Nov. 12, 2026
By Li Delossantos
Staff Writer
After a challenging season marked by 12 injuries and six straight losses at the start of the season, the football team earned its first victory, defeating Manchester Regional High School away, 22-8, on Oct. 9.
The team went on to win 28-21 against Glen Rock High School on Oct. 16 and closed out its season with a 41-0 shutout win against South Hunterdon Regional High School at home on Oct. 23 to end the season with a 3-6 record.
Head Coach Tuero, who has led the team since 2014, said the team was able to win its final games because the younger players stepped up for those who were injured, and junior wide receivers and defensive backs Josh Lorenzo and James Vuono Reid were cleared to play after their injuries.
“Ultimately, [the players] never gave up,” Tuero said. “They believed in the system, they believed in the coaches and they believed in each other, which is what led to our success there at the end.”
“There [were] times when I felt like there was a disconnect, but I [had] to figure out how to connect to these guys better, to make them be better.”
Tuero said the season was rewarding but challenging.
“You have to get 11 young men on the field to do the same thing,” Tuero said. “There are so many different elements to the game and so many things that people don’t realize that you have to plan for and put guys in position [for], and then get them to do what you’re telling them to do.”
Tuero said the team faced more adversity than usual.
“This [was] the most challenging season of my life,” Tuero said. “We dealt with a lot of injuries this year, and [the] guys kind of got in their heads, [which] affect[ed] their game. I think if we just focus on what we can take care of and do our best, we’d be better at our job.”
Despite the setbacks, Tuero said he and the team pushed ahead.
“There [were] times when I felt like there was a disconnect, but I [had] to figure out how to connect to these guys better, to make them be better,” Tuero said.
Senior Naim Davis, a running back and outside linebacker who has been on the team for three seasons, said the players’ communication improved during the season.
“Being more of a team [and] working together [is important],” Davis said. “It’s all [come] together now, but it’s a little late.”
As a captain, Davis said he encouraged his teammates when they were struggling.
“[I was] picking people up when they [made] a bad play or [were] getting screamed at by a coach, just telling them, ‘Sorry,’ and ‘It’s just life. It’s gonna happen,’” Davis said.
Senior captain Chris Penny, an inside linebacker who has been on varsity since his sophomore year, said the team struggled with communication but also shared some happy memories. For instance, he said he enjoyed celebrating with his teammates after their win against Manchester Regional High School.
“In the locker room after [our] win, everybody was dancing and just having the music playing,” Penny said. “Winning [that] game with the boys… was just a euphoric feeling. It was amazing.”
Penny said he has fond memories of his time as an LHS football player.
“I’ve been with these guys my whole life,” Penny said. “It was a great time playing with them, having fun [and] all the memories we’ve made.”
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