Highlanders’ football falls to Wayne Valley 39-18

The West Milford High School football team lost at home to Wayne Valley High School this past Friday night by a final score of 39-18.

The Highlanders were down 24-6 at the half before junior Christian Ashby intercepted the Indians’ quarterback on the team’s opening drive of the second half and returned it for a touchdown.

That made the score 24-12 in the third quarter after West Milford missed the two-point conversion.

Wayne Valley, however, answered the Highlanders’ defensive score with a long scoring drive of its own that left less than a minute in the quarter and further widened the gap between the teams.

The Highlanders would score again in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough as the Indians were able to add to their lead and hold on for the win.

West Milford quarterback Dylan Connors went 9-of-16 for 93 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the game.

Running back Joe Palmentieri led the team in rushing with 53 yards on nine carries.

Receivers Ashton Stymacks and Christopher Coyle each caught a touchdown in the game as well.

Junior Xavier Gerety led the team in tackles with eight.

Wayne Valley got on the scoreboard first, going up 8-0 by the end of the opening quarter.

Connors found Coyle in the end zone in the second quarter for his first touchdown pass, but the Indians were able to score 16 more points of their own in the quarter, leading to the big 24-6 halftime lead.

The Highlanders (2-4) will get a chance to get back on track this Saturday, when the team is scheduled to travel to Fair Lawn to play the Cutters.