The New Providence football team hosts a number of special events during their Friday night home games. These include Lucas Day, PAL Night, and of course, Senior Night. But one of the most important and meaningful games of the year is the Wounded Warrior game. 

This year, the Wounded Warrior game was hosted at home on September 30th against the undefeated Crusaders of Arthur L. Johnson.

This is the second time the Wounded Warrior game has happened. 

Head Football Coach Parlavecchio said: “We did it back in 2018. And then we tried to do it every two years, so that way everybody in the program got an opportunity to do it.”

Unfortunately, COVID prevented it from happening back in 2020.

Coach Parlavecchio said explained the origins of the game: “It was inspired by a very dear friend that was a Marine who did two tours in Iraq.”

The Wounded Warrior Project provides support, including mental health and financial support, to veterans. 

Parlavecchio explained:  “[The Wounded Warrior Project] could put a railing in a veteran’s home, just so he can get up the stairs easier.  You don’t know how much easier and how much better you’ve made his life.”

Throughout the week of practice prior to the game, special guests came and spoke to the football team before practice started. These special guests were former members of the United States Military, ranging from residents of the town to former members of the New Providence football program. They spoke about things such as honor, dedication, and trust in your peers. 

“To hear the guys in the military come and speak to the team and talk about things that we talked about within the football mindset, but these guys do it on a whole other level of commitment and sacrifice and all those things, but to hear from those guys kind of makes you grateful for what you’re doing and appreciate what you’re doing a little more” said Parlaveccchio.

Before the game, the New Providence football team made a donation of $2,600 to the Wounded Warrior Project, and honored the veterans who spoke to the team the week prior. 

Also before the game, players on the team had the opportunity to dedicate the game to friends or relatives who served in the United States Military. During the game, their names and when they served were announced aloud from the booth. 

New Providence defeated Arthur L. Johnson 27-14, ending Johnson’s so far undefeated season, and the Pioneers continued their undefeated streak in the black uniforms. The Pioneers advanced to 3-3.