By Jason Lockhart
Morristown High School football coach Chris Hull has told his players they must be at the top of their game to win Saturday’s season finale against High Point, a team that has transformed itself from Sussex County’s doormat to a powerhouse.
“High Point is a very good team with a lot of big guys,” Hull said after a team workout in the high school’s weight room on Tuesday. “They are well coached and only lost one game.”
Hull reminded his Colonials that the 7-1 Wildcats came from behind last week to beat 5-2 Mount Olive by a 20-14 score.
With a 4-4 record, the Colonials are in position to make the playoffs, but the North II Group III playoff brackets won’t be announced until Monday.
“We could be a fourth seed and play a playoff game here or be a fifth seed and play on the road,” Hull said. “But this game on Saturday is very important.”
Before the Colonials took the field for practice, Hull reminded them that Saturday’s game would be a statement performance for each player.
“What you do in practice starting today will have an impact on what you will do on Saturday,” Hull told them.
To beat the Wildcats, the Colonials must bring their top running game to Morristown’s Memorial Field.
“We have effective running backs that can get first downs and touchdowns,” said fullback Kevin Jacas.
Despite the Wildcats’ record, fans in Sussex County have not shown them the respect they deserve, according to Hull. They are known for being a winning football team in Morris County, yet always get overlooked in their own backyard.
High Point, a school with a history of losing seasons and no playoff births, is having one of its greatest years. The Wildcats have come a long way from their dismal 0-10 season in 2006.
The Colonials plan to keep a close eye on Wildcat stars Austin Caldwell, Kevin Fasano and Billy Smith.
Caldwell, an all-conference running back, has rushed for 731 yards on 124 carries on the season. Fasano, a senior quarterback, has a quarterback rating of 103—-950 total yards from scrimmage with six touchdown passes and two interceptions. Smith, a senior defensive lineman, has 85 tackles on the season.
Just the same, Colonials running back Kevin Gaskins said the team’s confidence level is high:
“On a scale from one to 10, I would say a 10,” said the all-conference running back.
Kick-off time is 1 pm on Saturday.
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Despite up-and-down season, Morristown High enters weekend finale with shot at playoffs
