The Friday Night lights were bright and there was excitement from fans – especially the young players in the Delran Athletic Association Youth Football program – as Delran High School defeated Northern Burlington, 24-20, in a Sept. 20 nail-biter.
“We do this every year,” said Coach Danny Gillis of the 95-pound Delran Bears team. “It’s awesome. The kids get to line up and create a tunnel as the players run out onto the field before the game. We are the feeder program to the high-school team.”
Youth football teams start practice in July and are open to boys and girls 8 years old and up. Every year the night before their season starts in September, the youths are invited guests at a Delran High School football game.
“Our team won the championship two years in a row as the 75-pound team,” noted Gillis, adding that the same players moved up to the 95-pound team this year. “… Practice begins after July 4 and we focus on pre-season strength, agility and physical training.”
A former U.S. Marine, Gillis noted that he and the assistant coaches use drills he experienced as a soldier and focus on discipline and respect.
“We also emphasize school work,” he explained, adding that players cannot participate if their grades are bad. As for safety, the youngsters wear updated, cushioned helmets and the team follows all concussion protocols.”
The players and coaches on this year’s 95-pound team included Danny Gillis, Damon Roxas, Dave Larson, Craig Manning, Ayden Gillis, Cameron Gray, Carter Clarke, Charlotte Joyce, CJ Manning, Colin Orfe, Colton Roxas, Cruz Geunther, David Larson, Easton Gee, Ethan Jones, Jayceon Mitchell, Leo Locco, Liam McMurtie, Michael Schmidt, PJ Michaels and Shaun Cichowski.
According to Gillis, football Commissioner Tony Waspi “puts the program together” with the cooperation of Delran coach Colin Hewko and athletic director Anthony Guidotti.
“The kids are very excited every year,” said Chris Pell, coach of the 110-pounders and a Class of 1999 Delran High graduate, who was a running back for the football team. “They get introduced and walk along with the high-school team. Then they stay and watch the game.”
Carlos Simon, coach of the Unlimited team, pointed out that many of his players will be joining the high-school football program next year.
“The players are very excited,” he observed. “It gives them the energy and motivation to get ready for the season opener.”
“It is nice to be part of the bigger picture,” said Dan Flaherty, assistant coach of the Unlimited team, adding that the players enjoy watching the high-school players perform and seeing them in action.
Kelli Allen, the social-media coordinator for the Delran youth program, praised the way Coach Hewko “partners with our program.” She said his players teach the fundamentals of football to the youngsters during summer camp and come to the Bears’ games, even working at the concession stands.
And on a warm Friday night in September, the future high-school football stars got to see the current stars win their fourth consecutive game as part of an annual tradition that builds a bridge between young players of all ages and ensures a strong Delran High football team for years to come.
