Category: Lenni Lenape

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  Cherokee’s Brandon Boria (right) carries the ball as teammate Jake Ellis (center) puts a block on Lenape’s Ty Smith during season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Cherokee’s Austin Bird (right) goes up for a pass as he is hit by #4 Lenape’s Kobi Ray-Reed (left) during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Cherokee’s Tommy Pajic (left) stretches out for extra yardage as he is tackled by Lenape’s Andrew Mostak (right) during the season opener Sept.2 in Marlton.

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  Lenape’s Cole Galvao (left) goes out for a pass only to see it intercepted by Cherokee’s Antonio Campbell (right) during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Lenape’s Kobi Ray-Reed (left) carries both the ball and Cherokee defender Aydan Nelson (right) during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Cherokee’s Sean Cole (right) signals a TD as Brandon Boria dives across the goal line for a score during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  A pass just slips through the fingers of Cherokee’s Brandon Boria in the season opener against Lenape Sept. 2.

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  Lenape’s Kobi Ray-Reed (right) carries the ball and encounters Cherokee’s Brian Mitchell (left) during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Cherokee’s Sean Cole (right) carries the ball as Lenape’s Tyley Selby (left) defends in the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Lenape’s Kobi Ray-Reed (right) carries the ball with Cherokee’s Mike Muckensturm (left) in pursuit during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Lenape’s Kobi Ray-Reed (right) carries the ball as Cherokee’s Myles Jefferson (left) moves in during the season opener Sept. 2 in Marlton.

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  Cherokee quarterback Ryan Bender (left) falls across the goal line as he is tackled by Lenape’s Brayden…

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Williamstown Braves

Head coach: Tom Kelly (first season)

Last year’s record: 7-2

2021 Starting SI rating: 82.42

Division: WJFL American

Division opponents: Millville, Shawnee, Lenape, St. Augustine, Vineland

Key players: Turner Inge, RB/LB, Sr.; Keyshaun Watkins, QB/RB, Sr.; Jayden Wright, OL/DL, Sr.; Barry Alexander, DL, Sr.; Paul Williams, RB/DB, Sr.; Chad Davis, DL, Sr., Nasir Lane, DL, Sr.; Jacob Pederson, P, Sr.

Outlook: Tom Kelly is the Braves’ third coach in three seasons. Frank Fucetola left the Braves prior to the 2020 season after over two decades with the program, the best years coming at the end of his tenure where Williamstown established itself as one of the best teams in the state.

Long-time offensive coordinator Pat Gallagher took over for one season, going 7-2, and now the job falls to another former Williamstown assistant in Kelly.

A strong senior class graduated but there’s still plenty of talent left, including Villanova commit Turner Inge, who will lead the Braves from the offensive and defensive backfields. Inge was the leading rusher with 545 yards and nine scores.

Williamstown is a two-time defending sectional champion and finished last year strong to vault into the Top 20 at season’s end. It will be challenged out of the blocks, especially with a matchup at St. Augustine in Week 2.

Schedule

• Sept. 3: Rancocas Valley
• Sept. 10: at St. Augustine
• Sept. 17: Kingsway
• Sept. 24: Lenape
• Oct. 1: at Shawnee
• Oct. 8: at Washington Twp.
• Oct. 15: Millville
• Oct. 22: at Vineland
• Oct. 29: at Ocean City

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Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting…

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MADISON – The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (METC) will host a program titled “Lenape Lifeways: Introducing the First People of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25.

This family-oriented program is free with regular museum admission. Pre-registration is recommended and can be found at www.metc.org.

As many as 10 million Native Americans lived in North America by the end of the 15th century.  Many thousands lived in “Lenapehocking,” the vast homeland of the Lenni Lenape, who were the first inhabitants of eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware.

This program explores the life and times of these peaceful, progressive people, comparing and contrasting their social customs, history, religion, family life, agriculture, hunting, healing practices, arts and crafts, past and present contributions (and much more) with those of the Europeans and Colonial Americans of their time.

Carla Messinger of Native American Heritage Programs will lead this interactive program. She is the founder/director of Native American Heritage Programs and a descendant of the Lenape people, with 35 years of experience in educating the public about Lenape culture.

The organization’s mission is “to present, preserve, and perpetuate the history, lifeways, culture, and contributions of the Lenape and other Native American groups.”

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts explores American history with a focus on the life and stories of 18th- and 19th-century craftsmen and artisans.

Drawing on its rich collection, METC seeks to connect the lives of people and their stories, while providing a bridge from the past to the future. Housed in a Richardsonian Romanesque Revival building donated by D. Willis James to the people of Madison in 1900, METC offers something for visitors of all ages.

