You better get your winter coat on. It is going to be real nippy at MetLife Stadium.

On the football team’s journey to the state finals, it has remained undefeated with a 11-0 record. At the start of the season, this feat seemed difficult after making the state finals last year was, in large part, due to a strong senior class that has now graduated. This goal also took huge hits during the season when seniors Chris Eichler and Aidan Bilali missed time with injuries. Remarkably, however, this year’s team has outscored their opponents 448-86.

The road to the state finals would not have been possible without a couple of key players keeping the team going. Like past years, seniors continue to power this team. Senior running back Marquez Antinori has rushed for 981 yards and has scored 17 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Nick McNerney has not thrown a single interception this season but has thrown for 21 touchdowns and over 1900 yards. He has added over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. However, a good quarterback is wasted without a pair of hands to catch the passes. Wide receiver Bilali had 527 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns before he went down with a knee injury. Senior wide receiver Sal DeBenedetto has had 531 receiving yards to lead the team and 6 touchdowns. Aidan and Sal also combined for 10 interceptions on defense this year.  

The Knight’s offense wasn’t the only thing that turned heads. The defense had an incredible year, allowing only 86 points and forcing 20 turnovers against their opponents. Senior Danny Vitellaro and junior Chris D’Amico were a huge part of the defense this year and had over 60 tackles each this year. Senior Bryce Lukas also played a huge factor on the team, leading the team with 20 tackles for loss.

The team’s success can also be attributed to their ability to stay calm and take, “…everything one step at a time…we’re going to do the same at MetLife as well,” said Defensive Coordinator Joseph Clause.

Nevertheless, the team realizes the scope of this game and look forward to taking the field. Senior Scott Essman believes that the, “…momentum from our past wins… could take (the team) all the way.”  

“Everybody has been putting their all into every game. By the looks of our season so far, all we have to do is do what we’ve been doing for the past eleven games,” said Antinori. With this confidence and determination to remain undefeated, The Knights face Mt Olive in the state finals on December 2nd at 7 p.m.