Pascack Valley vs. Bergenfield

When: Saturday, October 10, 1 p.m.

Location: Bergenfield High School

Season Records:

PV: 4-0

Bergenfield: 2-2

Rankings:

PV: No. 2 in North Jersey (The Bergen Record),  No. 10 in NJ (The Star-Ledger)

Bergenfield: Unranked

Pascack Valley Perspective: Coming off of a gritty 23-20 win against previously undefeated Wayne Hills, the Indians look to maintain an undefeated record against an unranked division opponent. Valley has played three games against ranked opponents and has found much success. The team’s only other game was against an unranked opponent in West Milford. This game against Bergenfield could be very similar to that contest, which featured Colin Dedrick’s arm throwing downfield, a ground-and-pound rushing strategy, and a big performance from the defensive line in shutting down the opposition’s run game. Look for conservative play from the Indians in their hopes of getting the win.

Bergenfield Perspective: With a 1-1 record in the division and a 2-2 record overall, the Bears will be looking to get above .500 against Valley. They are coming off of a tough loss to Paramus in where the Bears were shut out. With the home-field advantage against a highly ranked team, Bergenfield is looking to pull off a big upset. This feat would most likely come from their ground game, as they have a rushing unit that they have leaned on all season. The defense will also need to shut down a high-powered offense, which they have shown a weakness in doing all season.

Key Matchups:

PV Defense vs. Jovani Haskins: This Big North Independence matchup will feature one North Jersey’s best all-around athletes in Bergenfield’s all-purpose player, Jovani Haskins. Haskins has been the do-it-all man for the Bears, racking up 269 yards rushing, 171 yards passing, 22 total tackles, one 28-yard field goal, and seven made extra points in just three games. This included his performance in a win against Passaic Valley where he was 8-for-10 passing with 117 yards and a touchdown, and he added 57 yards rushing. Bergenfield is 2-1 when this 3-star recruit is on the field. Pascack Valley’s defense, however, has had a reputation this year in shutting down all-purpose players. They featured their strong defense against dual-threat quarterbacks in Montclair’s Tarrin Earle and West Milford’s Austin Hopler. The Indians have shown strength in their defensive line, which will have a big test in facing Haskins and the rest of Bergenfield’s rushing attack, who have totaled nearly 1,000 yards on the ground in their four games.

PV Offense vs. Bergenfield defense: While the Indian’s offense has been relatively consistent, the Bear’s defense has not been. PV’s offense is yet to score under 20 points in each of their four wins. With many ways to score on offense, PV will be looking to utilize their weapons, such as quarterback Colin Dedrick’s arm and their strong rushing game. Mike Pimpinella will also seek to continue his hot streak after being the star in Valley’s win against Wayne Valley. On the other side of the ball, the Bears have shut down two teams in terms of scoring, but have also seen offenses reach the end zone multiple times in a game. After allowing 42 points to Ramapo in a week 1 loss, they were able to hold Northern Highlands to 22 points in a week 2 win. The question will be what defense we see Bergenfield come out with in the game Saturday.

Predictions:

Evan Jones: 28-7 PV

Jake “The Snake” Aferiat: 35-0 PV

Mike Zocco: 49-12 PV

Calvin Ralph: 49-7 PV

Claudia Ralph (Sports Editor): 42-7 PV

Jimmy Dronzek: 33-7 PV

Bobby “Bobberino” Saul: 35-7 PV

Kyle Comito: 35-7 PV

Celebrity Picks:

Jeff Jasper (5th Week): 42-6 PV

Elizabeth Egan: 35-0 PV