First-year head coach Kevin DiZenzo took over the Salisbury High School football team looking to change the narrative. The Falcons hadn’t finished a season with a winning record in several years, and had endured some seasons with just a win or two over 10 games.

DiZenzo wants to change that trend and began the process this past fall in guiding the Falcons to their best start in decades before finishing 4-6, the best record since the Falcons’ went 7-4 in 2015.

The excitement this fall started in the preseason when numbers on the roster were higher than recent years and DiZenzo knew he had the depth to compete in the Colonial League right away.

“Our numbers were a tremendous help this year,” said DiZenzo. “Of course, having depth during games is helpful, but even more so during practice. There were practices where both our varsity and JV squads were scrimmaging at the same time. That was tremendous for us. More practice reps for our younger guys will always lead to better program growth and player development.

“Our JV team was a force to be reckoned with. So many of those younger guys are excited about what the next few years will hold.”

It didn’t take long for the Falcons to experience success as they won their season opener, 28-6 over Panther Valley in front of their home crowd on August 23rd. The Falcons went on to win four games on the season, the most in nearly two decades. It was a welcome sight for everyone involved in the program.

“Our sophomores and juniors entered this season having never won a regular season game for the entirety of their careers,” DiZenzo said. “Our seniors experienced two regular season wins back when they were freshman. This year we ended our season one win shy of the Eastern Conference Championship game.

“We had a great 3-1 start; the first time Salisbury has been 3-1 since the year 2000. Of course our season did not end exactly how we wanted it to, but we have a whole lot to be proud of. Our players made a decision this season to change the Salisbury football narrative. I believe we’ve taken big steps toward that goal.”

Even in losses, Salisbury showed the ability to compete with the best teams in the league and districts.

“Win or lose, we made big plays week after week, and never let our heads hang low,” said DiZenzo. “I’m so unbelievably proud of how far these players have come in one season. I feel an overwhelming sense of hope for the future, and pride in being a Salisbury Falcon.

“Even with teams like Northwestern Lehigh and Notre Dame Green Pond in our 3A division, we were in the playoff hunt. We intend on continuing to be in that conversation moving forward. We have our work cut out for us in 2025. We will be ready.”

Salisbury also recorded victories against Wilson and at Catasauqua and at Palmerton.

“Whenever we did the basics well and played fundamentally sound football, good things happened,” said DiZenzo. “Our kids learned new systems both offensively and defensively this year. They were able to handle complexity, misdirection and use that to win football games. I think the most important thing was that we were having fun. Whenever you can throw in a wrinkle or a trick play that will excite the kids and keep them focused, we capitalized on that.”

DiZenzo’s favorite moment of the season was when the Falcons were 2-1 and went to Catasauqua to face an unbeaten Rough Rider team in the fourth week of the regular season. As good teams do in close games, the Falcons found a way to pull out a win.

“Our game at Catasauqua this year goes down as one of my favorites,” DiZenzo said. “Ending the game on a trick play (Running-back Jason St Leger received a handoff from Andrew Lucas and then threw a TD pass to Caleb Gonzalez to stop the game from going into OT). The excitement after that game was unbelievable.

“We came into that week two wins deep and faced a then-undefeated opponent on their turf. Our kids had worked so hard and had been through so much, to finally realize that they were capable of much more than previously thought.”

Sophomore AJ Moren led the entire Lehigh Valley (including EPC teams) with eight interceptions.

St. Leger tied a school record with five TDs in one game against Catty and ended the season with 15 total TDs. Other highlights include scoring 170 points in 10 games, compared to 128 points in 11 games last season. Defensively, the Falcons allowed 125 points less than last year.

The offense compiled 2,702 total yards compared to 2,014 in 2023. A lot to be excited about heading into next season.

“In year one, there’s just so much you want to evaluate and attack,” said DiZenzo. “Changing the culture, setting your expectations, and charting a course for where you want this to go.

“Our players and staff set their standard for what they wanted it to mean to be a Falcon in 2024. With those expectations now set, I’m just so excited to start the work on season two. We have a significant number of starters returning. Our guys are already in the weight room, recruiting additional players, and keeping the community excited for what’s to come.”