Cougars aim to get better each week

There’s no question that the Kittatinny Regional High School football team wants to improve on its win total from last season.

But the Cougars aren’t just talking about getting more wins on the field. They have worked hard during the preseason on weight training, drills, scrimmages and more to help ensure that they are a better all-around team this year.

They are set to begin the regular season with a road game Thursday, Aug. 31 at Hackettstown.

On Friday, Sept. 8, the team will play at Lenape Valley.

Kittatinny’s first home game is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14 against Hanover Park.

Last season, the Cougars had an overall record of 1-8. That victory occurred Oct. 22 against Sussex Tech (26-20 in overtime).

“(We want to) get better each week,’’ head coach Joe Coltelli said.

Among the key returning student athletes to the varsity lineup are seniors Jacob Savage (running back and defensive back), Cole Davis (quarterback and linebacker), Nick Reo (offensive and defensive lines), Tucker Lockburner (offensive and defensive lines) and Dan Fahey (offensive and defensive lines); junior Jorden Pflugfelder (offensive and defensive lines); and sophomores Jaden Roberts (running back and defensive back), Niko Martinez (running back and linebacker) and Jack Brex (quarterback and linebacker).

Promising newcomers include sophomore Kevin O’Keefe (running back and linebacker) and freshmen Mike Strong (split end and defensive back), Jakub Chaberek (offensive and defensive lines) and Keegan Monahan (quarterback and linebacker).

Reo, Davis, Pflugfelder and O’Keefe will be looked on as leaders of the team, Coltelli said. “I hope they lead by example and use their leadership skills to motivate their teammates.’’

Kittatinny competes in the Super Football Conference American Blue Division along with Lenape Valley, Newton, Hackettstown, Wallkill Valley and Sussex Tech.

Coltelli views Lenape Valley and Newton as among the top teams to beat in the division.

“We can be a spoiler, and if our young players can mature quickly, we could surprise people,’’ he said.