It's time for another high school football season in Morris and Sussex counties. Several of the area's top teams begin their seasons this weekend with Week 0 games.
Every Monday, DailyRecord.com and NJHerald.com publish the latest Morris/Sussex Top 10 rankings.
Here are Morris/Sussex’s top 10 from last season:
10. Montville (7-4)
The Mustangs stormed into the playoffs last season, defeating Parsippany Hills in the first round, and now Montville is considered a team to beat in 2024. Anthony Feaster amassed more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 17 offensive touchdowns as a junior last fall.
Next game: Thursday in Sparta
9. Newtons (7-3)
Nick Kurilko recorded more than 100 tackles and five sacks for Newton as a sophomore and hopes to help the Braves continue their dominance over division opponents. The Braves have won 24 consecutive division games since the 2019 season.
Next game: September 7 at Sussex Tech
8. Randolph (5-5)
Dave Albano takes the reins of a Rams team looking to reach a sectional final for the second time in three seasons. Quarterback Jackson Magley gained valuable experience as a sophomore last season and has a group of junior receivers to help out this season.
Next game: September 6 against Morristown
7. Morris Knolls (6-4)
Led by former player Bryan Gallagher, the Golden Eagles bring back rising seniors Justin Hanson and Jayden Koger, who combined for nearly 1,000 yards on the ground as juniors. Morris Knolls, a consistent contender each season, is hoping to break through and win the program's first sectional title since 2005.
Next game: September 6th in West Morris
6. West Morris (7-6)
For the third year in a row, the Wolfpack marched through the postseason and secured a sectional title. Now West Morris could become the first school to win four consecutive sectional titles since Rumson-Fair Haven from 2013 to 2016. Tom Borgia had his breakout season as a sophomore, recording 91 tackles and four sacks on defense.
Next game: Friday in Mendham
5. Mountain lakes (11-2)
The Herd, last year's Group 1 state champions, are seeking a third straight title in 2024. Carson Fitch led Mountain Lakes with 11 rushing touchdowns and ran for more than 800 yards as a sophomore. Fitch now leads a Herd rushing offense that carried the ball for 3,247 yards last season.
Next game: Friday against Weequahic
4. Roxbury (11-1)
The Gaels set a school record with 11 straight wins to start last season, but then lost to Mount Olive in the final minute of the North 2, Group 4 sectional final. Senior Connor May steps in at quarterback for an offense that totaled more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage in 2023.
Next game: Friday against Parsippany Hills
3. Pope John (7-4)
The Lions picked up wins over Seton Hall Prep and DePaul last season to qualify for the Non-Public A state playoffs. Running back Tylik Hill rushed for 1,006 yards as a junior and Wake Forest freshman Tyler Houser made 121 tackles for a stiff Pope John defense.
Next game: Friday at DePaul
2. Mount Olive (11-2)
The Marauders rebounded from a one-win season in 2022 to win the North 2, Group 4 sectional crown last year, the program's first sectional championship since 2002. Running back Tyler Cumming rushed for 1,467 yards as a junior and returns to the Mount Olive offense alongside senior quarterback Jake Asbury.
Next game: September 6th in Roxbury
1. Delbarton (10-2)
The Green Wave reached the Non-Public A state finals last season, the program's first state championship game since 2014. Phillip Fomlar managed nearly 1,000 yards from scrimmage as a junior, while Kyle Checchio and the Delbarton defense allowed just 12 points per game.
Next game: Sat. against Iona Prep (NY)
The following people also received votes (last year in brackets): Butler (9-2), Sparta (4-6), Vernon (8-2)
