During a late-August game at Lenape Valley, junior quarterback Matthew Siciliano took his first varsity snap as first-string quarterback (QB1). The stands were loud, the pressure was heavy, and the expectations were uncertain. But according to his parents, that moment became the spark for one of the most successful seasons in Kinnelon High School football history.

By the end of the 2025 season, Siciliano had emerged as the steady, dual-threat leader of a team that finished 10-2, reaching the sectional championship. His development was noticeable not just in the way he threw or ran the ball, but in how he carried himself and guided the team throughout the year. 

A Season of Growth

Throughout the season, Siciliano’s parents saw him evolve in ways they had never seen before. His father said he was proud that Matthew became the quarterback of one of the most successful teams Kinnelon has ever had, especially because he never missed a snap all season. “He had some ridiculous games and got to play with kids he considers brothers,” Greg Siciliano said. “Not only am I proud of him, but proud of all the boys who made this season so special.” 

His mother shared similar feelings, especially about the night the season started. “When he stepped onto the field for that game against Lenape Valley, I knew he was nervous,” Alycia Siciliano said. “But he played a great game, and that set the tone for the rest of the season.” 

Both parents also noticed that Matthew became more comfortable communicating with coaches, discussing what he saw on the field, and learning how to stay composed when the stakes were high. These moments, they said, helped him grow not only as an athlete but also as a young adult. 

Becoming a True Quarterback

Only one year earlier, Siciliano was a running back. The switch to quarterback meant learning a new position, a new set of responsibilities. Defensive coordinator Anthony Colabella said this adjustment made Siciliano one of the team’s biggest advantages. “He sharpened his skills to be both a good runner and a good passer,” Colabella said. “Teams had to defend him in both ways, which made things difficult for them and beneficial for us.”

Colabella also explained that Siciliano’s composure improved throughout the season. Games like the comeback against Wallkill Valley showcased his ability to stay calm and make crucial plays, even when the team was behind. “We were losing the entire game, and Matt made big plays late,” Colabella said. “He handled pressure great all year.”

As the season progressed, the coaches observed Siciliano taking more ownership of the offense, understanding the playbook, providing feedback, and learning how to make quick decisions in the pocket. 

The Quarterback’s Perspective

Siciliano said the most important part of the season was the opportunity to play in a sectional championship, a goal the whole team shared from the very beginning. He also pointed to a touchdown pass against Kittatinny as one of the moments he remembers best. “The touchdown against Kittatinny to start the scoring was huge,” he said. His favorite individual performance came in Week Zero against Lenape Valley, where he finished with almost 300 total yards in his debut as a varsity quarterback. “That was my best individual performance,” Siciliano said.

He explained that one of the hardest challenges was the mental side of a long season. “It gets tedious. You have to keep going,” he said. Even when the season got long, he made sure to keep working, knowing that his teammates relied on him. Looking ahead, he already has a clear goal for next year: “We want to return to the sectional final and win.”

Looking Toward 2026

Coach Colabella believes Siciliano has the potential to take another big step next year. “I think he can build off this year and have even better numbers,” he said. “Hopefully lead us back to the final and win it.” The team hopes that the lessons learned this season will carry into next fall and help them make an even deeper playoff run.

For the Kinnelon community, Siciliano’s rise this season represented more than just yards or touchdowns. Younger players looked up to him. Coaches watched him develop into a dependable leader. His growth became a reflection of the entire program’s commitment and culture.

As the Colts prepare for another season, they know that their quarterback will be returning tougher, smarter, and more determined than ever. And with one more year ahead of him, the goal remains the same: bring home a championship.