River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football Team Reclaims 'Rumble for the Rail' Trophy in Thrilling Victory Over Pascack Valley

The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football Team (6-2) recaptured the 'Rumble for the Rail' Trophy for the first time since 2021 with a dramatic 14-13 victory over the Pascack Valley Panthers (4-3) at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey, extending their winning streak to six games.

After a scoreless first quarter, River Dell broke the deadlock with nine minutes left in the second quarter. Facing fourth and goal at the Pascack Valley one-yard line, quarterback Zion Yoon powered through with the offensive line leading the way into the end zone for a touchdown.

Entering the second half, River Dell led 7-0. Pascack Valley started the third quarter with the ball and adopted a strong ground game, successfully gaining substantial yardage.

They executed a proficient 16-play, 70-yard drive that consumed over nine minutes of clock time, culminating in a ten-yard touchdown run by running back Kai Smith to tie the game at 7-7.

In the fourth quarter, with the score still tied at 7-7, River Dell had excellent field position starting from their own 47-yard line with less than eight minutes remaining.

The Golden Hawks' offense mirrored the Panthers' approach from the third quarter, establishing a solid running attack led by workhorse running back Cain Lanza. Lanza carried the ball on five out of six plays, ultimately scoring on a two-yard run with five minutes left, putting River Dell ahead 14-7.

Pascack Valley responded on its next offensive possession. Starting at their own 36-yard line, they quickly advanced to midfield on a running play by Kai Smith and continued to press deep into Golden Hawks territory. However, the River Dell defense tightened up, and a false start penalty against Pascack Valley pushed them back to the 30-yard line.

On fourth down and 17, Panthers quarterback Michael Colletti took the snap in shotgun formation, dropped back in the pocket, and scrambled to his right. He launched a pass into the end zone, where Golden Hawks defensive back Iain Rossig tipped the ball. Remarkably, wide receiver Marley Smith managed to catch it for a touchdown with two and a half minutes remaining.

Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game, Pascack Valley opted for a two-point conversion, which failed as the Golden Hawks' defense stuffed running back Kai Smith short of the goal line.

The Panthers attempted the onside kick, leaving them with no other choice, and River Dell special teams player Mike Nader successfully recovered it. The Golden Hawks' offense efficiently ran down the clock with a series of rushing plays, leading to a jubilant celebration on the field and the retrieval of the 'Rumble for the Rail' Trophy behind the goalpost.

River Dell will conclude the 2024 regular season with a matchup against Westwood (7-1) in the annual 'Bird Bowl' Trophy Game and Senior Night, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. at River Dell High School.