A New Era for Lodi Football
Mark Maggio has taken the reins of the Lodi football program with a clear vision: to instill a smash‑mouth mentality that prioritizes physicality and disciplined play. The coach acknowledges the team’s 1‑9 record from the previous season but believes that a focus on fundamentals can quickly change the trajectory of the program.
Central to the revival are several returning starters who have now spent multiple seasons in the system. Quarterback Emran Qasemi, who burst onto the scene as a freshman with eight touchdowns, is working closely with QB coach Jarrett Guarantano and kicking specialist Rick Krautman to refine his game. Alongside him, players such as Isaac Menjivar and Anthony Buttacavoli provide leadership among a youthful core that includes a strong freshman class.
The program’s rich history adds context to the current rebuild. Legendary coaches like Pat Tirico, the winningest in Lodi history with 186 career victories, and Stan Piela, whose 1938 team went 9‑0 without allowing a point, have set a standard of excellence that Maggio hopes to honor. Their legacies are woven into the fabric of the school’s football culture.
Beyond the field, the team’s participation in community events, such as the Bergen County Football All‑Star Game where Maggio served as an honorary coach, underscores the program’s commitment to local engagement. The 2026 schedule, featuring matchups against Bogota, Lyndhurst, Manchester, Elmwood Park, Garfield and Palisades Park/Leonia, offers a challenging but promising slate for the team to test its progress.
Attendance numbers have risen, with 39 players reporting at the end of June compared to just 22 at the start of the month, signaling growing interest and depth. With a blend of experienced returnees and an eager freshman cohort, the Lodi football program is poised to turn a challenging past into a hopeful future.