In a spirited high school football matchup, New Paltz High secured a 19-8 victory over Rondout Valley, honoring former coach Jim Malak on a night dedicated to his legacy. The game took place in Accord, New York, as Rondout Valley celebrated the 25th anniversary of their state title win, the first for a Section 9 team in New York. Malak, who led Rondout Valley to a commendable record of 99-66 during his tenure from 1992 to 2008, was present as the Huguenots demonstrated the grit and determination that characterized his championship teams.
During halftime, Rondout Valley acknowledged Malak’s contributions to the program, a moment that resonated with many, including New Paltz wide receiver Malcolm Dillehay. “Coach Malak has been with Rondout for a ton of his career, but he chose to stay here with us,” Dillehay remarked. “And we wanted to win it for him. Get his 100th win.” Following the game, Malak addressed the team, emphasizing that the night was about their performance and expressing pride in their effort.
New Paltz, coming off a challenging 37-0 loss against Red Hook the previous week, started strong with a methodical 14-play, 63-yard drive that consumed nearly ten minutes of the first quarter. Running back Nick Burda capped this drive with a one-yard touchdown, giving the Huguenots a 6-0 lead. The momentum shifted dramatically when Dillehay capitalized on a fumble by Rondout Valley quarterback Jackson Barcone, returning it 35 yards for another touchdown, extending New Paltz’s lead to 12-0 just before the quarter ended.
Faced with a two-touchdown deficit at halftime, Rondout Valley (0-2 in Section 9, 1-3 overall) regrouped after the break. They marched down the field on the second-half kickoff, covering 66 yards in eight plays. The drive culminated in a four-yard touchdown run by Don Giamei, narrowing the score to 12-6. Barcone then connected with Luke Johnson for a successful two-point conversion, bringing the Ganders within striking distance at 12-8.
New Paltz responded decisively with an 11-play, 80-yard scoring drive. Quarterback Nick Drewnowski found tight end Liam Fuller for a six-yard touchdown, solidifying their lead at 19-8 after Luc Saguilian added the conversion kick late in the third quarter. A pivotal moment in this drive was a 37-yard reception by Dillehay, showcasing his ability to fight off defenders and gain crucial yardage. Drewnowski praised Dillehay, stating, “His mentality is that he wants that ball.” Throughout the game, Dillehay recorded six receptions for an impressive 154 yards.
Drewnowski’s performance was notable, as he completed 11 passes for 181 yards and rushed for an additional 61 yards. Burda contributed significantly as well, adding 56 yards on the ground. Dillehay attributed the team’s success to their effective ground game, explaining, “When our run game is going, our pass game is going. We have these long drives that just chew the clock. We score and leave no time left for them.”
Rondout Valley struggled with discipline, accumulating a staggering 17 penalties for 121 yards, which severely limited their offensive opportunities. Coach Chris Frenza reflected on the impact of penalties, noting, “I think the penalties in the first quarter on their first drive got us off track. We probably had them stopped, but we had two offsides penalties and they got a first down. From that point on, it kind of snowballed and we couldn’t get out of it.”
As the fourth quarter progressed, Rondout Valley made an attempt to rally, reaching the New Paltz 36-yard line before the Huguenots’ defense held firm. New Paltz then executed a lengthy drive, running out the clock to secure their victory. Mikey Crocker led the Huguenots’ defense with seven tackles, playing a crucial role in maintaining their lead.
The win marked a promising start for New Paltz in Section 9 Class B, improving their record to 1-0 in the section and 1-3 overall. The Huguenots’ victory not only honored Coach Malak’s legacy but also showcased their potential for the remainder of the season, setting a hopeful tone for future games.
