What: North 1, Group 4 state semifinals

When: Tonight, 6 p.m.

Where: Pascack Valley High School

PV Record: 8-2

Old Tappan Record: 8-2

Quarterfinal results: Pascack Valley 48, Passaic Valley 7; Old Tappan 49, Demarest 19

A Look Back at the Regular Season Matchup:

The Indians went on the road to face the Golden Knights on Oct. 17, a game that went back and forth with PV hanging on for a 35-28 victory. Old Tappan’s best player, Jordan Fuller, had the game of his season so far, rushing for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Valley running backs Jorge Cortes and Rocco Swatek played amazing games as well. Cortes rushed for 194 and Swatek punched in three scores. It was a back and forth game between the two teams, which ended on the last drive of the game. Fuller fumbled at midfield and Valley defensive back Jack Madden fell on the ball.  The fumble sealed the deal for an Indians victory.

 Key Matchups:

Jordan Fuller vs. PV Defense– It is rare that a high school player is able to play three positions effectively. Old Tappan’s Jordan Fuller is the exception to the stereotype. The ESPN Top 300 recruit QB/RB/WR has had success at all three positions. Fuller was able to break multiple long runs in the first meeting, but the PV defense played well enough when it had to in order to win the ball game. The PV defense will have to slow down Fuller, as they will most likely not be able to stop him completely. If PV can keep Fuller in check and limit his long runs, they should be able to score enough points on offense to stay in the game and win.

Jorge Cortes and Rocco Swatek vs. OT Defense- In their regular season matchup, the PV running backs had lots of success. Jorge Cortes rushed for 194 yards with ease. PV must put up lots of points and yards in this game, as it will most likely be a high scoring matchup, as it was in the regular season. Swatek didn’t have many carries, but as usual, he was the Indians’ power back in the red zone, scoring three TDs. The PV offense may just be the teams’ best defense. If the offense is able to keep the ball for long periods of time and kill clock with the run game in small chunks, then Fuller’s time with the ball in his hands will be limited.

 PV Passing Game vs. OT Secondary- The Indians offense came out with a bang against Passaic Valley. Quarterback Colin Dedrick hit wide receiver Steve Farrell on a 63 yard touchdown pass to start the game. Since it was Farrell’s first game of the season, there will not be a lot of film for the Old Tappan defense to study about the senior playmaker. If the Indians take this advantage and Dedrick plays like he did last week, it will help PV’s fight for victory.

Predictions:

Calvin Ralph: 22-21 PV

Evan Jones: 35-28 PV

Jake Aferiat: 35-21 PV