Nov. 15, 2023
By Emma Bannon
Editor
The football team started the season with success. The players had a four-game winning streak and became North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Liberty Division champions on Sept. 22 after a 38-21 home win against Waldwick High School.
The team’s winning streak ended on Sept. 30 with a 35-14 loss against rival Rutherford High School. The team continued struggling after that, ending the regular season with a 4-4 record. The team lost in the first round of playoffs with a score of 30-33 in an away game against Newton High School on Oct. 27.
Coach Tuero, who has been coaching the team for 10 years, said he began the season with optimism but noticed a decline in the team’s winning mentality.
“We have learned that when we show up and do our jobs, we are a dangerous football team,” Tuero said. “However, when we do our own thing and not what we’re coached to do, we suffer from the consequences.”
“Each game, win or loss, has helped me… dig deep and push myself in ways that I really couldn’t before.”
He said the team will work hard to improve during the offseason.
“We will watch film from our past and continue to grow and get better every single day,” Tuero said.
Senior Conor Gill, who plays right tackle and is on the defensive line, said he had a positive outlook going into the season.
“Our defense is really good,” Gill said. “Our run game [was] also strong with a fantastic [offensive] line and running backfield led by [junior] Roddy Morinho.”
Gill incurred some minor injuries this season but said he worked hard to return to the field quickly to make the most of his last year on the team.
“I’m going to miss suiting up with my brothers every day,” Gill said. “I’ve grown a lot as a person thanks to the team and my coaches, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Like Gill, junior nose guard Jonathan Rodriguez said he learned a lot this season.
“Each game, win or loss, has helped me… dig deep and push myself in ways that I really couldn’t before,” Rodriguez said. “When looking at a possible loss in the eye, we can’t lower our heads and allow ourselves to give up. We have to come together and lift our brothers up.”
Although Rodriguez is sad to see the seniors graduating, he said he is optimistic about next year.
“The ultimate goal for the upcoming season is to make it to the playoffs once again and try to make each game a win,” said Rodriguez.
CORRECTION: The version of this article that appeared in the November 2023 print issue of The Lighthouse incorrectly listed the football team as North Jersey Interscholastic Conference champions rather than North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Liberty Division champions.
