Epic 2017 Fall Season for Hackettstown HS

Hackettstown, NJ - Anyone who follows High School Football in Northwest New Jersey knows that Hackettstown is home to the most dedicated athletes, coaches, parents, fans and a supportive community. Through the years, Hackettstown has produced some of the most tenacious and determined football teams and the 2017 season was no exception.

The season started much like any other, team selection, summer camps, weight training and of course practices well before the first game. While many high schoolers were enjoying the carefree days of summer, the 99th season for Hackettstown High was hard at work.

Lead by Coach CJ Robinson, the Tigers started the season off with a bang, coming out of the gate 3-0 handily defeating Dover, Walkill Valley and North Warren in short order. Their first true challenge came by way of Lakeland HS with Mount Olive the following week resulting in the first defeats of the season. Instead of being discouraged, the Tigers were galvanized and more determined to bounce back. And bounce back they did, with an exciting win over Lenape Valley. Their tough schedule brought them back on the road against the undefeated Newton Braves adding another defeat. Finishing out the season, the Tigers were at their home, Morrison Field for Kittatinny and the ever-exciting rivalry with Warren Hills. Both wins were important momentum for the 99th squad as they went into the playoffs.

As the underdog and without any homefield advantage, the Tigers first faced 3rd seed Mountain Lakes HS. The resounding win was the first playoff win for Hackettstown since 2008. But the Tigers were not done yet, seeded 6th in the division going into the playoffs, they faced 2nd seed Caldwell. With a dominant defensive line and coordinated offensive line, the team marched their way to their first State Finals appearance since 1981. The Tigers facing top-seeded Rutherford at MetLife stadium approached the game with all their hearts and souls, but were unfortunately bested in a challenging and contested game.

Following the season several team members have been honored by being named to conference teams. 1st Team Super Football Conference American Division - Joe Andes, Christian Maciak, Tim Ervey, TJ Sciaretta, Max Cash. 2nd Team Super Football Conference American Division - Eddie O'Melia, Shawn Burke, Alan Hatten, Matt Castro. Honorable Mention - Brandon Kuehner, Matt Macaulay

“On behalf of the football program, we want to thank the community for all their support. We played as a team and our players showed their heart, dedication, and commitment to each other throughout the playoffs and in the final game at Metlife. The coaching staff is thankful to the players for all they did this season and allowing us to be apart of this season.” - Coach Robinson

While the football team was earning their way and making Hackettstown proud, the Tiger Marching Band and Cheerleaders were also working hard to continue the legacy.

Under the direction of Christopher Zwarych, the 2017 Tiger Marching Band presented their take on James Bond with "You Know My Name", an original James Bond soundtrack. It was a very successful season for the Tiger Marching Band, with the band coming in First or Second at all of their regular season competitions and taking home multiple awards for Best Music, Best Overall Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Additionally, the band placed 5th at the National Championships and 3rd at the NJ State Championship and took home the award for Best Percussion at the State Championship for the first time in the school's history.

To add to the Tiger Pride trifecta, Coaches Andrea Daly and Amanda Kinney led the Tiger Cheerleading squad into new territory with strong Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, but also re-entering the cheer competition arena. Starting over the summer with team placements, practices and camps, the 2017 Cheer team got off to a great start with Juanita Cappard, Mackenzie Luciano, Grace Eisele and Amanda Stanton named UCA All-Americans with Juanita invited to tryout for a UCA Staff position. During the football season, the squad was busy with the Tiger Sports Association planning and holding the 1st ever Tiger Tumble Cheer Competition. At the state level, the Destination Athlete Complete Athlete Showcase recognized, Juanita Cappard and Lauren Itkor for their accomplishments and dedication to the sport and also awarded Ms. Cappard with a scholarship. Most noticeably, the Hackettstown Game Day competition team took to the floor in several competitions, taking their highest placement at the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Cheerleading Competition earning Silver medals. With the tenacity of their coaches and talented and determined athletes, the team went on to receive their historic first-ever bid to the National Championships being held in February 2018.

“I am grateful for another year of coaching at HHS and am so happy that Amanda has been alongside me to bring our program to perform at its fullest potential! Thank you to the Hackettstown Community for helping us achieve every possible opportunity that has come our way! We are excited about the growth and future of our cheerleading program!” - Coach Andrea Daly

All in all the Hackettstown Tigers 2017 season will be remembered as a key part of the legacy of the program and the town. A perfect way to go into the 100th season in 2018. Who knows what this crew has in store, but it is bound to be memorable.

Photo Credits: New12Varsity.com, Bryan Metz and fans