AOTW: Double Trouble - Dempsey and Roe Fuel Valley View's Playoff Upset
By: SportzWire | SportzWire | November 8, 2026 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
HONESDALE, PA. — Sometimes the most dangerous combinations aren’t the ones anyone saw coming.
For Valley View, the connection between sophomore quarterback Colin Dempsey and junior wide receiver Cash Roe has become one of the most exciting developments of the 2026 football season.
One found his opportunity following an injury. The other returned to the football field after a year away, bringing the athleticism that has already made him a standout basketball player.
Together, they’ve helped the Cougars develop into a dangerous postseason opponent.
Friday night, sixth-seeded Valley View delivered its biggest offensive statement of the season, knocking off No. 3 Honesdale, 42-21, in the District 2 Class 4A quarterfinals.
Dempsey completed 11 of 13 passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns, while Roe hauled in seven receptions for 220 yards and two scores, adding another touchdown on the ground.
Their performances earn them recognition as this week’s SportzWire Co-Athletes of the Week, powered by HYDRABATHS® Swing Salt - where performance meets recovery.
Cash Roe: Back on the Field, Among District 2’s Best
For Roe, the 2026 season has been about more than simply returning to football.
After spending a year away from the sport, the junior has reestablished himself as one of District 2’s most productive receivers.
An accomplished basketball player, Roe has brought his athleticism and explosiveness to the Cougars’ passing attack.
According to the SportzWire District 2 Football Player Data Hub, Roe ranks top 5 in District 2 in receiving yards with 940, receptions with 52, and receiving touchdowns with five. He’s averaging more than 18 yards per catch.
Friday’s performance against Honesdale was another example of his big-play ability.
Roe averaged 31.4 yards per reception, turning seven catches into 220 yards and two touchdowns on passes of 42 and 7 yards from Dempsey.
He also carried the football twice for eight yards, including a rushing touchdown, finishing with 228 yards from scrimmage and three total scores.
But when Valley View head coach Scot Wasilchak was asked about Roe following the victory, his praise went well beyond the stat sheet.
“I haven’t had anybody like him, to be honest with you,” Wasilchak said. “And even more special, the kind of person that he is and the kind of kid he is.”
Wasilchak also revealed that Roe is approaching another significant milestone.
“He needs two catches to break a single-season record in our school,” the coach said.
For a player who wasn’t on the football field a year ago, the possibility of rewriting the school record book makes his return even more remarkable.
Colin Dempsey: Opportunity Meets Preparation
While Roe was finding his way back to football, Dempsey was waiting for his opportunity.
The sophomore quarterback was inserted into the lineup following an injury earlier this season, stepping into a demanding position with limited varsity experience.
What followed has been one of District 2’s more impressive quarterback developments.
Dempsey’s confidence, efficiency and chemistry with Valley View’s receivers have earned him consistent playing time and helped fuel the Cougars’ offense.
According to the SportzWire Player Data Hub, Dempsey has thrown for 1,385 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking among the top five in passing scores and near the top of District 2’s passing yardage leaders, behind Holy Redeemer’s Brady McDermott.
His efficiency has been equally impressive, ranking among the district’s top three in yards per passing attempt at 11.1, while completing 67.2% of his passes.
Friday night, he took that efficiency to another level.
Completing 84.6% of his attempts, Dempsey threw four touchdown passes to three different receivers.
Two went to Roe, covering 42 and 7 yards, while Ben Evans hauled in a 4-yard touchdown and Brady Bachman added a 37-yard scoring reception.
The distribution showcased more than just Dempsey’s connection with Roe. It reflected a Valley View passing attack with multiple weapons capable of making an impact.
When asked about his young quarterback, Wasilchak offered perhaps the most memorable assessment of the night.
“I think he’s 115 pounds and 113 in heart,” the coach said.
Wasilchak acknowledged that he demands plenty from the sophomore.
“I’m tough on that kid,” he said. “But I’m gonna keep getting on him ’cause he produces. He produces.”
For a player who began the season without a guaranteed starting role, the trust he’s earned and the production he’s delivered speak to how quickly he’s developed.
The Road Gets Tougher
The Cougars won’t have much time to celebrate the win over Honesdale.
Waiting Friday night is No. 2 seed North Pocono, the defending District 2 Class 4A champion, in a semifinal showdown on the Trojans’ home field.
For Valley View, the challenge is significant.
But so is the momentum.
A quarterback who has grown into his role. A receiver making the most of his return to football. And an offense finding its stride at exactly the right time.
The Cougars have already shown they can win on the road as an underdog.
Now they’ll have another opportunity to prove themselves against one of District 2’s established contenders.
Whatever comes next, the emergence of Dempsey and Roe has become one of the more compelling stories of Valley View’s season.
Congratulations to Colin Dempsey and Cash Roe of Valley View, this week’s SportzWire Co-Athletes of the Week, powered by HYDRABATHS® Swing Salt - where performance meets recovery.
Explore their numbers and the rest of District 2’s statistical leaders through the SportzWire District 2 Football Player Data Hub.
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