Pascack Valley snaps Westwood’s 14-game winning streak

posted in: Football, Local Sports Blog

The Pascack Valley Panthers varsity football team snapped the Westwood Cardinals’ 14-game winning streak with a 21-7 win at Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, New Jersey.

After the Pascack Valley defense forced the Westwood offense into a three-and-out on their opening offensive possession, the Panthers offense started out with solid field position inside Cardinals territory at the 44-yard line.

Pascack Valley’s offense mixed up the pass and run plays that advanced the ball inside the red zone. However, the Panthers faced a fourth down and goal at the Westwood four-yard line. That was no problem as quarterback Adam Shaw lobbed a TD pass to running back Kai Smith.

The Cardinals had a golden opportunity to tie the game up in the second quarter. Still, Pascack Valley defensive back Marley Smith intercepted a pass thrown by Westwood quarterback Sean Morrison at the Panthers 11-yard line.

Once the second half kicked off, specifically the third quarter, Pascack Valley extended their advantage to 14-0 on a spectacular 63-yard touchdown run by quarterback Adam Shaw.

Westwood’s offense struggled mightily in the first half and into the third quarter but managed to break through in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Sean Morrison heaved a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Rinaldi that made it a 14-7 contest.

The Panthers’ defense recovered, forcing Westwood into another punt situation with seven and a half minutes remaining.

Pascack Valley’s offense started at its own 40-yard line and compiled a clock-eaten drive that lasted over six minutes. Quarterback Adam Shaw’s 9-yard touchdown run cemented the Panthers’ victory.