High Point football looks to improve

SUSSEX — An entire season cannot and should not be judged only upon the result of the opening game of the regular season, but it is something from which a football team can build upon and learn from in order to ultimately reach their full potential.
The High Point High School football program put forth a stout effort on the road in the season opener at Jefferson before losing, 28-21, in a North Jersey Super Football Conference Patriot Red Division match-up. The Wildcats led, 14-7, at the half and again, 21-14, at the end of the third quarter before the home team staged a fourth-quarter comeback.
Chad Musilli (junior, running back/defensive back) scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground and Jack Philip (junior, running back/linebacker) returned a punt nearly 60 yards to the end zone for High Point. Grayson Sabo made good on all three extra point attempts for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats will host West Milford in a Patriot Red Division contest on September 16.
Besides the above mentioned student-athletes, other key returnees for High Point this year include Cliff Rutter (senior, offensive line/defensive line), Steve Eutermarks (senior, offensive line/defensive line), Levi Burnell (senior, tight end/defensive line) and Tommy Gilmore (senior, running back/defensive back).
Matt Douma (senior, wide receiver/defensive back), Brandon Labar (junior, offensive line/defensive line) and Jake Iiscinski (sophomore, quarterback/linebacker) are among the top varsity newcomers for the Wildcats.
“Captains Musilli, Rutter, Gilmore and Burnell are a good mix of both vocal and quiet leaders," High Point head coach Jim Delaney said. “All of them lead by example with great work ethic, character and discipline."
High Point is hoping to increase their win total after posting a 2-8 record in 2015.
“[Our goals are to] improve week by week and play together always and always have each other's backs," Delaney said. “We have a chance to be good if we continue to improve."
The North Jersey Super Football Conference Patriot Red Division features High Point, Jefferson, West Milford, Montville, Morris Hills, Sparta and Vernon.
The Wildcats host Montville on October 1 and then travel to play Morris Hills on October 8. They host Vernon on October 21 and Sparta on November 4.
“This is a high character team, self motivated,’’ Delaney said.