Coming off of a 34-7 win against Demarest, Valley looks to push forward to a record of 3-1 when it faces one of its biggest rivals in the Old Tappan Golden Knights in its home opener Friday night. Old Tappan has come out on top in each of the last five matchups between the two teams, and Valley will look to change this trend as it comes off two consecutive blowout wins. 

“[Old Tappan] has had our number for a bunch of years so we have to get over the top and get a quality win against a quality opponent,” head coach Len Cusumano said.

The Golden Knights fell to Somerville by a score of 44-28 last week, bringing them to 2-3 on the season. Quarterback Charlie Amatrula has thrown for 406 passing yards and two touchdowns through the team’s first five games. On the ground, he has not been shy, totalling 581 rushing yards to go along with five touchdowns. In addition, running back Jamil Mouehla has posted 223 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.

Amatrula’s two top targets in the passing game – Ian Andriesen and Declan Ward – have combined for 17 catches and 236 yards. As a unit, the offense totals just under 285 yards per game, as well as 15.4 points per game.

Offensively, Valley has enjoyed two successful weeks in a row, totaling 10 touchdowns and zero turnovers in back-to-back wins. Senior quarterback Zach Traina has 238 passing yards and 5 touchdowns thrown on the season, while the team’s leading rusher – senior Mike Solazzo – has 313 rushing yards to go along with three touchdowns.  

“[We need to] continue to stay in sync, make sure we’re making plays, [and] make sure we’re not turning over the football,” Cusumano said. “Back to fundamentals, blocking, catching the football, throwing the football.”

The Golden Knights defense has found success in the explosive plays department, averaging 1.8 sacks per game while coming away with three interceptions through five games. Their defense allows almost 15 points per game and will look to shut down a Valley offense that averages just under 25 points per game.

Valley’s defense has been stellar in the team’s two wins, allowing only 15 total points. Its standout defender this year has been senior David Jones who leads the team with four interceptions out of the unit’s five total picks. Valley’s defense has allowed an average of just under 19 points per game.

“[It will be important to] continue to play tough, play physical, gang tackle, run to the football, make sure we’re reading cues, and not give up big plays.” Cusumano said.