Elsworth returns as quarterback

Newton High School’s football team is coming off a solid year.

In 2022, the Braves dominated the regular season, not losing a game until the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state sectional championship against Caldwell.

Last year, the team went 7-3, including a trip to the sectional semifinal, and was undefeated in division play.

At quarterback for the second year will be junior Matt Elsworth.

The Braves coaching staff has loved what they have seen from him this off-season as he is taking more of a leadership role in the locker room. With a year of experience under his belt, it will be important that he takes a leap if Newton wants to succeed this year.

“As a coach, I try not to put too much pressure on the kids, focus on the process and getting better by controlling what we can do,” head coach Matt Parzero said Aug. 6 during a High School Football Media Day at MetLife Stadium.

He has been nothing short of phenomenal as the head coach of the Braves, with a record of 61-12 in seven seasons.

Senior Anthony Tudda and junior Nick Kurilko will be major parts of the Braves offense, which is looking to fill the void after Demarius Posey and Dylan Cotter graduated.

“You don’t want to do it with one guy; it’s nice to have multiple players,” Parzero said about replacing the explosiveness out of the backfield.

Newton’s season begins Saturday, Sept. 7 on the road against Sussex Tech.

The week three matchup against Sparta on Sept. 20 will be a game to watch.