UPCOMING EVENTS

History

In 1970, Kent Hall and Matt Slowinski got together and came up with the idea of starting a football team. Pete Piccirillo put Kent and Matt in touch with Ed Quinn, the West Morris Central H.S. Head Coach. They met with Ed to discuss coaching techniques, calisthenics and everything that they would need to know to start a football team. An original team of 13 players was created. They were unable to join the Morris County League originally because they did not offer enough playing levels. Consequently, they decided to create what they referred to as an "outlaw team", which would play against any team willing to play them. A Catholic high school from the Dover area donated some of their used uniforms to the team, and their original colors were blue and white.

Once word spread about this "outlaw" football team, interest immediately grew as players and dads began to go to the Long Valley Middle School to observe the excitement. In 1971, Matt Slowinski and Kent Hall were joined by Richard Cavagnaro and Richard McLoughlin who all worked together to form the Long Valley Raiders Football Association which grew from this "outlaw team" and to join the Morris County Football League.

 "Tradition. Pride. Grit.” These are the values that define our youth football program. From the moment our players put on that uniform, they become part of a long-standing tradition of hard work, perseverance, and excellence. They wear it with pride, knowing that they represent not just themselves, but their team, their community, and the countless players who have come before them.

And it's that grit that sets our players apart. They face adversity on the field, but they never give up. They push through the pain, the exhaustion, and the setbacks, and they come out stronger on the other side. They embody the true spirit of football - the grit, the determination, and the sheer force of will that it takes to succeed.

We're proud of our players and the values they embody. They're not just athletes, they're leaders, role models, and ambassadors for everything that makes our community great. So, here's to the tradition, pride, and grit that define our youth football program. Let's keep it going strong, year after year."