He's a returning starter at center and defensive tackle. He's smart, sturdy and dependable, the kind of kid who has been in the middle of the big victories for every successful Crusaders team for the last 45 years.
Moffa grew up dreaming of playing for Delsea. His dad, Lou, played for the Crusaders in the mid-1970s.
"It's in the blood," Joe Moffa said. "For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to play for Delsea. I always wanted to be a Delsea lineman."
But Delsea linemen don't dream for long. They get down to work. They spend countless hours in that big weight room off the school's gymnasium on Fries Mill Road in Franklinville, Gloucester County.
They're in there in the winter, spring and summer. They're in there in seventh grade, ninth grade, 11th grade.
They're in there night and day, rain and shine. They're in there building more than muscles. They're in there building the bonds that are the foundation of the program's remarkable success.
"Joe is a typical Delsea kid," Delsea offensive line coach Ron Flaim said. "He's a tough kid. His work ethic is outstanding. Delsea football means everything to him."
With Moffa at the center of an experienced line, Delsea is a top-5 team in South Jersey with a legitimate chance to defend its West Jersey Football League Royal Division title and challenge for the South Jersey Group 3 crown.
The Crusaders have an emerging star in junior quarterback Josh Awotunde, experienced running backs in seniors Marshall Brooks and Oobie Pitman, and a dangerous slotback in junior Tyrone Saud.
But veteran coach Sal Marchese Jr. and the rest of the Crusaders coaches are confident about this team for one reason most of all: The offensive line. That's long been a Delsea strength, a key to those nine sectional titles in Groups 2 and 3.
This year's team has four returning starters, and an outstanding leader in Moffa.
