When North Brunswick Township High School head coach Michael Cipot took over the team in the spring after six years as a coordinator, he knew that he would need to change the culture of the program in order to win.
Coming off a 1-9 season, Cipot hopes to build in a winning mentality that will change the way the community and the team feel about the Raiders.
“Our expectations are to establish a culture of winning and togetherness,” Cipot said. “These guys have won a combined eight games in the past five years. We want these guys to know what it takes to win.”
Cipot replaces Don Zsak, who stepped down as head coach after two seasons at North Brunswick. Zsak is now the defensive coordinator at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.
Despite the losses that were compiled, Cipot is confident that his team will turn it around in his first year.
“We want to make the playoffs,” Cipot said. “I want these kids to have a positive football experience. We’ll do that if we work together. That’s what we preach: togetherness.”
Cipot also hopes his players will learn more about life during their time together on the field.
“When we talk about that positive experience, we’re talking about the lessons that will help these kids in the next stages of life,” Cipot said. “Whether that’s college or college football or their next job, we want them to know how to succeed in whatever they do next. We’re trying to build role models that the whole community can be proud of and get behind.”
Cipot will lean on the talents of junior Christian Petrillo (quarterback), seniors Amir Alderman (running back, wide receiver, slot back) and Mwanza Fitzpatrick (wide receiver, defensive back) and sophomore Myles Bailey (running back).
So far, Cipot’s preaching of togetherness has struck a cord with his team, with many of the players echoing the team’s motto.
“This year is just different,” Fitzpatrick said. “We’re a real team, and there’s a real bond. We actually call each other brother this year. The chemistry this year is incredible.”
“We have such a strong bond this year,” Bailey said. “Our name, the Raiders, means something. It symbolizes that we need to stick together, and we’re doing that.”
Bailey, who’s a two-year starter at running back as a sophomore, believes the team will do great things this year.
“We’re going to be special because we worked hard all summer,” Bailey said. “We can win a championship because we put in the work.”
Bailey also believes in himself more due to the trust of his teammates and coaches.
“It’s amazing,” Bailey said. “I’ve been starting since my freshman year, and I’ve been getting better every second.”
Fitzpatrick also believes this year will be a great one for the team.
“I expect great things,” he said. “I want to make the playoffs and win a ring.”
Petrillo thinks the offense can be special due to the cast that they have.
“I want to try to be the fastest offense we possibly can and to work hard to win every game,” Petrillo said. “We have one of the best offensive lines in North Brunswick history. We work hard. This year can be something special. I’m going to try to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Alderman thinks the team will surprise a lot of people and compete in the Greater Middle Conference White Division.
“We’re really going to show people that they’re sleeping on us,” Alderman said. “We put in the work. We’re seniors now, so coach is putting the pressure on us to lead this team, and we’re ready.”
Alderman believes the team will really be on track for something special sooner rather than later.
“Once we start getting wins, then it’s on,” Alderman said. “Once we see that we can win and compete against anyone, then we’ll have more confidence in ourselves. Once that happens, there’s no stopping us.”
The Raiders open their season on Sept. 8 at home against Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen. The time of the game is yet to be determined.