HAMMONTON — St. Joseph Academy shook up the South Jersey high school football scene Thursday night.
The Wildcats announced that Sal Marchese Jr., one of the most successful coaches in South Jersey history, will take over the St. Joe football program at the end of this season.
Marchese coached at Delsea Regional from 1993-2023, finishing with 249-83-1 career record and leading the Crusaders to 11 sectional titles and the 2023 state Group III championship. Marchese’s teams were known for their physical defense and precision Wing-T offense.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Marchese to St. Joseph Academy,” school president Stephen Cappuccio said in a statement Thursday. “His resume speaks for itself — 249 wins and 11 championships — but more importantly, he is a man who lives our core values of Faith, Family, and Future. Sal brings not only tremendous football knowledge and experience but also a character and leadership style that will inspire our student-athletes and community. We are excited about the future of St. Joseph Academy Football under his guidance.”
St. Joe’s current coach, Ron Dorsey, who is in his third season, will step down at the end of the season but continue to work with the school.
The Wildcats (3-1) will play at Buena Regional (1-4) at 6 p.m. Friday.
“This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one for me and my family at this time,” Dorsey said in a statement. “I love St. Joseph Academy, our football program, and especially the young men I have had the privilege to coach. Coaching here has been one of the great joys of my life, but there are many factors in my personal life that make this the right moment to step away from the sidelines.
“I am grateful to my coaches, players, and families for their support. I will continue to work in Student Services, a role I truly enjoy, and I look forward to supporting our students and being a part of this wonderful school community.”
Few South Jersey programs can match St. Joe’s tradition of success.
St. Joe was a New Jersey parochial power under coach Paul Sacco, who stepped down after the 2022 season and is now an assistant at Holy Spirit.
Sacco led the Wildcats to a 358-75-5 record and 20 state titles, including eight straight from 1999-2006 and seven straight from 2009-15.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
Contact: 609-272-7209
MMcGarry@PressofAC.com
X @ACPressMcGarry
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Mike McGarry
Staff Writer
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