2014 Round 1 Player of the Week – Lenape Valley’s Frank Orlando

Lenape Valley has faced a lot of challenges in thrilling fashion over the years. But their 40-35 wild west shootout with Glen Rock has to rank up there as one of the most exciting games in school history.

It took a village to overcome a team like Glen Rock, and everyone on Lenape Valley stepped up in a big way. The Patriots Hayden Samiljan recorded four sacks, Terrell Jackson came up with a timely interception and Jimmy Fluke came up with a key 78-yard high wire touchdown to virtually seal the deal.

But no one had a bigger game than Lenape’s runningback Frank Orlando. The senior grinded out a tough 111-yards and nabbed three touchdowns on the ground, while adding another 58 yards and a TD receiving. This performance was enough to earn Orlando Morris Sussex Football’s Round 1 Player of the Week.

MSF caught up with Orlando to talk about this win, what it’s like playing under the legendary coach Don Smolyn and who in the NFL most resembles him on the field.

Morris Sussex Football: What did this win mean to this team?
Frank Orlando: It means a lot. Glenn Rock was a good team.

MSF: What was it like for you being part of Coach Smolyn’s 300th win?
FO: It was great, he deserved it!

MSF: What is it about Smolyn that has made him so successful?
FO: His love for the game.

MSF: How much confidence does it give your team having Smolyn as your coach?
FO: It gives us confidence because we know he will work us hard.

MSF: What is the funniest thing coach ever said in the film room?
FO: He says so many funny comments, its hard to just say one.

MSF: What was it like growing up knowing that one day you’d be a Patriot?
FO: It was great watching the teams when I was younger. It’s made me realize how good of a coach coach Smolyn is.

MSF: Who on your team could beat you in the forty?
FO: No one.

MSF: Who on your team would you not want to get tackled by?
FO: Quincy Samson

MSF: Who is the consummate leader of your team?
FO: Everyone’s a leader in their own way.

MSF: Who is the best player(s) you’ve played against in your varsity career?
FO: George Scalley from Dover (class of 2014)

MSF: Do you have any pregame rituals?
FO: Pregame prayer.

MSF: What NFL player most resembles you on the field?
FO: Chris Ivory

MSF: Who is your role model?
FO: Marshawn Lynch, he is a beast.

MSF: What can Westwood expect from you this weekend?
FO: That I’ll give it my all.

MSF: Best of luck against Westwood to you and the rest of the Pats!