Wallington finished winless last season, but does not feel completely defeated.
Nor should it.
Life was never going to be easy last year with the Panthers moving up to a higher division and confronting that challenge with only four senior starters.
But rather than wallow in a humbling experience, the Panthers (0-9) resumed training about a week after the season with the help of Jimmy Abboud. An assistant with the Panthers' football team, Abboud was brought on in 2021 as the school's full-time strength and conditioning coach.
"It was four days a week of working out in the weight room, doing plyometrics and agility stuff on the field," coach Justin Avedissian said. "We can definitely see the benefits of that up to this point. Kids are a little more agile. A couple kids put on some size. So it's been a big help."
That is hardly the only change taking place in Wallington. Sal Aiello was brought over from Secaucus to run the defense and clean up a unit that allowed close to 40 points per game. The Panthers are also switching to a 3-3-5 formation, which could help a team more predicated on speed than size.
Participation is stable with around 35 players on the roster. Avidissian likes how much internal competition there is across the board.
"I'm going into my third summer," Avedissian said. "It's been the best in terms of player buy-in, kids showing up and working as hard as they can. Honestly it really started in the offseason."
MORE: Inside look at HS football teams in Bergen and Passaic counties
Tradition
Wallington has won three sectional titles, including two since the playoff era began in 1974. The last one came in 2010 when former coach and current athletic director Charlie Vellis quarterbacked the Panthers to the top.
Firetrucks have become synonymous with the Wallington program due to the home-game tradition of blaring sirens after a touchdown.
The challenge
Challenges are everywhere across the new NJIC Patriot division. Wallington will take on five schools that all finished above .500 last season.
But first up is an important crossover game to start this season.
"Every coach says that we're only worried about the next game but this Week 0 game against Newark Academy is certainly being treated like a Super Bowl to get over that hangover from last year and hopefully put us in the right direction," Avedissian said. "It's a monumental game for our program. Everyone is eager and chomping at the bit for that game."
Expectations
Getting back in the win column is Step 1.
While the vast majority of the team is back, there will be a change at some key positions. The open job at quarterback will likely go to Robert Miller, a promising sophomore returning from an ACL last summer. His arm strength and attitude are seen as major pluses.
"He's been the hardest worker I've ever been around, to be quite honest with you," Avedissian said. "That's going back to coaching at Wayne Hills."
If Miller wins the job, he'll have the chance to throw to his twin brother, Michael, a wide receiver who is moving from corner to outside linebacker after putting on about 20 pounds.
The Panthers also return their leading receiver in junior Joey Roman (461 yards) and another exciting target in junior Max Lettsome. Avedissian plans on using a committee approach at running back with four players battling it out in camp.
On defense, junior Jason Mallon will be the centerpiece at middle linebacker, entrusted to get the play call and coordinate teammates.
"We have the most competition we've ever had at pretty much every position honestly," Avedissian said. "We don't really have a group of starters and backups. It's more like 1A, 1B. Every position group has competition and it's bringing out the best in these kids."
Schedule
Aug. 29: vs. Newark Academy
Sept. 6: vs. Bogota
Sept. 13: at Park Ridge
Sept. 20: vs. Wood-Ridge
Sept. 27: at Weehawken
Oct. 4: vs. St. Mary
Oct. 18: TBD
Oct. 25: TBD
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wallington football bound for better things in 2024 | State of the Program
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