Pascack Valley vs Ramapo

When: Friday Oct. 19, 6 p.m.

Location: Pascack Valley High School

2018 Records:

Ramapo: 7-0

Pascack Valley: 3-3

“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” Indians’ head coach Len Cusumano said last season.

Cusumano’s squad will get that chance on Friday, when Pascack Valley plays host to Ramapo, the No. 1 public school in New Jersey and the No. 5 team overall in the state.  The Green Raiders, 7-0, are coming off a 38-22 win against Wayne Hills.

The Raiders are led by quarterback A.J. Wingfield, who has completed 91 of 137 passes for 1,133 yards and 20 touchdowns. Wingfield has also rushed for 249 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The dual-threat capability of Wingfield could pose a challenge for the Indians. Stopping these types of high-powered offenses have proven to be tough for Valley in the past, as teams such as Paramus and River Dell found lots of success both on the ground and through the air against the Indians.

“[They run a] spread style offense that can give you a lot of problems defensively, both with the pass and the run,” Cusumano said.

Max Baker leads the Ramapo receiving corps, hauling in 37 passes for 646 yards and eight touchdowns.  Luke Ragone leads the way on ground rushing for 327 yards and four touchdowns.

“[They have] great skill position players that do a great job catching the football and getting yards after catch,” Cusumano said. “We have to make sure we limit them as far as their playmaking ability and make sure we stay on the field offensively.”

Per usual, Valley’s offensive attack will focus primarily on the running game. Junior workhorse Jake Williams leads the rushing attack and the ground games’ success will be essential to the outcome.  Williams has rushed for 663 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Quarterback Stephen Begen followed up his best game of the season against Ridgefield Park with another solid performance against River Dell, rushing for 36 yards, which included a 20-yard touchdown.

“[Begen] did a great job,” Cusumano said. “He was a lot more poised in the pocket and also getting out of the pocket, making plays with his feet. Stephen does have that ability to move very well and he’s getting better every week.”

PV’s defense is highlighted by Charlie Looes, who leads the team with four sacks. Desmond Von Tobel also leads the unit with 47 tackles. Valley will need to improve its tackling if it hopes to stop the Ramapo offensive attack, as missed tackles played a key role in Valley’s loss to River Dell a week ago.

Valley and Ramapo faced off twice last year, meeting in both the regular season and playoffs. Following a blowout regular season loss, Valley held a 16-13 lead against Ramapo in the playoffs. However, they couldn’t hang on, ultimately falling to the Raiders 47-16.

“We’ve had a great tradition with them over the years, great rivalry, but they’ve had our number the past bunch of years,” Cusumano said. “We’re looking forward to a great game back at home on Friday.”