As the high school football season kicks off across Section IX, three local programs — Wallkill, Valley Central and Pine Bush — are entering September with distinct storylines and plenty to prove.

Wallkill: chasing redemption
Wallkill enters the fall with a lingering sting from last year’s rivalry loss to Valley Central, which cost the Panthers a chance at a fourth straight “Battle of the Valley” helmet victory. After starting 2-0, Wallkill dropped eight straight to finish 2-8 in 2024.

Coach Joe Pillitteri said the focus is on small steps, beginning with a Sept. 5 nonleague opener at Saugerties.

“We want to be 1-0, because that sets the tone for the season,” Pillitteri said.

The Panthers are leaning on their leadership council — senior running back Kent Glasgow, senior tackle Harold Bruggeman and second-year quarterback JJ Detz. Other key seniors include John Reilly (FS/WR), Connor Bleichner (TE/MLB) and center Julian Aviles.
Detz, expected to start under center, said the summer was about building chemistry and learning to face adversity, whether through joint practices or finding ways to train when fields weren’t playable.

“It’s growing to what we used to be as a team,” Bruggeman added.

Valley Central:
building momentum
After posting the program’s first winning season in a decade, Valley Central is chasing more. The Vikings finished 5-4 last fall, highlighted by a 20-14 win over Wallkill to reclaim the rivalry helmet for the first time since 2021.

Second-year coach Scott Rumsey said the culture shift has been noticeable.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience for me,” Rumsey says. “Coming from college (coaching) for 30 years, to last year. You know, it was a nightmare at times, where this year it’s been fun every day. It’s been great.”

The Vikings must replace several standout graduates, including defensive leader Matthew Messing and lineman Aiden White, who is now at Marist. But a strong senior class — including Kiernan Bresnick (OLB/TE), Jaden Sarlo (WR/S/K), Logan Young (WR/CB), Darron Creighton Jr. (S/RB), Logan McKenna (LB/RB)  and Ryan Santos — will look to carry the load.

Valley Central opens Sept. 5 at Washingtonville in the first of two straight road games. A playoff push in Class B is the goal.

Pine Bush: senior-heavy
and determined
For Pine Bush, the emphasis is on ownership. After finishing 3-6 and falling to Monroe-Woodbury in the Class AA semifinals last season, the Bushmen return 12 starters and a locker room determined to change its trajectory.

“We’re taking it, and we’re going straight to space. Right through the roof,” said senior Jemire Bey-Dominick. “If you want it, you want all of it. No matter how hard it is, no matter how easy, we’re taking it.”

Head coach Rich Ormsby said players have taken charge of the program’s energy and direction. That senior group includes Jordan Bryant (WR/CB), Max Cedeno (MLB/DE), Justin Englesen (QB/DB), Anthony Webb (WR/DB), Marquis Smith (WR/CB) and a veteran offensive line anchored by centers Jose Rivera and Patrick Curran.

The Bushmen travel to John Jay-East Fishkill for their Sept. 5 opener, with expectations to show their growth from a year ago.