The College of New Jersey’s Dylan Patscher and Princeton University’s Marco Scarano were standout defensive players this season for their respective teams, and while they excelled on the gridiron, it was their leadership, on and off the field, that set them apart. Due to their accomplishments an d leadership, Patscher and Scarano have been chosen as the Earl H. Dean/The College of New Jersey Scholar-Leader-Athlete Award and Scarano will receive the Judge Arthur Lane/Princeton University Scholar-Leader-Athlete Award at the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 64th Annual George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Dinner. The dinner begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday March 8th at Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. Scholar-leader-athletes from 20 schools in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties are being honored with $30,500 in scholarships awarded. For dinner/ticket information contact Steve Tuckerson at 609-202-4166 or email [email protected] While individuals from the coaching, officiating, collegiate and youth football ranks are honored, the stars of the program are the Scholar-Leader-Athletes of the Delaware Valley, chosen by their respective schools based on their achievements in academics, in their community, and on the playing field. All scholar-leader-athletes will receive at least a $1,000 scholarship, the Delaware Valley Chapter will also present the following top scholarships: $5,000 – Jack Stephen Scholarship, $4,000 Steven “Coach Gaz” Gazdek Scholarship, $3,000 Ron Rick Sr. Scholarship, $2,000 Ed Cook Scholarship and $1,500 Ed “Windy” Morris Scholarship. The Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American Award is the most prestigious award bestowed by the Chapter. This year’s recipient is Ken Fisher, Owner/President of Nassau Communications and a member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors for two decades. The Chapter’s George O’Gorman Contribution to Amateur Football Award will recognize Jon Adams, who spent 33 years at Nottingham High School as head football coach and athletic director. Hank Johns Coaches Award is Stephen Everette, Burlington Twp., Brandon Deckard from West Windsor-Plainsboro will be recognized as the John McKenna Assistant Coaches Award, the Jack Milliard Officials Award will be presented to Will Mansfield, the Delaware Valley Chapter Little Scholar is Brady Rowan, from the Hopewell Valley YFCA, the Eunice Kennedy Schriver Champion Award honoree is Joseph Burr, the Nick Gusz “Good Guy” Award will be presented to Bob Harris, the Tony Persichilli Meritorious Award goes to Breanne O’Neill, from WBCB, the Judge Arthur Lane/Princeton University Scholar-Leader-Athlete recipient is Marco Scarano and the Earl H. Dean/The College of New Jersey Scholar-Leader-Athlete is Dylan Patscher. The high school Scholar-Leader-Athlete seniors being honored are Allentown’s Kevin Cunningham, Bordentown’s Calvin Nice, Burlington Township’s Jordan Wimberly, Ewing’s Ryan Greig, Florence’s Conor Clevenger, Hamilton West’s Brody Hunt, Hightstown’s Aidan Schendlinger, Hopewell Valley’s Matthew Helmrich, Hun’s Alex Russey, Lawrence’s Zack Hartman, Lawrenceville’s Michael Zampardi, New Egypt’s Clyde Ferris, Notre Dame’s Dominic Cuniglio III, Pennington’s Bryce Werner, Princeton’s Anderson Potter, Robbinsville’s Drew Damasiewicz, Steinert’s Gabriel Pena Bak, Trenton’s Aivaye Ingram and West Windsor-Plainsboro’s Kavin Kumar. Patscher is no stranger to the National Football Foundation as he was honored as a Scholar-Leader-Athlete by the Morris County Chapter when he was a senior at Jefferson Township High School. “It is an honor to be given this award because it symbolizes the hard work I have put in day in and day out, both on the field and in the classroom,’’ said Patscher. “This award will mean a lot to me, because when I am in the classroom or on the field, I just put my head down and give it my all whether it is studying the books or play books. I give everything my all, and this will symbolize the work and effort I have put into my career here.’’ Patscher was a standout on the TCNJ defensive line as he was fourth on the team in tackles, but his biggest accomplishment was four blocked kicks and that was the most in Division III. TCNJ coach Tyler Moody was grateful for the contributions Patscher made on and off the field. “Dylan is a perfect choice because he represents all the great things about our program,’’ said Moody. He brought toughness, hard-work, focus, and dedication. It was also a great surprise to me to learn that he won this award in high school.’’ Moody quickly realized he could lean on Patcher’s leadership. “Dylan’s character as a leader is all about selflessness,’’ added Moody. “He’s a lineman! Dylan has a tremendous presence for our football team, and when literally your strongest player on the team exemplifies selflessness, it’s really something special to see.’’ Patscher has some sound advice for the Scholar-Leader-Athlete’s that will also be honored as they prepare for college. “Even though you will want to give up during your first camp, don’t just keep pushing and work as hard as you can both on the field and off,’’ said Patscher. “Make sure to ask questions so you’re never unsure. The last thing I would have to say is my biggest pillar when I was playing football, and I wish I had been told this my freshman year, and that is to be selfless. I say this because if you don’t worry about the stats and just do your job, you will be rewarded.’’ Football has been a part of Scarano’s life since the third grade, and in his senior season with the Tigers, the linebacker was named a captain and it was a role he took to heart. “Marco is one of the best leaders I have ever been around,’’ said Princeton coach Bob Surace. “His work ethic, commitment and discipline were al exceptional.  He is one of the most unselfish players we have coached.’’ One of Scarano’s greatest character traits is his willingness and desire to lead by example and play for his school and his teammates. “During his Junior year, we had a rash of injuries at inside linebacker, including one the day prior to our Friday Night Dartmouth game,’’ recalled Surace. “Marco moved to that position with no practice, spent the entire 24 hours learning our checks and led the defense in tackles that game.  He played so well that day we left him at inside linebacker his senior  year where he made All Ivy in spite of his lack of size.’’ Ever since he stepped on the field in the third grade playing collegiate football has been a goals of Scarano’s. “I am grateful for the support of my family, coaches, and teammates throughout my journey leading me to this point in my life,’’ said Scarano. A point in life where Patscher and Scarano are deserving of the honor. ...read more read less