Highlanders’ football beats Fair Lawn 42-13 for third victory

The West Milford High School football team beat Fair Lawn High School by a final score of 42-13 this past Saturday.

“We came out ready to play on Saturday and executed for four quarters,” said Head Coach Steve Maslanek. “I am very proud of the boys.”

The Cutters were able to score two rushing touchdowns in the second half to make the score somewhat respectable, but the Highlanders were in control of this game from the start.

West Milford scored two unanswered touchdowns in the opening quarter before adding two more in the second to take a 28-0 lead by halftime.

Senior Joshua Curving ran in his second touchdown of the game in the third quarter before Fair Lawn would finally get on the board.

It was too little, too late for the Cutters, though, as the Highlanders added yet another score to the lead in the fourth quarter when sophomore Ashton Stymacks ran it into the end zone.

Fair Lawn would score once more in the final quarter to make the score 42-13.

West Milford quarterback Dylan Connors went 5-of-8 for 164 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the game while also rushing for a touchdown.

Two Highlander running backs each gained over 100 yards on the ground on Saturday, with Curving leading the way with 114 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns.

Joe Palmentieri wasn’t far behind with 103 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown of his own.

Stymacks added 49 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.

Curving also had two receptions for 54 yards and a receiving touchdown in the game.

Defensively, senior Philip Strina led the team in tackles with nine to go along with his interception.

Jordan Araujo also intercepted the Cutter quarterback in the game.

“We are now focusing on Jefferson,” Maslanek said. “Which is a crosstown rival and a big game with playoff implications."

The Highlanders (3-4) will try to make it two wins in a row against the Falcons this Friday night, when the team is scheduled to travel to Jefferson for the away game.