One of Wayne Hills’ High’s biggest football fans is Dawn Dellechiaie, who has seen her son and nephew play for the Patriots and be a part of state championship teams.
Dawn was on the ‘advance team’ that flew to Tennessee earlier this week, as Hills will open the 2022 season with its 7th out-of-state game over the last 8 seasons.
Dawn was kind enough to share some insight on the trip, and the excitement for Hills fans who have also made the journey to see the game against Liberty Creek High School, on Sept. 2.
“Everything has been seamless so far,” said Dawn. “The people of Nashville have been amazing. Players are having a true road trip experience, from practicing at and visiting the Vanderbilt Stadium to an awesome tour of Nissan Stadium (home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans) to great team meals & bonding!
“We had a tremendous 21-0 JV win (on Sept. 1), and it really got the team excited for the varsity game. The Liberty Creek Booster Club invited our players’ families to tailgate prior to the game tomorrow. They are saying there will be a big crowd in attendance, as there has been a lot of buzz about the game!”
Hills has traveled to North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Utah, South Carolina and MIssouri from 2015-2021, for season opening games. A 2020 opener, in MIssissippi, was canceled, and the Patriots opened that season against a ‘local’ rival, in Ridgewood High.
We’ll have more on the team’s trip to Tennessee, along with the actual game. And following the contest on Sept. 2, the Patriots head home quickly, because a week later, the team plays its biggest rival, Ramapo High, on the road.
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