Delaware Valley wallops Wallenpaupack

Well here we go. Delaware Valley is now taking on local teams where traditionally they would be totally dominant. This comes after battling state-rated teams such as Selinsgrove, Harrisburg and Downingtown East, and suffering defeats in all three games.

So now Delaware Valley will start dealing with the local competition. First up this past Friday was Wallenpaupack, which was 2-1 ahead of the game. The first half was tough and close. Wallenpaupack has a terrific quarterback and an exceptional receiver. They also have a run game that can keep any other team’s defense honest. The combination proved to be deadly in the first half.

Although D.V. took a 20-0 lead, it was built on several explosive, breakaway plays.

Sure enough, the 20-point lead did not look to be a comfortable one because Wallenpaupack stormed back and closed out the first half at 20-14, providing momentum going into the halftime break.

To wrap up the first half, D.V. scored in the first possession. Passing and running plays were just unstoppable. D.V scored a running touchdown that was followed by an extra point that hit the upright and failed. D.V. then went up 6-0. Wallenpaupack failed to gain a first down, forcing a punt, then D.V took over.

A couple big runs by Ryder Machado and D.V. went up 13-0 as the extra point was good.

Then Wallenpaupack’s pass was intercepted. Several plays later, Machado romped 68 yards and D.V. shot up 20-0.

Everything looked safe for D.V., but then Wallenpaupack marched down the field and scored on a passing touchdown.

The combination of the passing of Wallenpaupack’s quarterback Drew Kiesendahl and the receiving of Jake Holbert with the running of Dylan Podrazil was looking potent and dangerous. The score was 20-7.

A fumble by D.V. gave the ball back to Wallenpaupack and a monster pass by them upped the score 20-14. At the end of the first half, Wallenpaupack had momentum and was looking very potent.

In the second half Machado proved to be D.V.’s workhorse. Justin Kalitsnik was also shown to be a powerful running force. A Kalitsnik touchdown made the score 27-14.

Wallenpaupack then started moving the ball well, but Machado intercepted a pass and ran 67 yards for the touchdown. At that point, it was looking safe at 34-14, but D.V. and Machado weren’t finished. Machado broke it open and ran 77 yards for the final touchdown to put the score at 41-14. D.V. could have scored again as they were driving and in the red zone, but coach Keith Olsommer opted to run the clock down by having the team take the knee, preventing D.V. from rubbing it in to Wallenpaupack. A noble move by the coach.

It must be said again that Wallenpaupack is a good team with some fine athletes. D.V. had some great breaks and were just too much for Wallenpaupack Friday night.

It is not going to be easy for D.V. here on out. They have a very tough schedule. Still up are Scranton Prep, Wilkes-Barre, Valley View and Scranton. Every one of them are very tough teams and North Pocono is lurking in the wings, too. It is going to be a battle all the way.

Stay tuned! The next home game is on September 30 with North Pocono coming to town.