Teams with a 4-6 record don’t win rings, but the 2023 Wayne Valley football team earned a lot of respect despite its losing record.
“Our record wasn’t great, but we were the team in the playoffs that you know would put up a big fight,” said veteran Wayne Valley coach Roger Kotlarz. “I think we showed a lot of character at 0-4, dealt with that disappointment and showed that leadership that made us a tough opponent.”
Wayne Valley expects to be more than just a tough opponent in 2024. It’s a team with seven starters on both sides of the ball, at least one quarterback with poise and experience, and a tradition of recent success.
The Indians begin the season ranked 9th in the North Jersey Public Top 20.
Number-wise, everything is stable at over 70 players. Kotlarz lost two more assistants in the offseason (you could build a Kotlarz coaching tree at this point), but the general philosophies remain the same.
“We had a good summer,” Kotlarz said. “I think the most important thing for us is that we’re getting a lot of experience back, guys who have match practice, and our depth has increased compared to last year, so we can do more. I think it’s an experienced group.”
In recent years, Wayne Valley has developed into the top team in the football stronghold of Wayne, along with Passaic Tech. This year’s schedule is demanding: First up is a trip to Ohio, followed by a showdown with Northern Highlands.
But when you look at the contenders for the 2024 season in North Jersey, the Indians check all the boxes: They have experience at all key positions, a coach with a winning track record, and they have pressure to perform after last year.
“I would say I think it’s potentially one of our better teams since I’ve been at Wayne Valley,” Kotlarz said. “Our biggest challenge will be to stick to the schedule and stay healthy.”
The tradition
This is a program rich in tradition. Kotlarz established a popular post-game ceremony where a player is allowed to drive an axe into a tree stump after a victory.
Wayne Valley is part of one of the biggest rivalries in North Jersey with Wayne Hills. The Indians have won the last three meetings against the Patriots.
Kotlarz has won 61 games since taking over in 2014 and led the Indians to a sectional and regional title in 2019.
The challenge
Wayne Valley is one of the few public schools in North Jersey that also offers international trips.
The Indians will play against Lancaster High School in Ohio in Week 0. This will be a real challenge: bus ride, home team officials, and Wayne Valley hasn’t beaten an opponent from another state since 2019.
The schedule is a bear, featuring Group 4 finalist Ramapo and semifinalist Mount Olive, which beat Wayne Valley twice last year. The challenge for Wayne Valley is to beat the elite teams in 2024, not just play close.
Expectations
Quarterback Danny Ferrauilo stepped in midway through last season due to an injury and showed he has what it takes. But Kotlarz said senior Anthony Destefano has been pushing for the starting quarterback spot in practice.
Wayne Valley has one of the most dynamic offenses in North Jersey, a strong core of linemen and a strong defense.
The last time Wayne Valley had a “bad” year was in 2021, the Indians rebounded in great fashion in 2022, reaching 10-1. The same thing happened in 2018 when Wayne Valley reached 6-5 and 11-2 in 2019. This looks like one of North Jersey’s best teams.
schedule
30 August: in Lancaster (Ohio), 7 p.m.
6 September: in the Northern Highlands, 6:15 p.m.
13 September: vs. Passaic Valley, 6:30 p.m.
20 September: vs. Paramus, 6:30 p.m.
27 September: in Hackensack, 7 p.m.
October 5: in Wayne Hills, 6 p.m.
October 10: vs. Ramapo, 6:30 p.m.
October 18: against Mount Olive, 6:30 p.m.
October 25: in Ridgewood, 6:30 p.m.
