By Jason Lockhart
At a meeting Tuesday night in the school cafeteria, Morristown High Coach Chris Hull asked his seniors a very important question about their Dec. 4 title clash against Nutley at The New Meadowlands.
“Is going out on Friday night worth sacrificing a ring for the championship game?” Hull asked.
For Colonials seniors Kevin Gaskins, Shawn Bell, Rafe Shupe, Akil Anderson, Darren Dungee and others, this will be their last chance to win a state crown.
Hull told them they always will remember their final year of Morristown football. He complimented each player for taking his talents to the next level and for providing leadership to younger players.
Their biggest test will be avoiding distractions in the run-up to the big game.
Colonials defensive coordinator Don Zsak urged players to “say no to parties and girls.” This may require some willpower over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend.
Zsak praised the seniors for making lots of sacrifices throughout the season in pursuit of their goal: The state championship.
“It’s just like when you’re a dad, you make the same sacrifices, and when you’re married you make the same sacrifices,” Zsak said.
After Friday’s semi-final win over West Morris Central, Shawn Bell seemed focused.
“We need just one more game,” he said. “Then I’ll be happy.”
The state sectional championship kicks off at 1:30 pm on Dec. 4. Buses will take fans from Morristown High School to The New Meadowlands in East Rutherford.
In the meantime, the Colonials will be watching game film, running plays, hitting the weight room–and saying “no” repeatedly, if the coaches’ message got through.
“We are playing for our life,” Zsak said. “The state championship is on the line.”
