Remembering Rocco: Wayne HS Football Teams Unite In Classmate's Memory

WAYNE, NJ — The stands at Wayne Hills High School will be a sea of orange on Saturday, as the Patriots host Wayne Valley for the "One Town, One Heart" football game, in memory of classmate Rocco Sivolella.

The Valley freshman died of acute myeloid leukemia in 2022, at the age of 15. His fight against cancer became a community rallying point, and the annual cross-town football rivalry between Hills and Valley now honors his memory, while raising money for the Rocco Sivolella Memorial Scholarship.

Fans of both teams will pull on orange shirts, hoodies, and other gear for Saturday's matchup, as orange is the color of awareness for leukemia.

Rocco's family started the Rocco Sivolella Memorial Scholarship to honor him and give remember his legacy, while giving back to the community. It is given annually to a student-athlete from each high school.

The Wayne Hills Patriots (3-2) host the Wayne Valley Indians (4-1) on Saturday, Oct. 5, with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. Click here for tickets, which are only available online. Season passes are also available for both football teams (click here for Hills, and here for Valley).

You may learn more about Rocco here, and see photos from past "Orange Out" football games and fundraisers for his scholarship: https://rememberingrocco.com

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