Boys Soccer Team Drops Opener

The West Morris Central Boys Soccer team kicked (pun intended) off the Cuckar Era
and 2017 season against Mount Olive on September 8th. The team lost a hard fought battle
against rival Mount Olive, 1-0. The team played well in the first game under Coach Cuckar,
despite missing captain Chris Flores. Goalkeeper Brian Hunt made several terrific saves, with
the lone goal coming from a failed cross that snuck into the top corner. The offense led by
Michael Shae (Senior), Giordan Carbini (Junior), and Cameron Brown (Freshman) had multiple
opportunities on attack, but unfortunately failed to net a goal. The defense had a strong outing
led by senior captain Jacob Frenchman and junior Evan Paine, holding the explosive Mount
Olive offense to one goal. Owen “the Ox” Gibney (as titled by his teammates) had a fantastic
performance locking down Mount Olive’s leading goal scorer from last season. Despite the
tough loss, the team is optimistic and has high hopes for the season.
When asked about the game Senior goalkeeper Brian Hunt said, “The team played really
well. We came into the game mentally and physically prepared. If we keep the same intensity I
believe we can beat anyone in our conference.”
West Morris plays in the NJAC-National Division, which includes rivals Morris Knolls,
Parsippany Hills, Randolph, and Roxbury. Last season, the team edged out Randolph to win
their first Conference Championship in over a decade. Captain Chris Flores commented that
winning the Conference was an “amazing feeling, especially since it was the first time in thirteen
years.” Senior midfielder Chris Parisi called it “the crowning achievement of his athletic career at
West Morris.”

The team is coming off a very successful 9-8 season, a conference championship, and a
trip to the State Sectional Quarterfinals. The Pack hopes to repeat as conference champs, and
now has their sights set on Roxbury.