Washingtonville Football’s 2025 Season: Insights from the Team

“...Never take the game for granted…control what you can control, your effort, your attitude, and to never give up…adversity doesn’t define you, the response does.” - Head Coach Joseph Delgardo.

Introduction:

The 2025 season for Washingtonville Varsity Football has been nothing short of amazing. Being a student at Washingtonville, as well as being a cheerleader, I have seen the amount of pride, enthusiasm, and unification this team has brought to Washingtonville High School as a whole. The last time Washingtonville Varsity Football has gone to a Class A NYSPHSAA post season was in October of 2021, when they defeated Beacon High School 14-7 in the section 9 Class A quarterfinals. Now 4 years later under new head coach Joseph Delgardo; Washingtonville Varsity Football is anticipating their first championship league game, on November 1st, 2025.

Stats of Washingtonville Varsity Football:

Starting with a direct quote from Washingtonville High School teacher and Junior Varsity Football Coach Kevin Clough: “...I have worked with a lot of coaches over the years...Delgardo makes second half adjustments unlike anyone I have seen. Look at the box scores of the games…I bet you the stats are nuts!”

So when looking at the stats on Maxpreps Coach Clough is not exaggerating. The box scores show in Washingtonville's first game against Valley Central, Washingtonville was losing 7-6 at the half. But scored 20 points in the 3rd quarter; securing the win. Similarly, in the game against Goshen, Washingtonville was up 21-14 at the half, and during the 4th quarter Washingtonville scored another 14 points. Ending the game with a win 35-21. Overall the stats this team is contributing is absolutely amazing. Important stats of this season are the overall 6-2 record, #6 Section 9 ranking, #2 Section 9 A-1 League ranking, and #155 New York State ranking. The points per game is averaged at about 26. Certain players like Brennan Tesseyman (QB/FS ranked #12 in New York) has 1,825 total yards, Matthew Vanderhorst (OT/DE ranked #3 in New York) has an average of 9 total sacks. Players recognized in section 9 also includes Liam Ebert (WR/DB) ranked #9 for receiving yards with 432 yards, as well as being ranked 5th for total interceptions with an average of 3 total interceptions. Daniel Dankwah (DE/TE) ranked #6 for sacks with an average of 5.0 total sacks. Players recognized in Section 9 A-1 are Austin Gil (CB/WR) ranked #3 for 5 PAT kickings made. As well as Joel Luongo (RB/OLB) is ranked #3 for 327 rushing yards.

Introducing New Head Coach Joseph Delgardo:

One reason for Varsity Football's sudden flourishment is due to new Head Coach Joseph Delgardo. In an article from Washingtonville Central School District titled: WCSD Welcomes Back Joseph Delgardo As Varsity Football Coach it discusses some background on who Coach Joseph Delgardo is in the world of coaching, football, school, and in his personal life. Coach Delgardo graduated from Washingtonville High School in 2017; and played football throughout his years in high school. After graduating high school, he attended Mansfield University, in Pennsylvania. He majored in sports nutrition, while also playing football for Mansfield. He was injured during his time playing football, and was no longer able to play. So he started to shift his focus from being an athlete to learning the deep understanding of coaching. When he graduated from Mansfield he came back to Washingtonville and worked as an assistant teacher and also became a part of the football program as an assistant coach.

This year I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing both Head Coach Joseph Delgardo, and his father John Delgardo, who is an assistant coach for Varsity Football. As well as one of the captains of the football team this season.

Interview with Head Coach Joseph Delgardo:

Q: What was it like applying to the head coaching position? What was your reaction when you learned you received the position?

A: Applying for the head coaching position was very exciting. I knew it was a big responsibility, but also an opportunity to lead a program and build something special. I spent time reflecting on my coaching philosophy, the kind of culture I wanted to create, and how I could make a positive impact on the athletes both on and off the field.

When I found out I got the position it was a very exciting moment, the Athletic director congratulated me and it was a mix of pride, and excitement. It was a really rewarding moment and it made me even more motivated to get started and set the tone for the program and the school that I once played for. I immediately got straight to work from there figuring out coaching responsibilities, staff, potential rosters for who will be on the team.

Q: As someone who has been an athlete in Washingtonville’s football program, is there anything you teach your athletes that you yourself were taught during your years playing for Washingtonville?

A: Being a former athlete in Washingtonville’s football program taught me a lot about discipline, accountability, and hard work. In whatever sport I would play it would be 110% effort and I try to bring that to my athletes now. With High School Football teaching me more about effort, teamwork and growing as a man itself, playing in college for Mansfield University really took off my knowledge of the game itself. I learned more about concepts, techniques, skills, etc that helped me understand the game on a whole new level that I can teach my athletes as well.

Lastly once I graduated from college, I was offered an assistant coaching spot to run the linebackers and film review for the schools defense. That even further helped me understand the game from a coaching perspective and showed me how to transition from player to coach in just 1 year. Overall these past experiences allow me to teach these athletes more about the game.

