PV to face first North 1, Group 3 opponent

Evan Jones, Sports Writer|September 23, 2015

Evan Jones

Pascack Valley vs. West Milford

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Location: Pascack Valley High School

Season Records:

PV: 2-0

West Milford: 1-1

Rankings:

PV: No. 2 in North Jersey (The Bergen Record), No. 11 in NJ (The Star Ledger Top 20)

West Milford: unranked

Pascack Valley Perspective: After close calls against two of PV’s toughest opponents of the season, Hackensack and Montclair, PV will look to continue their winning ways against West Milford. This game will be PV’s first matchup against a North 1, Group 3 opponent. Over the past five years, PV has beaten West Milford in all five matchups, winning by a combined score of 200-34. PV will look for a win to keep them in their groove after a week off for the much anticipated matchup against Old Tappan in two weeks.

West Milford Perspective: West Milford is coming off a 34-7 loss last week against Lakeland. After a 4-6 record last season, the Highlanders look to finish above .500 this season. With a win against PV, their chances would be greatly improved and would surprise lots of people.

Key Matchups:

PV Special Teams vs. West Milford Special Teams– this season, each team has had one kickoff return for a TD in their first two games. Joe Colasuono’s kickoff return for PV came against Hackensack in the 1st quarter. West Milford’s Austin Hopler brought back a kickoff for to score against Lakeland. Both kickoff teams will have to be on their toes, as both have already proven their explosiveness.

West Milford Offense vs. PV Defense– last week, Lakeland was able to hold West Milford scoreless on offense (only TD was on the kick return). PV’s defense has allowed an average of 21 points per game through two games, but was able to hold Montclair to 13 points in week 2. The defense should be able to hold the West Milford offense and lower their average this week.

PV Football Beast of the Week Winners (as voted by our readership):

Week 1 — LB Joe Williams

Week 2 — RB Andrew Flores

Week 3 Predictions vs. West Milford:

Calvin Ralph: 42-14 PV

Claudia Ralph (Sports Editor): 42-6 PV

Jake “The Snake” Aferiat: 35-7 PV

Evan Jones: 42-7 PV

Mike Zocco: 42-10 PV

Bobby “Bobberino” Saul: 28-7 PV

Jaimie Smith: 28-7 PV

Kyle Comito: 42-14 PV