Hopatcong's punt team practices its special teams during an early September practice.

Coach Gary Andolena is excited about the upcoming his Hopatcong high school football season. The 3rd year head man is looking to rebound from a 2-9 record from last year and he is well on his way to achieve that goal.

Coach Andolena said many of his players have had a great training camp this summer. The Chiefs are returning ten seniors to this squad and half of them have varsity experience. Gary is also pleased of the realignment of the new conference saying “the new conference will help balance out the team groupings and make the games more competitive.”

The Chiefs open up the season hosting Mountains Lakes and Coach Andolena will be drawing from his 23 years coaching experience to start this season with a win.

OFFENSE

The offense is returning five starters and is lead by senior fullback Ryan Carroll. The 5’11’’ speedster has been a three-year starter and is joined in the backfield by John Ferguson. Joining Carroll and Ferguson will be Nick Espisito and Kevin Gonzales.

Anchoring the offensive line at the tackle positions are Jack Leach and Derrick Walthour. These guys will be a key part of the offense in establishing the run and the pass.

DEFENSE

On the defensive side of the ball there are also five returning starters with some two way contributors. The defense is lead by hard hitting junior Brian Schneider. Schneider is joined at linebacker by sophomore Austin Brown and two way starter Nick Es  ...Read More