Q: Last year you were an assistant coach. What were some major changes you made to how the team was run when you took over as head coach? Why were those changes made? What benefits do you think those changes have contributed to?

A: First stepping into the head coaching role, one of my main goals was to establish a stronger structure and better culture throughout the program. We implemented a whole off- season program with off season teams and that structure really grew our athletes to be closer as a team for the season. That being called Offseason team activities (OTAs). We did different events such as a Madden tournament, Combine, trivia, and mini practices that helped contribute to better team chemistry and trusting one another for the season.

From a coaching standpoint I was the Special teams, Wide Receiver and Defensive back coach last year. This year I took the role of Offensive Coordinator, QB coach and Defensive back coach. This was my first year ever running an offense. Being strictly a defensive person in the past, it helps me transition into a good offensive person because it allows me to see different points and tells in a defense that most have a hard time seeing and how to counter those points.

One main change we made from last year to this year is how practices are run. We've made them more structured and broken down into periods that help our athletes stay on task engaged, and fun for them.

I think this change helps on the field because everything we went over in practice transitions to the game in a structured way.

Q: While watching games I noticed you run certain players on both offense and defense. Brennan Tesseyman is an example of this. What was your thought process of having athletes do this? What have been the benefits of this decision? Are their concerns if an athlete gets hurt and you lose a player on both offense and defense?

A: Strictly between us coaches we all agree on the best play at the position. During camp we did a lot of evaluations on who would be best fit for each position and if that person is a two way starter then that person starts both ways. A lot of these guys are tremendous athletes and make great plays on the field so whatever we can do to get them on the field, we will do it. Now yes, if that person needs a break or does get banged up in the game we have 2nd strings who fill the roles.

Q: What has been your most prideful moment as head coach this year?

A: So far I have two of the most prideful moments of my life this season. The first was getting my first win. All the hard work we've put into the season and to finally get a positive result. The feeling was out of this world that left tears of joy and it's one I will hold onto forever.

The second was clinching a playoff breath. My first year, Homecoming win, making the playoffs, and beating Warwick all in one was another unreal memory I'll never forget… and getting the water jug poured all over me after the game … cant forget that.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a coach? Are there any negatives? If yes, what are they? How would you change those negatives into positives?

A: My favorite part has to be being able to coach with my dad. Without him I don't know where I would be. Being able to talk football all day every day with him is the best part of the day. Don't get me wrong, it's never perfect and we don't always agree but it helps build trust with each other on the field and helps the team become stronger. Also I love being with these kids, this is a really respectful group and at the end of the day I love watching them grow.

I would say the only negative is that it's very time consuming. Outside of coaching I love to be at the gym but with coaching it's harder to do so.

Q: Making it so far into the season with only losing one league game; what are key takeaways from this season that you will take into next season? Is there anything you wouldn’t carry over to next season/any changes you would make?

A: Some key takeaways that come to mind are what plays worked really well, and what plays did not work at all. From camp I started with about 100 plays and narrowed it down to ones that worked well. This is key for next season because it allows me to see what needs to be adjusted to become better, what I can keep and what plays will never run again. This is just an example of things that don't work or don't look good, we change.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give any athlete?

A: One piece of advice I’d give any athlete is to never take the game for granted and to control what you can control, your effort, your attitude, and to never give up. I tore my ACL three times during my playing career, and each time I had to make a choice: feel sorry for myself or find a way to come back stronger. Those experiences taught me that adversity doesn’t define you, the response does.

More Insights From John Delgardo and Joel Luongo:

In my interview with assistant coach John Delgardo, I asked questions about the dynamics with coaching for his son, how the overall successes of the team has felt, and his most prideful moments as a coach. When answering, he stated: “It has been an absolute pleasure to coach with Joe. We talk non stop about game planning and what we can do to take the program to the next level. My favorite part is just looking down the sideline and watching him coach and the energy he brings. The players feed off of him and it shows on the field…Overall the amount of excitement we have is second to none! A breath of fresh air surrounds this Varsity team and it has shown all season.”

Similarly, Captain Joel Luongo, who plays both offense and defensive as running back and an outside linebacker. stated: “...Coach Delgardo adapts to challenges and changes the gameplan as the game goes on…We have many different formations change the gameplan not only each week but each quarter and play…Coach Delgardo continues to tell us nobody believes in us, and nobody thought we would be good. I like this because after that he says to prove them wrong which is what we’ve done all season.”

Closing

In all, Joseph Delgardo has rebuilt the Washingtonville Varsity Football program–through staffing changes, off season involvement, and environment in which his athletes perform–contributing to how the team has carried themselves this season.

As the team's first league championship game approaches this weekend against Our Lady of Lourdes, Washingtonville is predicted to win having a slight edge with a better overall record (Washingtonville 6-2 and Our Lady of Lourdes 3-5) and a better defense record. The athletes and staff have worked extremely hard to get to the level they are at today, and have provided our school with the utmost amount of pride, passion, and purpose.