Regular METC admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students and children…

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People turned to Delaware Tribe Chief Chet Brooks for his knowledge of the past. He could recite every treaty the United States ever made with the Delaware. 

When his tribe’s federal recognition was imperiled in the 1970s, Brooks met the Secretary of the Interior on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. He brought with him a list of 26 treaties that proved the Delaware existed.

“He was really proud about knowing the history of the Delaware Tribe,” said his brother, Larry “Joe” Brooks. “He knew it like a book.”  

Chester “Chet” Brooks was in his second term as chief when he died Sunday, Aug. . He was 78. He had spent 35 years helping to lead the tribe in Bartlesville, in the same town he was born. He served on the Delaware Tribe’s council and trust boards before he was elected chief in November 2014.

He also was the tribe’s de-facto historian. His institutional and historical knowledge is irreplaceable, said Acting Chief Brad Kills Crow. Brooks had worked with younger leaders to pass on what he knew. 

One lesson that resonated most with Kills Crow was Brooks’ ability to respect decisions made by the tribal council and move forward.  

“Whether we agreed or disagreed, he ended our conversation with a smile,” said Kills Crow, who served alongside Brooks for three years as assistant chief. “It is up to us to continue moving along the path he has set for us.”

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The Delaware Tribe, with about 11,000 citizens, is one of three related Delaware nations recognized today by the U.S. government. The others are the Delaware Nation in Anadarko and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community in Wisconsin. Their homelands in the Northeast meant they were among the first pushed out by European colonists, who referred to the people as…

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Division: WJFL Continental

Division opponents: Eastern; Kingsway; Rancocas Valley; St. Joseph (Hamm.); Washington Township

Key players: Brandon Boria, RB, Jr.; Aiden Geisenheimer, OL, Sr.; Mike Muckenstrum, LB, Sr.; Bill Westerby, DL/LB, Sr.; Tom Nigro, DL, Sr.; Dom DeChurch, DL, Jr.; Antonio Campbell, DB, Sr.; Tyler Kellenberger, WR, Sr.; Ayden Nelson, LB, Sr.; Holden Wolfort, WR, Sr.; Sean Cole, RB/S, Jr.; Roman Dougherty, LB, Jr.; Jake Ellis, OL, Jr.; Brian Mitchell, DB, Jr.; Tom Pajic, WR, So.; Cam Burti, WR, Jr.; Ryan Bender, QB, So.

Outlook: The Chiefs lost several key players to graduation but return a talented young group looking to compete for a division title and make another postseason run.

They lost their final two games of last season by a combined four points – a three-point overtime setback to district rival Lenape in the WJFL Pod A semifinals and a one-point loss to Non-Public power St. Joseph (Mont.). Those setbacks will surely motivate this team as it navigates what looks to be a highly competitive regular-season schedule.

Cherokee will feature one of the state’s top returning running backs in Brandon Boria, who rushed for 888 yards and 11 touchdowns in six games. He collected a career-high 267 rushing yards on 35 carries along with two touchdown runs, a 3-yarder and a blistering 82-yard jaunt, in a loss to district rival Lenape.

Expect this group to be strong along the lines and complete on a weekly basis. There’s no reason why Cherokee can’t be in the conversation for division honors and a postseason berth.

2021 schedule:

Sept. 2: Lenape

Sept. 10: St. Joseph (Hamm.)

Sept. 24: Washington Township

Oct. 1: at Eastern

Oct. 8: Shawnee

Oct. 16: at Rancocas Valley

Oct. 22: Kingsway

TBA: Seneca

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Newton Braves

Coach: Matt Parzero, 5th season (44-7 at Newton, 90-33 overall)

Last year: 6-0

2021 Starting SI rating: 75.52

Division: Super Football Conference, National Red

Division opponents: Hackettstown, High Point, Kittatinny, Lenape Valley, Sussex Tech, Vernon

Key players: Jack Young, QB/DB/P, Sr.; Brayden Nolan, RB/LB, Jr.; Matt Iatesta, OL/DL, Sr.; Melkart Abou-Jaoude, TE/DE, Sr.; Robert McCullough, K/DB/QB, Jr.

Outlook: A sense of familiarity from last year’s unbeaten season has Newton looking not only like one of Sussex County’s best but in the conversation of one of the top teams in Group 2 this season.

As a Group 2 team, several players will be playing on both sides of the ball but with several returning starters—6 on offense, 7 on defense—to go along with a plethora of upperclassmen looking to break through in a big way, there won’t be any learning curve to figure out for the Braves.

