Coach: Kevin Quinn, 4th year
Last year’s ranking: 16
Rearview Mirror: Cresskill finished 7-3 last season, with two of its losses coming against Hasbrouck Heights, which finished the season undefeated and won the inaugural NJIC championship and the North 1, Group 1 title. After going 2-2 to begin the year, the Cougars won five consecutive games, outscoring their opponents 179-47, during that stretch. That run came to an end when Cresskill fell to Hasbrouck Heights, 28-21, in the sectional semifinals.
COMPLETE RANKINGS:Top 20 countdown
Looking ahead: Cresskill lost quarterback Jack Maltby to graduation, but returns an excellent running back in senior Ben Stein. One of the Cougars’ strengths last season was their offensive line, and that should be the case again this season with a good amount of experience up front. Cresskill has some holes to fill on defense, including all three linebackers, but returns two starting defensive linemen in Max Gentile and Yianni Tolos.
Bold prediction: Look for Cresskill to again make some noise in the NJIC Meadowlands Division and earn a spot in the conference playoffs.
