth quarter injury sidelined him for the rest of the game.The win for Pascack Valley comes on Senior Day and moves the team’s record to 1-4. Valley looks to keep its winning spirit alive next week against Montville on Friday at home at 6 p.m..