River Dell Golden Hawks held onto a win by the skin of their teeth on October 17th’s game versus rival Pascack Valley dubbed the “Rumble for the Rail”. The two teams both struggled offensively trying to get things going. One thing about this game was clear from the start: Both teams would have to fight for every centimeter on Marty Certosimo Stadium Field.
River Dell ended up scoring only two touchdowns, one in the later part of the second quarter and the other one in the fourth.
On the offensive side of the ball the Hawks moved well even if things started slow. At the start of the game, senior quarterback, Zion Yoon, was unable to catch a high snap that nearly led to a costly turnover. Yet the Hawks pushed forward.
Later, in the game River Dell took control when running back Cain Lanza went on a slew of big runs picking up first downs when the Hawks needed them most, keeping the drive alive.
As for touchdowns, the Hawks used the ‘RD Dive’ to force their way into the endzone both times.
River Dell’s defense held Pascack Valley to only two touchdowns and blocked a game-winning two-point conversion late in the fourth.
The River Dell defense denied every fourth down conversion the Panthers attempted.
It was such a tight game that to some players it was unclear who would walk away victorious. Varsity right tackle and captain, Sean Paleewong-Stoltz, reflected, “I didn’t know until the game clock hit zero. When we went into victory formation that’s when I knew we won.”
Special Teams even got in on the action with a punt fake that would’ve brought the Hawks to the Pascack Valley forty. Unfortunately, there was a holding call and River Dell punted but regardless, Jayden Kim, the punter launched the ball deep into Panther territory. They were all over Pascack Valley making sure they struggled to get even an okay return on a kickoff or punt. Meanwhile, River Dell picked up crucial yardage on their own returns.
While the box score reflects a low scoring game of 14-13 the Hawks played with grit, determination, and toughness. With a fire set in their hearts, the Golden Hawks stand ready to take on Westwood in the ‘Bird Bowl’ in RD’s final home game of the regular season on October 24th.
