HILLSDALE—The 6-1 Pascack Valley Panthers on Friday night hosted the 7-0 NVOT Golden Knights in a showdown to determine the division champion and #1 seed heading into the playoffs. In front of a packed home crowd, head coach Len Cusumano’s crew delivered a thrilling performance, ultimately defeating NVOT 27–20.
The Panthers won the coin toss, deferred possession, and entrusted the game’s opening to their rock-solid defense, which had held opponents to just 21 points over the previous three games. PV’s defense stopped the Golden Knights on their first possession, forcing them to punt.
PV’s offense took charge, driving down the field with a balanced attack. Junior QB Adam Shaw (#10) connected with Junior WR Marc Dellaquila (#16) on a 23-yard touchdown pass, with Dellaquila leaping to secure the ball in the end zone. NVOT quickly responded, finding a gap in PV’s defense that allowed Senior RB Alex Orecchio (#12) to complete a 13-yard touchdown run, tying the game.
The Panthers received the kickoff and drove down the field again, mixing passes and runs to keep NVOT’s defense on their heels. Shaw distributed the ball to multiple receivers before using his own speed to run in a 12-yard touchdown. After a kick return, PV’s defense forced another punt, and the Panthers took over on offense once more. This time, Senior RB Kevin Regula (#25) powered into the end zone on a 7-yard pass, putting PV ahead 20-7.
With seconds left in the first half, NVOT’s Sophomore QB Zachary Miceli (#8) connected with Senior WR Ronan Malady on an 18-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the lead to 20-14. PV challenged the catch, arguing that the ball hit the ground, but the refs upheld the touchdown. The first half ended with PV leading 20-14.
The Panthers received the kickoff to start the second half, controlling the clock and moving into the red zone. On a goal-line play, Shaw extended the ball over the goal line but fumbled, and after both teams argued their case, the refs ruled it a fumble, awarding possession to the Golden Knights. The third quarter ended scoreless, with PV still leading 20-14.
In the fourth quarter, PV’s defense held strong, regaining possession for the offense. The Panthers marched down the field, with Shaw handing the ball to Junior RB Kai Smith (#28) for a 5-yard touchdown, extending PV’s lead to 27-14. With time running out, NVOT mounted a comeback, breaking through PV’s secondary and advancing to the 1-yard line, where Orecchio forced his way into the end zone for his second touchdown, narrowing the score to 27-20.
As the clock wound down, PV’s offense needed to retain possession to secure the win. Facing a critical 4th-and-1 on their own 19-yard line, the Panthers chose to go for it, setting up a “power set.” Shaw handed the ball to Regula, who powered ahead for 4 yards, securing a first down and sealing the game.
With this victory, the Pascack Valley Panthers, who were 1-8 in their last nine matchups against NVOT, clinched the division title and took the #1 seed. The win propelled PV from #19 to #16 in the USA TODAY New Jersey “Super 25” rankings, while NVOT dropped from #11 to #18.
Both teams now head into the NJSIAA tournament quarterfinals with strong prospects. This Friday at 6 p.m., Pascack Valley will host West Milford, while NVOT will host Weequahic. Good luck to both teams as they continue their season.