Wayne Valley (3-2) bested previously unbeaten Passaic Valley to take the series lead, 29-28-1. The win also allowed Wayne Valley to retain the Today Cup, a trophy awarded by the Wayne Today/Passaic Valley Today.
"It was a big win for us and it was also big because it's a rivalry game," said Wayne Valley coach Brian O'Connor. "I've been here 8 years and I don't think there's ever been a blowout."
Both teams couldn't convert of first quarter opportunities. Wayne fumbled the opening kickoff away, but four plays later PV missed the field goal attempt. On its next possession, Wayne drove to the PV one yard line, but couldn't punch it in. PV missed a field goal again in the second period.
Mike Tolerico got Wayne Valley going in the second period with a 10 yard interception return. PV (3-1) tied it when Mike Governali caught a 37 yard TD pass from Matt Coiro. Wayne Valley took the lead into the half when Mike Castles pulled in a 26 yard touchdown pass for Pete Savastano. PV kept pace in the third period when Jack Pohlman scored on a 2 fumble return.
Wayne Valley pulled away in the fourth period with three touchdowns. Castles scored on rushes of 6 and 21 yards. Savastano scored on a 44 yard interception return. PV tacked on a score when Dom Coiro rushed in from five yards.
"I was disappointed that we didn't score when we got it down to the one yard line in the first quarter," O'Connor said. "We have a big line and, in my opinion, that's our strength. I went off on them at halftime and they responded. We started the season 1-2, so we don't really have room for error. I told the guys that if we lose one, we're done. They believe it. That's why I'm pleased that they came out and made the plays they had to make in the second half."
Added Castles, "We got some halftime speech from Coach O'Connor. We came out like a different team in the second half and really pounded the ball."
Savastano led the way for Valley with 153 passing yards. He also got a 66 yard punt off. Castles compiled 152 yards rushing. Colin Bush had a team high 12 tackles, including two sacks. Andrew DeFilippis had nine tackles. Mark Tucker had eight tackles, including three sacks. Anthony Perez came up with six spills.
Al Cappello, PV's first year coach, took the loss in stride. "We're still 3-1 and that's a decent record. We lost to a good team. Coach O'Connor does a heck of job."
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