The Passaic Valley High football team will open the 2020 season, at home, on Oct. 3, when Vernon High, of Sussex County, comes to Little Falls for a 2:30 p.m. start.
The Hornets will have a new head coach this fall, as Max Wassel, a one-time PV football standout, is the new head coach.
Read more about Wassel’s coaching staff and expectations, here.
New Passaic Valley High football coach Max Wassel thrilled with his team, as Hornets begin ‘Phase 1’ of preparation for 2020 season
Wassel succeeds Chet Parlavecchio, who stepped down from coaching, after a 25-year career on the high school level, including 10 seasons at Passaic Valley, last December. Wassel was an assistant coach for Parlavecchio the past two seasons.
This will be the first-ever meeting between PV and Vernon, on the varsity gridiron,
Passaic Valley’s schedule this fall also includes a game at Lakeland, on Oct, 9 at 6:30 p.m. followed by 1 p.m. home games, on Oct. 17 and 24 versus West Milford and Sparta respectively.
The regular season concludes with a game at Jefferson, on Oct 30 and Wayne Valley, on Nov. 6, with those contests kicking off at 7 p.m.
Wassel, like Parlavecchio, will run the defense while Joe Wassel, PV’s head wrestling and golf coach, as well as Max’s older brother, will be the offensive coordinator.
The coaching staff also features Jay Tiseo, who will coach the wide receivers and defensive backs, Alex Iachetta, the line coach, Dom Carfagno, who will coach the tight ends and defensive linemen, and Zach Mazalewski, a former PV quarterback who will work with the signal callers.
While Wassel has yet to name captains, he plans to do so in time for the season opener on Oct. 3. The Hornets had its game scrimmage last week, at Ramsey, and Wassel was pleased with the play of senior quarterback Nick Vasta, as well as tight end and linebacker, Matt Ciarlo.
“Nick has played well,” said Wassel. “He has good speed and runs the offense. Matt is a strong kid, and probably our best athlete.
“We’re going to be a young team this year. Our offensive line will be completely rebuilt, after graduation took its toll last spring.
“We have 17 seniors this year, but only five with varsity game experience. I like what I’m seeing from the kids, as far as effort and hard work. They’re learning a new system and doing well. We’re hoping everyone will be on the practice field this week, getting ready for Vernon.”
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