After an off season filled with lifting, conditioning, and double sessions, the WMC football team was finally ready to face Par Hills in the season opener.

The Wolfpack finished the first half tied in the hot and rainy away game, but senior running back and linebacker Jake Congdon soon had to leave the game due to cramps. The extreme heat and brutality of the game started to wear down the West Morris roster and the Vikings were able to tie the game up at 28 points each thanks to the strong play of star quarterback Nick Verducci.

In overtime, both teams turned the ball over on fumbles leading to a second over time from both teams. Par Hills got the ball first in the second overtime but soon turned it back over after defensive end Mike Egan recovered a crucial fumble.

With the opportunity to win the game through a score, the Wolfpack gave it to running back Cole Draghi who brought the ball down to the 2 yard line. The team fed Draghi one more time, as he cut up into the defense and stretched out the ball over the goal line to give the Wolfpack a thrilling first win. Draghi totaled 218 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the day.

The next few games for the Wolfpack would not be nearly as exciting, as quarterback Ryan Finlay and the West Morris offensive line led the offense to multiple successful outings, as the defense continued to dominate in wins over West Essex, Morristown, and Mount Olive.

The win over Mount Olive was especially impressive, as the Wolfpack won 32-0 thanks to an inspired second half effort.

The next game against Randolph was a much closer contest. WMC got out to a 17-3 lead, with kicker Mike Bolla nailing a field goal to start the scoring. The Rams then scored on a long Jeramie Simmons touchdown catch bringing them to a one score deficit. The Wolfpack defense then held strong, and was able to stop the Rams on their final two drives.

“Randolph is always a tough team to play, especially on the road, but we were able to pull through,” said senior linebacker and guard Cameron Beltram.

While the Wolfpack are proud to be 5-0, they know they have a tough schedule coming up. They play Morris Knolls in their homecoming game, before taking on Sparta in what could be a battle of two undefeated teams. After that, they will face bitter rival Mendham and then try to avenge last season’s loss to Roxbury.

From morrissussexsports

Cole Draghi and WMC linemen celebrate Draghi’s player of the week award.