Riverdell defeats Pascack Valley in an offensive battle, Sconza and Gillies lead the way for Riverdell.

Aidan Burke, Sport Writer|October 1, 2021

Matt Austin

Nick Messina getting tackled by Riverdell’s defense

Riverdell defeated Pascack Valley by a score of 39-28 on Friday night in Oradell. The game was an offensive shootout, with both teams tallying over 428 total yards and 67 points combined.

Valley did not have the lead at any point during the game.

Riverdell was led by their junior quarterback, Jacob Sconza. Sconza went 18/31 with 258 total yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown.

Even though Valley lost, running back and captain, Nick Messina still put up a monster game with 3 touchdowns and 181 total yards

“When [Messina’s] number’s called, he makes plays, but we as a team need to make more of them.” Coach Cusamano said.

Late in the second quarter, Steven Nowka had a massive 49-yard reception which put Riverdell in a perfect position to score a touchdown which they ended up doing a couple of plays later on the touchdown pass from Sconza to Ryan Gillies, making the score 19-7 after the missed PAT.

Gillies also made a key play in the third quarter when he had a 41-yard touchdown reception that made the game 32-14. These two plays helped propel them to victory and swing the momentum in Riverdell’s favor.

Valley made some noise on the offensive end too, with Dylan Hutchsinson scoring a late third quarter touchdown to bring them within 11.

Riverdell set the tone early by picking off Ethan Silcher’s second pass of the game and capitalizing on that with a receiving touchdown by Gillies. The PAT ended up being blocked by Justin Amato. 

Early in the second quarter, Sconza led a Riverdell drive down the field that ended in a touchdown off of a QB Sneak.

After blocking Riverdell’s punt, Valley gained possession at Riverdell’s 20-yard line. They capped off that drive with a touchdown run from Messina.


Valley’s defense was led by captain and Delaware commit, Steven Demboski, who finished the game with 2 sacks. Justin Amato finished the game with some key tackles and a blocked PAT. 

The second half was all Riverdell. Sconza, Gillies, and Will Fletcher all made plays on the offensive end and Riverdell’s defense was very tough to get through.

Even though Valley was on the road and trailing the whole game, the presence of Valley’s fan base was still felt as you could hear them screaming and chanting the entire game.   

Valley looks to get back to their winning ways against Wayne Hills at 6.p.m. on Friday at home.