River Dell Golden Hawks Freshman Football Team Holds Off Pascack Valley to Stay Unbeaten

The River Dell Golden Hawks Freshman Football Team (8-0) remained undefeated after a hard-fought 26-14 victory over the Pascack Valley Panthers at Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, New Jersey.

River Dell received the opening kickoff, with returner Mark Spano bringing the ball back to the 35-yard line. Spano demonstrated his running skills as quarterback, carrying the ball three consecutive times to help the Golden Hawks' offense advance into Pascack Valley territory.

On first down at the Panthers' 39-yard line, Chris Barone took over as quarterback and tossed a pass in the flat to Jaeden Raguindin. Raguindin then accelerated down the right sideline, outrunning the defense and reaching the end zone for a touchdown.

The Golden Hawks' special teams unit showcased their dominance during Pascack Valley's punt attempt deep in their territory when Ben Dapito charged ahead and managed to block the punt.

River Dell's offense capitalized on this opportunity, with quarterback Mark Spano taking the direct snap and powering his way into the end zone for a touchdown, extending the Golden Hawks' lead to 12-0.

The Golden Hawks' defense also made an impact, with Noah Choflet registering a sack that forced another punt from the Panthers.

Once again, River Dell had excellent field position, beginning their drive at their own 45-yard line. On third down and five in the second quarter, Mark Spano used his speed to break off a 34-yard run that advanced the ball to the Pascack Valley 11-yard line.

On second-and-goal at the three-yard line, Spano finished off the drive in style, taking the direct snap and powering across the goal line, widening the lead to 19-0.

However, Pascack Valley responded quickly on their next offensive possession. Panthers quarterback Drew Cacavella launched a deep pass into the Golden Hawks' territory, and wide receiver Jason Driscoll made the catch, gaining separation to sprint into the end zone for a 52-yard touchdown that narrowed the lead to 19-6.

Pascack Valley received the second-half kickoff and marched into River Dell territory, using a balanced playcalling approach of running and passing. They converted a crucial fourth down at the Golden Hawks' 27-yard line, with quarterback Drew Cacavella connecting on a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Tyler Cacavella.

The Panthers then ran the ball on the next three plays. On first-and-goal at the one-yard line, Drew Cacavella took the direct snap and muscled his way across the goal line for the score.

Pascack Valley went for a two-point conversion, which was successful. After a low snap, Drew Cacavella scooped up the ball, rolled out to his right, and completed a pass into the end zone, where Tyler Cacavella made a fantastic diving catch, closing the gap to 19-14.

In the fourth quarter, the Golden Hawks' special teams continued to excel, particularly in kickoff returns, with Jake Ven Wettering returning the ball to the 46-yard line.

River Dell quarterback Mark Spano proved to be a crucial factor in the running game with four consecutive carries, including a vital first down on a fourth-down attempt at the Panthers' 49-yard line.

Jaeden Raguindin also contributed with an outstanding 15-yard run.

Returning to quarterback, Chris Barone passed to Jaeden Raguindin, who showcased his agility by making a couple of moves and racing down the right sideline to the Pascack Valley nine-yard line for a 23-yard gain.

On second-and-goal at the six-yard line, Mark Spano took the direct snap from shotgun formation, drove to his left, cut back to the middle, and powered across the goal line, absorbing a hit at the one-yard line for the touchdown.

The Golden Hawks’ defense sealed the victory with back-to-back sacks by Tate Levine and Aiden Van Tol.

River Dell aims to complete an undefeated season when they face Westwood on Saturday, October 25, with kickoff set for 9 a.m. at Westwood Regional High School in Westwood, New Jersey.