Newton’s biggest contributor is the leader on both sides of the ball in Jack Young, serving as the Braves’ quarterback and top defensive back. His brother, Luke, was able to lead Newton to the sectional title in 2017 and Jack has a chance to cement his own legacy in Sussex County as another dual-threat quarterback running the show for Newton.

Overall the Braves may find its most familiar group along the trenches. Newton returns 4 of its starting offensive linemen from last year in Matt Iatesta, Matt McLean, Rylan Ivaldi and Melkart Abou-Jaoude and 2 more along the defensive line in About-Jaoude and Brody Guerra.

Newton also expects to have a strong rushing attack at its disposal once more with Brayden Nolan leading the charge with newcomers Taylor Sibblies, Matt May and Donato Bevaqua looking to take some of the rushing load as well.

2021 Schedule

• 9/3 at Sparta
• 9/10 vs. Vernon
• 9/18 at Sussex Tech
• 9/24 vs. Jefferson
• 10/1 vs. Kittatinny
• 10/8 at Hackettstown
• 10/15 at High Point
• 10/22 vs. Lenape…

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Vineland Fighting Clan

Head coach: Dan Russo (ninth season at Vineland, 37-41)

Last year’s record: 2-4

2021 Starting SI rating: 66.12

Division: WJFL American

Division opponents: Lenape, Millville, St. Augustine, Shawnee, Williamstown

Key players: Anthony Arthur, RB/DB, Sr.; Billy Davis, TE/LB, Sr.; Daeshaun Winchester, WR/DB, Sr.; Braylon Blakely, RB/DB, Sr., Nasi Tatem, WR/LB, Sr.; Antwain Rivera, WR/DB, Sr.; Jamez Bullock, TE/DE, Jr.; James Hitchens, WR/DB, Jr.; Jameson Blanding, OL/DL, So.; Derek Ockimey, OL/DL, Jr.; Ryan Fennal, OT/DT, Sr.; Julio Garcia;, OL/DL, Jr. Dan Russo, QB/LB, Fr.; Jamher Bryson, RB/LB, Sr.

Outlook: Vineland head coach Dan Russo says his Fighting Clan are going to surprise some people.

After a 2-4 season, graduating some solid players and facing a challenging schedule, it might seem to be an uphill battle. But Russo likes his mix of incoming talent and returning veterans and feels the Fighting Clan will be a factor in a wide-open Group 5.

Vineland has some big boys on the front line including 6-5, 270-pound Jamez Bullock and 6-6, 265 Jameson Blanding. They also have a 6-3 receiver in James Hitchens with tremendous leaping ability who is receiving strong recruiting interest.

Dan Russo’s son, also Dan, will take over under center as a freshman and the coach expressed confidence, saying “he’s not going to hurt us.” The Fighting Clan last started a season with a freshman at QB with Isiah Pacheco in 2014 and that started a successful four-year run.

2021 schedule

• Aug. 27: at Ocean City
• Sept. 3: Clearview
• Sept. 10: at Lenape
• Sept. 17: at Hammonton
• Sept. 24: Shawnee
• Oct. 8: at Mainland
• Oct. 15: St. Augustine
• Oct. 22: Williamstown
• Oct. 29: Egg Harbor
• Nov. 25: at Millville

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St. Augustine Hermits

Head coach: Pete Lancetta (fifth season at St. Augustine, 23-16; 238-81-1 in 31 seasons overall)

Last year’s record: 4-3

2021 Starting SI rating: 81.20

Division: WJFL American

Division opponents: Lenape, Millville, Vineland, Shawnee, Williamstown

Key players: Nasir Hill, WR/DB, Sr.; Kenny Selby, WR/DB, Sr.; Kanye Udoh, RB/DB, Sr.; Dennis Jaquez, TE/DE, Sr.; Trey McLeer, QB/DB, Sr.; Bradley Pao, WR/DB, Sr.; Rob Adamson, RB/DB, Jr.; Gavin Kennedy, T/DT, Sr.; Brady Small, OL/DL, Sr.; Frankin Simms, RB/LB, Sr.

Outlook: Look at just about any position on the roster and you’ll find experienced seniors – part of a group that knocked off Seton Hall Prep and put a scare into No. 1 St. Peter’s Prep in the state Non-Public Group 4 tournament as sophomores two years ago.

This year, that group is back for its last hurrah – coming off a disappointing 4-3 season which still included wins over Williamstown and Lenape – and with playoffs back has the look of a team that can pick up some wins against the North Jersey elite.

The secondary – led by All-State pick and Princeton commit Nasir Hill – but also including Sacred Heart commit Kenny Selby, Bucknell commit Bradley Pao and Trey McLeer might be the best in the state. McLeer returns at quarterback after taking over the position last year.

