Hackettstown Looks Ahead Toward Its First Season Football Victory

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The Hackettstown High School football team is working hard and looking to get its first victory of the season.

The Tigers are 0-2 and lost to Parsippany, 24-13, on Sept. 2 and Sussex Tech, 10-7, on Sept. 10.

Despite the team’s losses, head coach Carl Robinson said his squad has been playing well.

“The team has been working very hard this season,” he said. “So far, we have had great defensive performances from Dan Howlin, Jaiden Liferiedge, and Evan Hatten. Jackson Burke, Sam Burke, and Matt Balser have contributed offensively.”

Senior captains Balser (running back/defensive back), Hatten (running back, defensive back), Nick Puma, (wide receiver/defensive back), and Howlin (offensive lineman/linebacker) are leading the team.

“They have shown tremendous leadership and set the example for others to follow,” Robinson said. “They have great work ethic in the weight room and on the field at practice.”

The four captains are the only seniors on the team, and there is a large group of freshmen on this year’s squad.

“Even though we only have four seniors, they have been doing a great job setting the example for others to follow. Their leadership has been helpful to start the season,” Robinson said. “We have 18 freshmen this year, which looks bright for the future. The freshman class has been working hard to learn and get better every day. Overall, our numbers are strong with over 50 kids on the roster in grades nine to 12.”

In the game against Parsippany, junior quarterback Jackson Burke ran two yards for a touchdown, with Hatten kicking the extra point. Sophomore running back Sam Burke ran 65 yards for a touchdown.

Against Sussex Tech, Balser ran 59 yards for a touchdown. Hattan scored the extra point and had an interception on defense.

Robinson expects juniors Jackson Burke, Liferiedge, Christian Bujno, Josh Lim, Andrew Carida, Peyton Fezenko, Angelo Siconolfi, Alex Feeney, Anthony Edwards, Dylan Ciborski, Liam Burke, Wyatt Beam, and Bernie Annor, and sophomores Joey Freeman and Gio Galacio, who are all newcomers, to contribute to the team this season.

The squad will next take on North Jersey Super Football Conference National Red division rival Kittatinny, which is currently undefeated and in first place in the division, on Friday.

“This upcoming game vs. Kittatinny is going to be a tough game,” said Robinson, who has been head coach at Hackettstown for nine years. “We are expecting a physical football game and are looking forward to the opportunity to compete against a good team.”

Hackettstown’s other upcoming regular-season games include High Point on Sept. 24, Lenape Valley on Oct. 2, Newton on Oct. 8, Vernon on Oct. 15, Wallkill Valley on Oct. 23, and Warren Hills on Oct. 29.