HILLSDALE—Friday, Nov. 1, the Pascack Valley Panthers hosted the West Milford Highlanders in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 quarterfinals, delivering an impressive 42-14 victory. As usual, PV deferred after winning the coin toss, relying on their defense to set the tone.
After forcing an early punt, junior quarterback Adam Shaw (#10) led a powerful drive, scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give the Panthers an early lead. Shaw followed with another 10-yard rushing touchdown, putting PV up 14-0 in the second quarter.
West Milford answered with a clever hook and ladder play, resulting in a 53-yard TD. The Panthers quickly responded when WR Ashton Kizinci (#18) returned the kickoff to the 3-yard line, setting up senior RB Kevin Regula (#25) to power through the defense, bringing the score to 21-7.
A West Milford interception turned into a pick-6 just before halftime, closing the gap to 21-14.
In the second half, the Panthers returned with renewed intensity. Shaw launched the scoring spree with a 47-yard rushing touchdown. As the defense focused on Shaw, he handed the ball to Regula, who pushed through for a 1-yard touchdown.
Shaw capped the third quarter with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Kizinci, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. Regula added a final touchdown in the fourth quarter, finishing with 123 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 49 receiving yards on two catches. Shaw ended the game with three rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown, 92 passing yards, and 101 rushing yards.
Pascack Valley’s defense held firm, preventing any second-half scoring from West Milford. Sophomore DB Brady Zurbuch (#26) stepped up with a sack, two tackles for loss, and eight total tackles.
Defensive captains LB Dante Riccardi (#51) and Shane Burke (#50) combined for 11 tackles, with Burke adding a sack, while junior DE Colin McMorrow (#6) closed out the game with another sack.
The PV defense has now held opponents to an average of 11.2 points over their last five games.
The No. 1 seed Panthers will host the Montville Mustangs (#4) this Friday at 6 p.m. in the semifinals as they pursue their first state championship in a decade.