The Wallkill Panthers were looking to redeem themselves after a brutal loss earlier in the season to New Paltz, however after a slow start on Friday night, it was just too much to come back from. The Panthers fell to the Huguenots 43 – 13, losing the Section 9 quarterfinal matchup.

“We came out and we were kind of looking all over the place and guys were caught out of position,” said Panther’s coach Brian Vegliando. “New Paltz had a good game plan and were ready.”

Julien Higgs was the star of the game for New Paltz. He rushed for a total of 220 yards, including three touchdown runs for 85-yards, 30-yards and 27-yards.

Higgs was also on the receiving end of a 41-yard touchdown pass and the following 2-point conversion, both thrown by quarterback Logan Pece.

Wallkill was able to get on the board in the second quarter when quarterback Ryan Strobach dove into the left corner pylon after a 22-yard run, completing the touchdown.

“I thought our guys reacted well and played their butts off the whole time and the guys on that field never gave up,” said Vegliando.
New Paltz’s final two touchdowns were ran in by Anthony DiMarco from 13 yards and 9 yards out.

Wallkill got a second touchdown of the game late in the 4th quarter from running back Devin Martucci, running it in from 7 yards out. A failed 2-point conversion created the final score of the night, 43 – 13.

Martucci was a bright spot for the Panthers all night, who had several long runs and was the guy they turned to for a first down. With a 44-yard run being his longest of the night, his runs were often undone by sacks.

This was the final game of the season for the Panthers.

“I talked to the seniors about all they’ve accomplished and not getting caught up in the moment,” said Vegliando. “It stinks, they feel bad and they’re upset and they should be because of all the work they put in.”

“But when they sit down and have a moment to reflect they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished and how far they’ve come. Just two years ago we didn’t win a game and the seniors put a lot of effort into getting us back to the playoffs.”