By: centraljersey.com
Evidently, winning brings more than smiles to the Hightstown High football team.
"I never thought, coming into the season, that a practice at Hightstown would run itself, but it does," said coach Pete Brescia, who suddenly has a team with two straight victories after last Saturday’s 31-17 triumph over Lawrence.
"After our first win (over Steinert) the boys have taken a true businesslike approach to practice and now completely understand what it means to get better at every position. It has become a matter of pride."
It has also become a matter of competition, as the Rams youngsters are getting caught up in the excitement and have begun to push the veterans.
"As a result, our seniors have gotten better," Brescia said. "This is a huge statement that speaks volumes about the pride our kids have in the program."
It is well earned pride, after Hightstown muddled through a one-win season in 2009 before losing its first three games this season. At 1-12 in their last 13 games, the Rams were fighting some negative history but have managed to turn things around.
A big reason has been quarterback Kevin Monahan, who was a sterling 14-for-17 for 216 yards and three touchdowns against Lawrence. And then there is Abdul Namoya, who rushed for 205 yards and a touchdown.
In his last three games, Namoya has rushed for 210, 104 and 205 yards.
"Abdul has been playing great," Brescia said of this week’s 12t Man TD Club offensive back of the week. "He is to our offense what Wallace (Cooper) is to our defense. He’s the vocal and spiritual leader of the offense."
But neither Monahan or Namoya would be much without protection and open holes, and they have been getting just that from the offensive line of Angel Guzman, Marcus Lawrence, Ryan Bland, Derrick Johnson and Sam Badillo.
"They have matured into a cohesive unit that has taken ownership of our running game," Brescia said. "Our receivers have also learned that any run can go for one yard or break for 80 and their blocking in the third level has lead to many of Abdul’s yards."
The coach added that while Namoya has been getting help, he has also done a lot on his own as approximately 40 percent of his yards have come after the first hit.
"He keeps his legs moving and has a huge heart," Brescia said.
The entire team will need a huge heart at Friday night’s Hall of Fame game, as undefeated Ewing comes to Leshin Lane.
"We obviously have to defend (quarterback Darryl) Griffen," Brescia said. "They are well coached, big, fast and have a huge desire to succeed as evidenced by their film. We will have to work hard and bring our A game to beat them."

