46 Yards for the Record, 2 Picks on Defense: Inside Valley View's 17-7 Victory
By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | September 12, 2026 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
With just under nine minutes remaining in the third quarter, Seamus Sprague lowered his shoulders and surged across the goal line from a yard out, punctuating a bruising drive that firmly tilted momentum toward the visiting Cougars.
That decisive plunge capped a disciplined, ball-control march and widened the gap for Valley View who relied on early explosive gains, exceptional special teams, and a resolute defensive unit to secure a 17-7 victory over Wilkes-Barre Area.
The Cougars established their rhythm from their opening possession. Fullback Jeffrey Wasilchak broke free through the middle of the Wolfpack defense on a long sprint that flipped field position instantly and placed Valley View deep in scoring range. Moments later, Tyler Muchal powered into the end zone on a two-yard carry with 10:15 on the clock. Braden Loff split the uprights on the extra point to give the Cougars a quick 7-0 lead.
Special teams played a pivotal role in maintaining that advantage. Late in the first quarter, Loff broke the school record for the second consecutive week by drilling a 46-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining, topping the 45-yard school record he set the prior week. Loff also controlled the field position battle all evening by recording touchbacks on all four of his kickoffs. Field Goal Video Link
Wilkes-Barre Area adjusted its defensive front in the second quarter, packing the line of scrimmage to shut down interior running lanes. The Wolfpack held the Cougars scoreless in the frame, highlighted by an interception from Nic Saracino that kept the deficit at 10-0 heading into the intermission.
Valley View responded in the second half by leaning on a patient ground attack. Sprague and Wasilchak ground out vital yardage against a stubborn front, setting up Sprague's third-quarter score at the 8:48 mark. Loff added the point after to make it 17-0.
Wilkes-Barre Area turned to its aerial attack to generate offense behind quarterback Declan Gregor, who consistently spread the ball across the field. Gregor found Wonder Woods seven times for 47 yards and connected with Nic Saracino for 35 yards on three catches. However, Valley View's secondary stood firm during key moments, thwarting drives with interceptions from Cash Roe and Brady Bachman. Roe also contributed on offense, hauling in two passes for 51 yards.
The Wolfpack continued battling with their second string until the final whistle, getting on the board with two seconds left when running back Jayden Pena fought across the goal line on a three-yard run. John Mendola added the extra point to finalize the 17-7 score.
Valley View Top Performers
Braden Loff: 1 for 1 FG (46 yards, school record), 2 for 2 PATs, 4 touchbacks
Seamus Sprague: 13 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD
Jeffrey Wasilchak: 4 carries, 61 yards
Tyler Muchal: 9 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD
Cash Roe: 2 receptions, 51 yards, 1 INT
Wilkes-Barre Area Top Performers
Declan Gregor: 19 of 36 passing, 139 yards
Wonder Woods: 7 receptions, 47 yards
Nic Saracino: 3 receptions, 35 yards, 1 INT
Jayden Pena: 2 carries, 9 yards, 1 TD
Matthew Cinti: 1 of 3 passing, 21 yards, 3 carries, 19 yards
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