For the last 34 years Head Coach Don Smolyn and his Lenape Valley Patriots have always been perennial playoff contenders in the SCIL. With the recent move to the newly formed NJAC conference, the 2009 Patriots look poised to make another postseason run. However in the competitive Freedom Division, that could be a tall order.

“This year we have six new teams, so this is going to be a whole new experience for us. We pick up five new schools in the conference and we also picked up Somerville as our out of conference game. Coach Smolyn said. “It’s going to be interesting, but we’re excited.”

OFFENSE

No secrets here…the Patriots will break out their famed Wing T offense that coach Smolyn has been running since he arrived 34 years ago. At quarterback, Lenape is set with Matt Ciampaglio (6’2”, 160lbs) who has started since his sophomore year. Ciampaglio has really progressed and is poised to have a great season. He comes from good pedigree as well. His uncle played for Lenape and then continued at Rutgers while Ciampaglio’s father was a terrific basketball player for Morris Knolls and went on star at Wagner. Jim LaBell (6’0”, 205lbs) is the teams leading scorer at fullback and a key part of the Wing T. At the left halfback position is two year starter and senior Travis Ressa (5’7”, 165lbs). The team is still in search of that third back to round out the backfield and expect to see any combination of Lucas Olivera, Michael LaBell or Brenden Sha  ...Read More