New era of Pascack Valley football begins
Pascack Valley’s new head football coach, Len Cusumano before a scrimmage against Union City. He was named head coach last spring when 15 year veteran Craig Nielsen announced his retirement.
Head Coach: Len Cusumano (1st season)
Last year’s record: 8-3
Key returnees: Phil Wong (Sr. TE/DT), Josh Tillis (FB/LB), Tommy Uhl (Sr. OL/MLB), Matt Urrea (Sr. RB/NT/K), Kyle Alvarado (WR/DB), Jack Jankowsky (Sr. RB/SS), Mike Leicht (Sr. OL), Brendan McAuliffe (Sr. OL/DL),
Key losses: Colin Dedrick (QB), Mike Pimpinella (WR/SS), Joe Schnugg (OL/DL), Andrew Flores (RB), Joe Williams (FB/MLB), Jake Giambona (RB/FS), Mike Soravilla (WR/FS), Joe Figueroa (LT)
Key newcomers: Matt Haag (Jr. MLB), Anthony Matos (Jr. OLB ), Joe Campagna (So. QB), Matt Novakowski (Sr. WR/CB), Charlie Looes (OL), Andrew Demboski (So. OL), Brandon Lin (Jr. OLB), Tyler DiLorenzo (Sr. WR/FS), Jack Lupardo (Sr. OL/DL), Hugh Cassidy (Sr. FB)
Strengths of team: Defense and youth. “The defense learned quickly and we added depth,” Cusumano said. “We also have a good core group of young players that are ready to step up, and I’m eager to see who does. In addition, there are new faces and guys trying to earn their spots on the team, so they’ll be playing hard.”
Areas that need improvement: Mental toughness. “It’s one area you continue to build week-to-week. We’ve got to go out there with high goals and high expectations tough physical football. The outcome will be in our favor if we play that way.”
Outlook: Despite it being his first season as head coach, Cusumano is no stranger to Pascack Valley football. He’s been a part of two North 1 Group 4 title winning teams, and knows what it takes to be successful in the long run. However, he faces the challenge of having graduated stars in Colin Dedrick, Joe Figueroa, Mike Pimpinella, and Andrew Flores, but is confident in his young roster. “There have been times where we’ve had to replace all five guys on the [offensive] line, or both running backs, and when that’s the case, the new guys have to step up and learn their roles as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Coach’s comment: “I believe that there’s always pressure on you to win and be successful,” said Cusumano, who inherits one of the winningest programs in northern New Jersey. “But life is ten percent what happens to you, and ninety percent how you react, so for me and us as a team, this season will be about how we react to certain scenarios.”
