UPDATE: Wallkill Valley football has just secured a decisive 29-6 victory over North Warren, showcasing a powerful offensive turnaround just one week after a challenging season opener.
September 5, 2023 – 7:00 PM – In Blairstown, Wallkill Valley’s offense exploded into action, marking an impressive 2-0 start for the first time since the 2020-21 season. This victory also extends their winning streak against North Warren to six games, with their last loss dating back to 2018.
The Rangers faced a setback when their anticipated starting quarterback, Kellan Brown, was sidelined with an injury. Sophomore Cole Bolich stepped in and delivered a standout performance, completing 7 of 11 passes for 108 yards. “All of the guys are always hyping me up and helping me get over my nerves,” Bolich stated after the game, reflecting on his improved confidence.
Wallkill Valley’s defense mirrored its offensive resurgence, effectively neutralizing North Warren’s Wing-T offense. Head Coach Mark Hammil praised his players: “Tribute to our kids, they settled down and collected themselves to play good defense.” The Rangers’ defensive efforts were led by senior captain Jack Carr, who recorded two tackles for loss and blocked a PAT, underscoring his leadership on the field.
The game took a decisive turn in the fourth quarter with touchdowns from senior Travis Snyder and Gabriel Perrotto-Wald, pushing the Rangers’ lead to 29-6 with just six minutes remaining. “I just can’t stop my feet – I got to drive through,” Perrotto-Wald explained, highlighting the team’s determination.
Wallkill Valley’s backfield was a committee effort, with eight players contributing to a total of 216 rushing yards. Meanwhile, North Warren, despite the loss, has already matched its win total from last season and is determined to bounce back as they prepare for their next game against Hopatcong on September 12.
North Warren’s head coach John Baum asserted, “This game doesn’t define who we are,” emphasizing the team’s resilience and commitment to improvement.
With Wallkill Valley looking to maintain momentum, they will face Kinnelon in their next matchup. Coach Hammil is focused on continual improvement: “We got to get better. We are going to have a better week of practice,” he noted, underscoring the team’s commitment to excellence.
This thrilling win for Wallkill Valley not only marks a significant moment in their season but also ignites excitement among fans as they strive for continued success in this competitive league.