The Pascack Valley Football team defeated River Dell, 48-27 for the second-consecutive year in the Rumble for the Rail trophy game on Friday night.

“[I] give credit to River Dell… [they have] an outstanding program with an outstanding coaching staff,” PV Coach Len Cusumano said. “We knew that this was a big game for them and that they were going to come and fight.”

While the Panthers won by three touchdowns, the game was not always as far apart as it may have seemed, as Valley entered halftime tied with River Dell at 21 points apiece.

It was Valley’s second-half effort, which saw them outscore the Golden Hawks 27-6, that gave the boys the edge. 

Cusumano credits the coaching adjustments which set up Valley’s second-half success.

“Coach Preciado did a great job making adjustments [during halftime], as far as coverages are concerned. Offensively, it was about getting off the football and making plays,” Cusumano said.

RB Kevin Regula (Jr.) picked up where he left off from last week’s 26-17 victory over Montville, recording 227 total yards and four touchdowns. He was responsible for Valley’s first two touchdowns of the game and two more touchdowns in the third quarter.

With Friday night’s performance, Regula, who has been a strong piece to Valley’s offense all season for Valley, is up to 884 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the season.

Kai Smith (So.) had an impact in all three facets of the game, recording a 37-yard rushing touchdown, interception, and a 82-yard kick-return touchdown just before halftime, which tied the game up at 21.

QB Adam Shaw (So.) also had quite a night, completing 4 of his 10 passes for 71 yards and 1 touchdown. He added 88 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. 

With the win, the Panthers move to 5-2 on the season. They will take on Bergenfield next week at home in their season finale.