Justin Avedissian is used to living in a football town. The plan is to bring the same passion to his new professional home.
"Our goal is to make Wallington a football school," Avedissian said. "I've seen it first-hand how special it is when a school really values football. It's not just good for the kids. It's good for the entire community."
Avedissian will call the shots for the small Group 1 program after being approved as the Panthers' head coach last month. His arrival comes at a period of seismic change for Wallington. The Panthers dropped down to the NJIC Union Division this year and need to replace a particularly large senior class. That leaves a tough act to follow for the young Panthers after a 7-3 season.
But over the years, Avedissian has learned the hard way not to count out Wallington. Avedissian is also an assistant baseball and basketball coach at Manchester, and laments how often a Wallington team came back to beat one of his own.
"That gritty, small-town, blue-collar vibe is really what attracted me," Avedissian said. "I know the kids are going to be hard workers. It's a matter of them retaining the information we're giving them."
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Avedissian spent time as an assistant at Wayne Hills and played on the Patriots' sectional championship football teams in 2010 and 2011. He's wanted to go down this route since high school, inspired by the coaches in his life including the legendary Chris Olsen.
The transition from crimson to blue has gone even better than expected.
"It's been awesome to be the guy that runs the show and gets the last say on a lot of important decisions," Avedissian said. "It's a blast so far."
The tradition
Wallington has claimed three sectional titles, including two in the modern playoff era (1990 and 2010). The Panthers have produced three winning seasons over the last decade.
Game days in Wallington would not be complete without the local firetrucks. Sirens go off near the main entrance whenever a touchdown is scored.
The challenge
Depth is always a primary concern in a town that's a little over a square-mile. The roster was in the teens at the first interest meeting this year, but has steadily climbed into the low 30's.
The second challenge is turning backups into starters and athletes into football players. The line doesn't have any seniors, but Avedissian sees that youth as a chance to ingrain his own habits.
"We're a huge underclassmen group with kids with a bright future," Avedissian said. "We're really excited about them."
Expectations
A more forgiving schedule in the Union should help Wallington as it reloads the lineup.
The Panthers turn the offense to junior quarterback Filip Lyczko (a converted receiver) and an encouraging group of skill players led by senior fullback Walter Konefal and junior receiver Dariel Gil Polanco. Senior receiver Jhamir Soto looks like a diamond in the rough in his first year with his raw talent and vertical ability.
The defense will be built around defensive end Othman Hussein and the hard-working Konefal at middle linebacker.
"Union Division or not, we're looking to win every game and treat every game like it should be," Avedissian said. "That's the most important game of your season."
2022 schedule
Sept. 8: vs. Bogota
Sept. 16: at Emerson
Sept. 23: at Harrison
Sept. 30: vs. Palisades Park/Leonia
Oct. 6: at Elmwood Park
Oct. 21: vs. Weehawken