Illian's Career Day Leads Valley Over Hills

Many of those who know Senior Kevin Illian know him for his play on the Gridiron.

A three-year starter, Illian played both Wide Receiver and Safety. He was the Indian’s #1 receiver and the secondary’s hardest hitting defensive back. In the 2012 season where Pascack Valley went 12-1 and appeared in the State Championship Game, Illian earned First Team All County defensive back.

With all the recognition and accolades that he receives on the football field, some forget that he is also one of the best lacrosse players in Bergen County and around the state.

When asked which sport he preferred, Illian simply could not make up his mind.

“You know I like them both to be honest. Football is high intensity and high pressured with big crowds. Lacrosse is laid back and we have a lot of fun in practices and games.”

On Wednesday afternoon, it was behind Illian’s 5 goals that Pascack Valley earned a 13-5 win over arch rival Pascack Hills.

Although the Cowboys took a 1-0 lead in the opening minutes, Illian made sure they realized that this day belonged to him. He put two goals past the Hills’ goalie in the first period, giving Pascack Valley a 2-1 lead after the first 12 minutes.

Pascack Hills responded however and tied the game at two. In a quarter with lots of possession, but not many shots on goal, Nick Soravilla was the only other player to score in the period. At intermission, the Indians were clinging to a 3-2 lead.

Pascack Hills, the 10 seed in the upcoming Bergen County Tournament, was staying with Pascack Valley and giving them the type of battle that all rivalries should have. With that being said, this was not the best havf the Indians have played by far this season. They were sloppy on offense and were giving up creases for shots on defense. If they failed to clean up their act in the second half, the bragging rights they held so dear might have been lost.

Apparently, Pascack Valley wanted to send a message to the Cowboys in the second half. They scored 6 goals in the quarter and turned what was a dogfight into a game in which the Indians had good control over.

Illian added two more goals in the third quarter, giving him a total of four for the day. Not only did he score, but he also set up teammates such as Mike Buldo and Nick Sunseri for easy shots.

The final period provided Pascack Valley a chance to really pour it on. After a goal by Mike Buldo, two by Nick Sunseri, and Kevin Illian’s 5^th goal of the day, the Indians put the game out of reach and kept their incredible season rolling.

Nick Sunseri had three goals for Pascack Valley. Mike Buldo and Nick Soravilla each had two and Zach Beja added the other.

All that aside, the player of the game was Illian. He was the vocal leader on the field as well as the physical one. He put the team on his back (scoring wise) and led this Indians to the second of back-to-back wins over Pascack Hills.

“It’s always good to take down Hills and keep the bragging rights, especially with lacrosse being one of the only sports where we play them.”

The seeds for the Bergen County LAX Tournament came out this afternoon and Pascack Valley (12-1) was awarded with the 4 seed and a date with Indian Hills in the first round on Saturday.

Granted they are fortunate enough to win that game, they will play the winner of 5^th seeded Fair Lawn and 12^th seeded River Dell. The Indians most suspenseful game of the season came earlier in the year against Fair Lawn when they earned a hard fought 5-4 victory.

The top three seeds in this year's tournament are Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco, and Ridgewood respectively. No matter what everyone says, these three teams are a cut above the rest and have a great shot at making the semifinals.

By earning the 4 seed, Pascack Valley's semifinal dream seems well within reach being that they avoid each of those three teams before the final four. Even if their chances look good on paper, Pascack Valley must not take anything for granted.

“We have to play for four quarters,” added Illian. “If we come out like we did against Pascack Hills, we will be on the losing end.”

An added bonus to Illian’s great day is the fact that he ended up breaking a school record. By scoring 5 goals today, that puts him at 119 for his career when the previous school record was 116.

Records are meant to be broken.

Pascack Valley has never been to a Bergen County semifinal.

Is this the year the Indians break through and make a run to the beloved Final Four?

With Kevin Illian on the field, expect the unexpected.