Cinnaminson Football Looks to Compete in Tough Patriot Division

Coming into the 2011 football season, the have a major factor on their side, experience.

The team graduated only four starters in the spring of 2010, which means both sides of the ball will be manned by veteran players when the team opens its season tonight at home against division foe Willingboro.

“Even though it sounds cliché, we are taking it one game a time, not just one specific matchup," head coach Mario Patrizi said. "Willingboro is going to test us right out of the shoot. They are going to be physical, quick, and bring a lot of blitzes on defense. They are going to be tough.” 

Patrizi enters his sixth season as head coach of the Pirates with a 21-29 overall record.

“Since day one of camp we have been preaching intensity. If we play the way we did in a couple of our scrimmages then we will be able to win a lot of games this season,” Patrizi said. “Football games are won in April, May, June and July. You cannot just show-up in August for camp and expect to be ready to play. These captains had close to 40 players attend nightly captains’ practices throughout the summer.”

The Patriot Division of the West New Jersey Football League is one of the toughest divisions in South Jersey. The division features perennial powers Willingboro and Holy Cross, with both teams on Cinnaminson’s schedule for 2011.

“Willingboro and Holy Cross will be strong teams once again and we travel to Holy Cross in week two, so there is no letup in our schedule,” Patrizi said.

Cinnaminson finished the 2010 season with a 5-5 overall record and an 0-4 mark within the division, losing a tough divisional game to Delran on Thanksgiving Day to end their regular season. The Pirates did make the playoffs, falling to Collingswood by a score of 34-7 in the first round. The goal for 2011 is simple; improve upon last season’s 5-5 record and advance deep into the playoffs.

“Without a doubt we want to beat Delran and Holy Cross this year. The rivalry with Delran has been there since Pop Warner, so losing to them as a senior is not an option. Holy Cross came to our house last year and embarrassed us,” quarterback Dominic Elly said.

Despite not being decimated by graduation, Cinnaminson has a different man under center to start the season as compared to last. Elly will take over the quarterback duties after splitting time between quarterback and running back in 2010.

“Being named a captain comes with a lot of responsibility and maturity. I have grown up a lot over just one year but it has helped me become a leader on the field,” Elly said.

The offensive and defensive lines are anchored by seniors David Kozak and Samuel Ekwonike, the only captain remaining from last year’s squad. The defense as a whole is anchored by senior defensive back Chris Kirby.

“Games are won and lost in the trenches; so if our offensive and defensive lines play to their potential then we will be successful this year,” Patrizi said.

None of the four starters who graduated after last season were members of the offensive or defensive lines, making this group a veteran and experienced group of players.

“Without a doubt our offensive and defensive lines will be the strength of our team this year,” Kozak said.

The ability to stop the run is key to the success of any high school football team and on the other side of things, the ability to run the football is key to a team’s offensive success.

“The front eight of our defense will determine how successful we will be this season. If we are able to prevent big plays by our opponents then we will be okay,” Ekwonike said.

The captains have noted unity as a major difference from last year’s team to the one that will take the field in 2011. The younger players in the program will be expected to contribute at one time or another during the season if the Pirates wish to be successful.

“The young guys have had to learn a lot over the last month but they have handled it really well. That’s what we are here for, to help the young guys learn the system for this year and the future,” Kirby said.

Cinnaminson’s schedule will also feature division games against Burlington Township and Delran on Thanksgiving Day. Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 28 against Hopewell Valley Central.