Valley View Secures Seventh Straight Win with 35-25 Victory Over Delaware Valley
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 12, 2024 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
Valley View Secures Seventh Straight Win with 35-25 Victory Over Delaware Valley
October 11, 2024 – Valley View Cougars 35, Delaware Valley Warriors 25
Zach Cwalinski put on an impressive all-around performance, rushing for 159 yards and scoring two touchdowns while adding another through the air as Valley View extended their winning streak to seven games, defeating Delaware Valley 35-25. The Cougars improved to 7-1 overall, while the Warriors, who had won their last three games, fell to 3-5.
Delaware Valley started the game with momentum, thanks to a 49-yard burst by Mike Iuzzolino that set the Warriors up in the red zone. Iuzzolino punched in a 3-yard run for the first score, giving Delaware Valley a 7-0 lead after Deckers extra point.
Valley View quickly responded, utilizing their passing game that we havent seen much on over the previous weeks. Cwalinski went 4-for-5 on a drive that culminated in a 24-yard touchdown pass to Beyon McLean hurdling into the end zone, leveling the score at 7-7 after Loffs extra point. The Warriors regained the lead when Regan Decker nailed a 38-yard field goal, making it 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Valley View seized control of the game. Cwalinski capped a 16-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown and successful extra point, putting the Cougars ahead 14-10. Delaware Valley’s next drive faltered due to a bad snap, a problem that plagued them throughout the night, and Valley View took advantage. Running back Nick Kucharski scored on a 4-yard run with just 16 seconds left and another successful extra point by Loff in the half, giving the Cougars a 21-10 lead heading into the break.
The second half started with a bang for Valley View. On their first drive of the third quarter, Cwalinski broke loose for a 67-yard touchdown run and, extending their lead to 28-10. The Warriors pushed back, driving deep into Valley View territory, but the Cougars’ defense held strong, stopping Delaware Valley on fourth-and-goal at the 3-yard line.
Delaware Valley managed to close the gap in the fourth quarter. After a quick three-and-out by Valley View, the Warriors took advantage of great field position and Logan Olsommer scrambled for an 8-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-17. On the following drive, Iuzzolino blocked a Valley View punt, setting Delaware Valley up at the Cougars’ 28-yard line. Seven plays later, Justin Estevez scored on a 5-yard run, and Iuzzolino’s two-point conversion brought the score to 28-25 with 9:55 remaining.
However, Valley View responded decisively. Faced with third-and-17, Kucharski turned a screen pass into a 15-yard gain and then converted a fourth-and-2. On the very next play, Preston Reed dashed 36 yards for a touchdown, giving Valley View a 35-25 lead after Loffs extra point.
Delaware Valley had two more drives that reached Valley View territory, but they failed to convert on fourth downs. The Cougars’ defense sealed the win when Kucharski intercepted Olsommer following a deflection by Gianni Marino.
Game Stats:
• Valley View (7-1, 4-1):
• Zach Cwalinski: 159 rushing yards, 2 TDs; 1 passing TD (24 yards to Beyon McLean)
• Preston Reed: 36-yard rushing TD
• Nick Kucharski: 4-yard rushing TD, 1 interception
• Delaware Valley (3-5, 2-2):
• Mike Iuzzolino: 3-yard rushing TD, 49-yard run to set up first score
• Justin Estevez: 5-yard rushing TD
• Logan Olsommer: 8-yard rushing TD
• Regan Decker: 38-yard field goal
• Braden Loff: 5-Extra Points
Scoring Summary by Quarters:
• 1st Quarter: Delaware Valley 10, Valley View 7
• 2nd Quarter: Valley View 21, Delaware Valley 10
• 3rd Quarter: Valley View 28, Delaware Valley 17
• 4th Quarter: Valley View 35, Delaware Valley 25
Next Friday, Valley View will host Wyoming Valley West, while Delaware Valley will face North Pocono at home.
