For Pleasant Valley, belief never wavered.

Even through tough times, the Bears stayed together — and last Thursday, senior quarterback Jaxson Haines helped that commitment shine in a convincing win over Dieruff.

Haines delivered an efficient, poised performance to guide Pleasant Valley to a 34-7 victory. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears piled up more than 400 yards of offense and celebrated their first win since November 2023.

His effort also earned him recognition as the Times News Football Player of the Week.

“It felt very good because it’s been a very long time,” Haines said. “We came to that game knowing that we can win and we showed that. I hope everyone sees that and we continue that.”

Growth under center

For Haines, the performance wasn’t just about ending a streak. It was about showing how far he has come since last season.

As a first-year starter in 2023, Haines admits he often felt overwhelmed.

“It was very much faster last year than this year,” he said. “It’s so much slower, and I feel like I’m really getting it and improving like that.”

Through two games this fall, Haines has completed 20 of 27 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, already nearing the 418 yards he totaled all of last season in a run-heavy offense.

One play against Dieruff captured that growth. Facing fourth down early in the game, head coach Blaec Saeger called a timeout and told his team they were going for it. “The look in their eyes was just like, ‘Yep, we are, coach,’ and then they went out and executed,” Saeger said.

The execution came from Haines, who dropped back and fired a strike to convert a 20-yard gain. “It felt really good,” Haines said. “It was like, ‘OK, we’re good here.’”

That conversion not only extended the drive, but it also underscored the confidence Pleasant Valley has in its senior quarterback — and the confidence Haines now has in himself.

A leader emerges

Saeger has seen that transformation firsthand.

“Jaxson really epitomizes what this team is,” Saeger said. “He was a scared first-year player last year, much like many of our kids. But he’s stepped up immensely as a leader. He’s one of the heartbeats of this team now, and I’m extremely proud of where he’s at.”

Saeger pointed to Haines’ ability to run the Bears’ option attack while also commanding the passing game. “He has a very difficult job, but I have all the belief in him,” Saeger said. “He’s the head of the snake. He’s the guy who makes everything go.”

A balanced attack

The win over Dieruff also showed how much Haines’ growth has diversified Pleasant Valley’s offense. By making efficient throws, he forced the Huskies to respect both the pass and the run.

“Last year it wasn’t great, but now this year I feel way more comfortable,” Haines said. “It’s way better now because people actually have to worry about the pass. They can’t just focus on the run, and it’s better for me and everybody.”

The Bears spread the ball around, with nine players recording carries and five players catching passes. Long, methodical drives of six, 14, and 16 plays wore down Dieruff’s defense.

And while Haines supplied the highlight throws, Pleasant Valley’s own defense made sure the effort wouldn’t go to waste. The Bears limited Dieruff to just 16 first-half yards, and Brian Miller’s group bottled up explosive playmaker Derwyn Deris.

“Our program is always based on physicality and defense,” Saeger said. “I love the fact that we were able to throw the football, but the defense won us that football game. They just kept shutting them down and giving us the ball back.”

Looking ahead

For Haines, the most important part of the night wasn’t just the numbers — it was momentum.

“Momentum’s going to be a big thing because we haven’t had that in a while,” he said. “It’s the best feeling ever. Now we have a tough one, but we’re going there thinking we can win.”

At 1-1, Pleasant Valley has already shown signs of progress with its senior quarterback leading the way. Now in his final season, Haines is hoping performances like last Thursday’s can define his senior year, and leave a lasting mark on a program eager to turn the corner.

The Bears travel to Exeter on Friday night in search of another step forward.

“He’s matured so much, and he’s just grown into that role,” Saeger said. “I love where he’s at, and I love coaching him.”