Joe Frappolli Jr. is excited to succeed his famous father as head coach of Florence High School football team – Trentonian

Florence coach Joe Frappolli (right) hugs his son Joe Frappolli Jr. (left) at the end of his final game after 50 years at the helm of the program during the annual Thanksgiving game against Riverside on Thursday afternoon in Florence. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)

Football in Florence has been a part of Joe Frappolli Jr’s life since his childhood.

He began his sporting career as a player in the infamous “Pit” and was an assistant coach for many years under his father Joe Sr.

When his father retired last November after 50 years as coach of the Flashes, the school rightly decided to hand over leadership of the program to the younger Frappolli.

“I am so excited and so proud and honored to be selected as Florence’s new head coach,” said Joe Jr. of his recent appointment. “I have been a coach at Florence for 21 years and am so excited to be given the position.”

He always hoped that this would be his program one day, and he has certainly done his duty.

“I always had the idea of ​​moving into the head coaching role,” said Frappolli Jr. “But I was willing to work with my dad as long as he wanted to stay. Then last year he decided it was time because he has sacrificed a lot over the years and he certainly deserves this.”

Well, young Joe deserves his chance.

The name Frappolli stands for success and since Joe Jr. has been part of the program for so many years, he will undoubtedly continue the tradition and the recipe for success.

“I’ve been so lucky to learn from my dad and now be able to continue the tradition and success that he started,” the younger Frappolli explained. “I can’t wait to get started. I know the kids and the coaches and it’s just a very proud moment.”

Not only is it a proud moment, but it is also Frappolli Jr.’s moment.

He looks forward to putting his stamp on the program and continuing his legacy in Flashes history.

“As a new coach, I want to do some things differently,” Joe Jr. said. “But we have a good football community and culture and we want to continue that.”

There is always pressure in Florence, no matter who was the previous coach.

“Of course, there is the success that my father had for a long time and the demands of the community are high. So of course there is pressure to bring a successful product to market.”

One of the reasons Frappolli Jr. is so excited is the multitude of returning and new players who will be wearing the blue and gold.

“We have a lot of great kids coming back and some new kids coming out,” said Joe Jr. “I’m excited to work with the kids and the coaches and get the season started.”

With Damian Ricketts, the Flashes have a top-notch two-way player back who will strengthen the running game and the defensive line.

Ricketts ran for 762 yards and crossed the goal line ten times in 2023. The offensive line is solid, Chase Brunner with 33 tackles and Kosi Onunkwo with 31 stops will support the defense.

It’s finally a familiar schedule for the Flashes, except for the fact that the traditional Thanksgiving Day game against Riverside is a thing of the past.

The West Jersey Football National Division closely resembles the old Burlington County Freedom Division, as Florence faces Riverside, Bordentown, Burlington City and Maple Shade, as well as Cinnaminson, Overbrook, Pemberton and Lawrence.

Florence will also play at Deptford in week zero on August 29th.

They have no off week and play until the first week of the playoffs.

“We’re coming off a very successful senior year, so we have some big holes to fill,” Frappolli said. “We have to replace the quarterback and some talent, but we also have some experienced players back and we have a great freshman class coming up. I’m definitely excited about this group, they and the coaches can’t wait to get started.”