The Hermits have an FBS running back in Kanye Udoh, who is complimented by a big back in Franklin Simms. And there’s plenty of size and talent on both sides of the line with the likes of Northwestern commit Denis Jaquez, Army commit Brady Small and Bucknell commit Gavin Kennedy.

Put it all together and nobody should surprised if it’s the Year of the Hermit.

2021 schedule

• Aug. 27 at Archbishop Spaulding (Md.), 6:30
• Sept. 3: Notre Dame, 6
• Sept. 10: Williamstown, 6
• Sept. 17: St. Joseph (Hamm.), 6
• Sept. 24 at Millville, 7
• Oct. 1: Lenape, 6
• Oct….

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Team name: Vernon Vikings

Head coach: Steve Down, fourth season (4-24)

Last season: 2-6

2021 Starting SI: 48.30

Division: Super Football Conference, National Red

Division opponents: Hackettstown, High Point, Kittatinny, Lenape Valley, Newton, Sussex Tech

Key players: Kevin Coulther, Sr., DE/DE; John Kowalski, Sr., QB/WR/ILB; Shane Saulnier, OT/DR; Jeremiah Carfello, Sr., WR/OLB; Justin Simone, Sr., WR/CB

Outlook: Vernon is feeling more optimistic headed into 2021 with better numbers in the program, a ton of returning experience and two wins to end last season. The Vikings won just two games across three seasons from 2017-19, so blowout wins over Indian Hills (42-12) and Pascack Hills (33-13) represented an important step.

The Vikings have been able to put up a decent amount of points offensively under Down the past two seasons, but the major issues have been on the defensive side of the ball. Improving upon giving up over 30 points per game last year will be the key to making strides. Vernon allowed at least 35 points in five of its six losses.

Vernon hopes nine returning starters on defense will make a difference. They have experience on all three levels of the defense led by Kevin Coulthier and Shane Saulnier on the defensive line, John Kowalski, Jeremiah Carfello and Aidan Duffy at linebacker and Justin Simone and Ian Schmid in the secondary.

Offensively, Vernon returns seven starters, but will have to replace its two of its best players from last year — quarterback Zack Waschek and receiver Aden Moskovitz. Ian Schmid recorded 502 yards on 114 carries and five touchdowns last year and will be back.

The hopes were high when Down took the Vernon job in 2018 since he came over from Matt Parzero’s Newton staff that was coming off a state sectional championship. The Vikings have had bad injury luck during his tenure, but the added depth in numbers…

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Millville Thunderbolts

Head coach: Dennis Thomas (seventh season at Millville, 40-23; 53-33 in ninth year overall)

Last year’s record: 4-4

2021 Starting SI rating: 76.11

Division: WJFL American

Division opponents: Lenape, Shawnee, St. Augustine, Vineland, Williamstown

Key players: LeQuint Allen, RB/LB, Sr.; Nate Robbins, QB, Sr.; Lotzeir Brooks, RB/DB, Fr.; Thomas Smith, WR, Sr.; Calem Bowman, WR/LB, Sr.; Ti-yon Cephas, WR/DB, Sr.; Jaydan Wright, OL/DL, Sr.; George Gonzales, OL/LB, Sr.; Tyheem Mitchell, OL/DL, Jr.; Ta’Ron Haile, WR/DB, So.; Achan Harris, OL/DL, Sr.

Outlook: The Thunderbolts were just 9-10 the past two years and 15-15 the last three, but this is a team that seems ready to vault back into contention. Two of Millville’s four wins last year came against powerhouse teams in Williamstown and St. Augustine and this is a team that is talented and experienced.

All-state RB/LB LeQuint Allen, a Syracuse recruit, is back and should fill up the stat sheet on both sides of the ball. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Lotzeir Brooks, who has four FBS offers before taking a snap and is “lightning in a bottle” according to coach Dennis Thomas, while sophomore wide receiver Ta’Ron Haile is another player picking up significant recruiting interest.

Third-year starter Nate Robbins also returns to lead what should be a potent offense, and Allen and Calem Bowman headline what should be an excellent linebacking corps.

Expect a first winning season in three years and a chance to contend for a sectional title. There’s some tough games on the schedule – beginning with what Thomas considers an even matchup against Union – but there shouldn’t be any win considered an upset this year.

2021 schedule

• Aug. 28 vs. Union at Battle at the Beach, 5
• Sept. 2: Mainland, 6
• Sept. 10: at Shawnee, 7
• Sept. 17: at Highland, 7
• Sept. 24: vs. St. Augustine, 6
• Oct. 8: Hammonton, 6
• Oct. 15: at Williamstown, 7
• Oct. 22: at…

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