The Lower Cape May Regional football team is trending upward, led by one of the program’s favorite sons, who has the squad on the verge of a division title.
First-year head coach Billy Damiana, a 2009 LCMR graduate and inductee into its athletic hall of fame, has directed the Caper Tigers to a 5-2 record heading into this week’s homecoming game.
Sitting 3-0 atop the West Jersey Football League’s Liberty Division, the title is within reach. LCMR can clinch it by closing the regular season with home wins against Cumberland (5-2, 2-1) this Friday at 6 p.m. and Oakcrest (2-5, 2-1) Oct. 24.
A division crown would punctuate what has already been a successful turnaround from last year’s 2-8 finish. The new coach credits his players for their off-season commitment to improve.
“I think the kids have made the sacrifice and have decided to go all in on getting better,” said Damiana, who spent nine seasons as defensive coordinator prior to becoming head coach.
“It’s been a long preseason and season, and they have given themselves fully to the process. However, doesn’t mean there aren’t any flaws or faults within that process. There are ups and downs, but the kids have bought in and are reaping the benefits of committing.”
The Caper Tigers bounced back from a 28-7 loss to Gloucester City on Sept. 5 by blowing out rival Middle Township 42-0 to reclaim the Anchor Bowl trophy. Junior quarterback David Douglas threw for 115 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 67 yards and two scores. Senior linebacker Max Bracken’s 2.5 tackles led the defense in the shutout. His 37.5 tackles through six games pace the team.
A stout offensive line has created room to run for senior Jonathan Fernandez and junior Ryan Mallon. Fernandez (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is a dual threat. He has 11 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown and has rushed 22 times for 204 yards and three scores. Mallon has nine touchdowns and 465 rushing yards in 82 attempts (5.7 avg.).
LCMR’s four-game win streak was snapped last Thursday in a 42-0 interdivision setback at Cedar Creek (6-1). The Caper Tigers look to regain their form Friday against Cumberland, a team they edged 10-7 last season.
Damiana, a history teacher, said his players and coaching staff will learn from the recent past.
“Obviously, Cedar Creek is a prominent power and is a measuring stick for teams,” he said. “We just didn’t stick to our plan as a staff and got a bit lost in the game. That has to change. Us coaches need to put the kids in better positions to be successful, and that will be a point of emphasis.
“We have bounced back before during the year after the Gloucester City game. We will do so again this time. We will fix what we need to and move on for this big game against Cumberland.”
