Hillsdale is a quiet town. But on Friday nights in the fall, it breathes. If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines at a Pascack Valley High School football game, you know it isn't just about the X’s and O’s or who has the fastest 40-yard dash. It’s a specific kind of atmospheric pressure. The "Valley Pride" thing? It’s real. It is a generational handoff that has defined North Jersey athletics for decades.
They win. A lot.
But winning in the Big North Conference isn't a given. You’re playing in a meat grinder. To understand Pascack Valley HS football, you have to look past the scoreboard and into the way Len Cusumano and the coaches before him, like the legendary Bucky Krayer, built a program that survives even when the talent cycle dips. It’s a system. It’s a grind. Honestly, it’s a bit of a cult in the best way possible.
The Cusumano Era and Staying Power
Stability is rare in high school sports. Coaches jump for better jobs or burn out after three seasons of dealing with angry parents. Len Cusumano didn't just take over; he became the steward of a legacy. When you look at the 2024 season, you see a team that had to navigate some seriously stiff competition. They finished with a solid 7-4 record, but the raw numbers don't tell the story of the grit they showed in the North 1, Group 3 playoffs.
They beat Montville in a 21-7 defensive masterclass. Then came the heartbreak against Old Tappan.
Losing to Old Tappan is a bitter pill for anyone in the district, but that’s the reality of the Rivalry. It’s a chess match. It’s about who blinks first in the fourth quarter. The 2024 squad relied heavily on guys like Adam Shaw and Kyle Bratcher. These weren't just players; they were the heartbeat of the locker room. When you talk to people around the program, they don't lead with "we had a great quarterback." They lead with "those kids didn't quit."
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Why the Triple Option Legacy Still Matters
For years, Pascack Valley was synonymous with a very specific, very frustrating (for opponents) offensive philosophy. They ran the triple option. It was disciplined. It was boring to some, but it was lethal. It required every player to be a moving part in a Swiss watch.
While the modern game has shifted toward more spread looks and RPO (Run-Pass Option) schemes to keep up with the speed of modern athletes, that DNA of discipline remains. You see it in the blocking. You see it in the way the offensive line moves as a single unit. They don't beat themselves. Most high school games are lost on penalties and fumbled snaps. Valley? They make you earn every single yard. It’s basically a war of attrition.
The Atmosphere at "The Valley"
If you aren't from Bergen County, you might not get it.
The stadium setup at Pascack Valley creates an intimate, almost claustrophobic environment for visiting teams. The student section—The Valley Boys—is loud. They’re relentless. There is something about the way the lights reflect off the turf on a crisp October night that makes the game feel bigger than it actually is. It’s high school football, sure, but for those two hours, it’s the only thing that exists in the 07642 zip code.
- Community Support: The stands are filled with people who graduated in 1985.
- The Band: One of the best in the state, adding a collegiate feel to the atmosphere.
- The Tradition: The walk from the locker room to the field is a ritual.
Hard Truths: The Big North Challenge
Let's be real for a second. Playing in North Jersey is a blessing and a curse. You’re in one of the most talent-dense regions in the entire United States. On any given Friday, Pascack Valley might be lining up against a kid who will be playing on Saturdays at an FBS school next year.
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The North 1, Group 3 section is notoriously difficult. You’ve got powerhouses like Ramapo and Old Tappan constantly standing in the way of a state title. For Valley to stay relevant, they can't just be "good." They have to be tactical. They have to out-scout and out-prepare teams that might have a slight edge in raw athleticism. That's why the coaching staff spends an absurd amount of time on film. It’s not just a game; it’s a week-long preparation cycle that starts Saturday morning at 8:00 AM.
Misconceptions About "Small Town" Football
A lot of people think that because Pascack Valley is a public school drawing from Hillsdale and Woodcliff Lake, they can’t compete with the "Big Five" private schools in the area.
That’s a mistake.
While they aren't playing St. Joseph Regional or Don Bosco every week, the level of play is exceptionally high. The "small town" label is deceptive. This is a high-output factory for student-athletes. Look at the kids who go on to play at the D2 and D3 levels. They aren't just football players; they’re often multi-sport athletes who bring a different kind of toughness to the gridiron.
The 2025 Outlook and Beyond
What’s next? The program is currently in a transition of sorts, graduating a core group of seniors who defined the post-pandemic era. Replacing leadership is harder than replacing talent. You can find a kid who can catch a fade route. Finding a kid who can hold a huddle together when you’re down 10 points in the rain? That’s the challenge.
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The junior varsity and freshman programs at Valley are historically strong, which acts as a feeder system that most schools would kill for. They don't rebuild; they reload. It’s a cliché, but in Hillsdale, it’s actually true. Keep an eye on the rising sophomore class—there’s some serious speed developing there that might force a slight shift in how aggressive the play-calling gets next season.
How to Follow the Team Effectively
If you're trying to keep up with Pascack Valley HS football, don't just rely on the major news outlets. They often miss the nuance of the local game.
- Check NJ.com for Stats: It’s the gold standard for box scores, though sometimes the stat entry is a bit delayed.
- Follow Local Reporters: Guys like Darren Cooper at The Record provide the best boots-on-the-ground coverage. He understands the history of the Big North better than anyone.
- The Live Streams: The school often broadcasts games on YouTube or local access channels. If you can’t make it to the bleachers, this is the next best thing.
- Social Media: The team’s Twitter (X) and Instagram accounts are surprisingly active with highlights and schedule changes.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Players
If you’re a parent of a middle schooler in the district or a current player looking to make an impact, the "Valley Way" starts early. Don't wait for August heat acronyms to get in shape.
First, hit the weight room. The difference between a win and a loss in the Big North is often decided in the trenches during the off-season. The PV weight program is specifically designed to build the kind of functional strength needed for their blocking schemes. Second, focus on versatility. The coaches love players who can contribute on special teams or flip from offense to defense without missing a beat. Finally, stay academically eligible. The coaching staff has zero tolerance for academic slackers, and the school's standards are high.
Winning a state championship is the goal, but building a person who can handle pressure is the actual outcome of the Pascack Valley football experience. It’s a tough road, but as the saying goes around the locker room: "Tradition never graduates."
Keep your eyes on the schedule for next year. The home opener is always a statement game, and you’ll want to be in your seat before kickoff to see the entrance. It’s one of the best sights in New Jersey high school sports. Period.