By: Sean Farrell / Record Sports
For all the talk of the decline of high school football, Cresskill has shown no signs of slowing down.
The sport is alive and well on Lincoln Drive, and it’s been that way for quite a while. Over the last 30 years, the Cougars have had just two head coaches and two losing seasons.
Expect that trend to continue with most of the starting lineup back from a team that went 5-4.
Participation doesn’t seem to be much of an issue.
“We’ve been fortunate with our numbers for a Group 1 school,” coach Kevin Quinn said. “We’re going to field a full freshman team this year. We’re fortunate to still have kids who are passionate about the game.”
The Cougars invested in young players over the last two years and it should pay off now with an experienced lineup. Quinn was forced to rely on underclassmen for depth, but that’s not the case anymore with a dozen seniors and 14 juniors.
Senior Aidan Fuelner will lead the offense after throwing 16 touchdowns last season, good for 10th in Bergen County.
“He’s a very competitive kid who’s ready to put this team on his shoulders and carry us,” Quinn said.
Senior Tim Coffey is a three-year starter on both sides who led the team in rushing and tackles last year. The Cougar defense will also feature middle linebacker Dan Ferrara, linemen Leo Urrena and Rob McClelland, and free safety Kyle Henderson.
Kicker Mike Spina has range from at least 50 yards and will be a special teams weapon.
“We have more experience than in years past,” Quinn said. “Hopefully that translates to more wins.”
The tradition
Cresskill has one of the best track records for a Group 1 school.
The Cougars are 63-29 since 2010 and averaged at least seven wins per season in each of the previous three decades.
The program was over .500 in 12 of the last 13 years and won five sectional titles (most recently in 1997).
“We don’t have to teach our kids to work hard,” said Quinn, in his sixth year as head coach and 20th with the program. “Our culture isn’t about constantly trying to get kids to work. Guys know when they step into our room or step onto our field.”
The challenge
For anyone in the Meadowlands Division, it’s about getting through Hasbrouck Heights.
The Aviators won the league in each of the last three years and beat Cresskill by 41 points last fall. The rematch will come in the first week of the season so the Cougars won’t have much time to prepare.
Quinn also points out that it won’t be easy to replace the production at wide receiver as Cresskill lost stars Jack Morgan and Ken Spadaccini.
Expectations
Cresskill should be one of the top teams in its conference with about seven starters back on both sides. The Cougars bring back four starters on the offensive line and senior Mike Lee, who started there as a sophomore.
While there are some roadblocks on the schedule, the Cougars are capable of a much better season.
