The Warriors capitalize on early turnovers and deliver a complete performance in a 27-7 victory, setting up a championship showdown with Hoboken next Friday.
Waldwick/Midland Park left little doubt Friday night, delivering a dominant performance against New Providence to punch its ticket to the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 championship game.
The top-seeded Warriors (10-1) controlled the game from the opening whistle, taking advantage of costly New Providence turnovers and leaning on their physical ground game in a 27-7 victory over the fourth-seeded Pioneers (8-2).
Coming off a slower start in last week’s quarterfinal victory over Indian Hills, Waldwick/Midland Park made sure there would be no repeat. The Warriors established their identity early, setting the tone defensively while consistently moving the chains on the ground.
Aidan Maher opened the scoring with a 46-yard touchdown run in the first quarter before Luciano Mayer added a four-yard rushing score in the second. Quarterback Will Dell’Aglio then connected with Rocco Marquis for a touchdown, giving the Warriors a commanding 20-0 halftime advantage.
New Providence entered the matchup with an established passing attack led by quarterback Kevin Reilly and wide receiver Michael Schmidt. However, Waldwick/Midland Park’s defensive pressure disrupted that rhythm throughout the first half.
The Pioneers struggled to protect the football, throwing two interceptions and putting the ball on the ground twice, although they recovered both fumbles. One of the interceptions came at the Warriors’ 1-yard line, with Waldwick/Midland Park returning it all the way to the New Providence 40-yard line.
Head coach DiStasi credited the defensive front for setting the tone from the opening possession.
“Our defensive line really set the tone for the night,” DiStasi said. “That quarterback’s tremendous, and we knew we had to put some pressure on them, and they did it all night long, right from that first series. So I think that gave us a little bit of energy.”
The Warriors picked up right where they left off after halftime. Following a strong kickoff return Waldwick/Midland Park put together a methodical six-minute drive, continuing to pound the football between the tackles.
Dell’Aglio helped extend the possession with a key run before the Warriors used a hard count to draw New Providence offside. Recognizing the Pioneers were anticipating another run, DiStasi called for an audible that resulted in Dell’Aglio finding Marquis for a 20-yard touchdown.
“I felt like they were selling out on the run in that situation, so I figured let’s get Rocco,” DiStasi said. “He’s a great blocker, but a great receiver when he gets the ball in his hands. So I tried to get him to play.”
The touchdown extended the Warriors’ lead to 27-0 and put them firmly in control.
New Providence finally broke through late in the third quarter when Reilly connected with Quinton Moore for a touchdown with 42 seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 27-7.
The Pioneers continued to search for momentum in the fourth quarter, putting together another promising drive. However, Marquis made his presence felt on the defensive side, recording two key sacks to help stall the possession.
Waldwick/Midland Park eventually forced a turnover on downs with 2:24 remaining. Mayer followed with a first-down run to help drain the clock before the Warriors entered victory formation.
The performance was another example of the balance that has fueled Waldwick/Midland Park’s season. Mayer, who entered the night with 1,734 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, continued to headline a ground attack powered by one of the team’s biggest strengths: its offensive line.
DiStasi was quick to recognize the group following the victory.
“They’re just a tremendous group,” he said. “They do everything the right way. They get coached, they take it, they get better, they prepare. It’s one of the best line groups that I’ve ever been around as a coach in all my stops.”
Marquis, who contributed on both sides of the ball, echoed that sentiment.
“There’s some of the best linemen in New Jersey, if not definitely in North Jersey,” Marquis said. “Everything they do up front, everything goes to them because if we don’t have those guys, we’re not doing what we’re doing now.”
Marquis earned Bagel Nosh Player of the Game honors for his all-around performance, while the Warriors’ offensive line also received recognition for its work up front.
Now, Waldwick/Midland Park turns its attention to one final challenge.
The Warriors will host the Hoboken Red Wings next Friday at 7 p.m. with a sectional championship on the line. Hoboken will present another difficult test, but DiStasi believes his team is prepared for the opportunity.
“It’s going to be a challenge for sure. They’re really good, and I know they’re coached really well,” DiStasi said. “We just got to continue to do what we’re doing. Prepare the same way, and we’ll be in the game for sure.”
With both communities continuing to rally behind the team, the Warriors are looking forward to bringing a championship opportunity back home.
“We’re excited for everybody in both towns,” DiStasi said. “Everything’s been buzzing the past couple weeks. The crowd here tonight was amazing again. We’re excited for the communities that they’re on this ride with us.”
One more Friday night under the lights. One more win away from a sectional title.
