Football is a game of discipline, and hard work. Throughout the 2022 season the New Providence football team has been focusing their efforts to improve not only on the football field, but also their character, composure, and mental strength. 

Head coach Parlavecchio explained the motivation that has kept him coaching for 13 years:  “Vince Lombardi used to say, ‘I’ll tell you if I had a successful program by the types of men and fathers and husbands they become 10, 15, 20 years down the road.’ So that’s really what it’s about. That’s the most important thing is that when they leave here, they know how to be part of a team, they know how to make sacrifices for one another, and they develop great memories. Hopefully when they come back in 5 to 10 years they’re still talking about their experience in the program.”

Parlavecchio also explained how the schedule this year is very tough, and requires players to have to get better every week if they want to be a competitive team and make it to the playoffs:

“Being in big games you know, which is what this schedule has demanded, it’s been a challenge and that’s what we should want at this point in our program.  Being able to play in those big games only prepares you down the road to play  in the playoffs. So, each week presents its own challenge. And, I felt like especially [in the] last couple of weeks, we’ve started to really improve and that’s the goal. Right? It’s just steadily get better every week.”

The freshman football team has similar expectations and goals.  Playing on the freshman team teaches them how the game works, and also teaches them how to act and represent New Providence no matter where they are. 

“Our expectations are that they are respectful. They are students first, they show up to practice every day focused.   We expect of our freshmen what we expect of our varsity players” said head freshman coach Manns. 

Obviously the team’s focus is on the sport, but the coaches agree that NPHS football is about  more than that.

“I hope it teaches the value of commitment, value of accountability, the value of toughness, both physically and mentally. Being able to handle adversity,[and] show character. Dealing with the ups and downs of a season, of a career. Guys have to battle through injury, through a number of things. And those are the things that you hope guys can take out of football, when they go to college, they’re going through some tough times and they’re there by themselves. They’ve experienced something like that on the football field. Not even just football, but being able to deal with adverse situations showing character and those moments. Those are all things that can carry you way down the road” said Parlavecchio.