Farrell hopes Warriors can expect more state play

By Kyle Moylan, Sports Editor
   The one down side to the New Egypt High Warriors’ football team snatching the last playoff spot in the Central Jersey Group I field was the match-up it created.
   This past Saturday, New Egypt was defeated at top-seeded South River, 28-0.
   While New Egypt coach Tom Farrell and his players certainly had their hands full with this talented opponent, it was still a good place to be. After all, there were 11 teams in Central Jersey Group I playing consolation games this past weekend that would have gladly traded places with them.
   ”When you get to the playoffs, it’s a whole different level,” noted Farrell. “I wish we had some experience in the playoffs, but the only way to do that is by getting there.”
   New Egypt, which is in its sixth year of existence as a varsity program, has come close three times before. It was a touchdown away its first season. In 2005 and 2004, the gap was just a single power point.
   In their first playoff game, Dylan Rowley (linebacker) and Langston Lacroix (cornerback) led a defense that played very well for New Egypt. New Egypt trailed 6-0 at the half and 14-0 after three quarters.
   ”We just weren’t moving the ball,” Farrell said. “Our defense was on the field too long. South River wore us down. That’s why they are the number one seed.
   ”I wish we did a little better, but South River is really good. They flew to the ball on defense.”
   The loss puts New Egypt at 5-4 as it heads into its season finale at Bordentown 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving. A win would give New Egypt its third winning season in four years.
   ”It’s a huge deal,” Farrell noted. “One thing we made sure to remind the players is that the season is far from over. There’s still a game and several practices. There’s still a lot to do and a lot to practice.”
   Especially since Bordentown is an improved version from the one New Egypt has faced in the past.
   ”They’re a lot better,” Farrell stressed. “They’re big and physical. We’ve had problems with teams like that.”
   Once that game is competed, work on 2008 starts.
   ”I’m hoping the program is at a point where we compete for a playoff spot every year now,” Farrell said. “Like any coach, you want it to come along a little faster. You want to establish yourself. You want to win some sort of a championship. In order to do that you have beat Florence (division foe) or win in the playoffs.”
   Of course, getting to the playoffs this season was a heck of a start in the right direction.