JFK football is seeing a lot of success this year. Fortunately enough we got the opportunity to sit down with Iselin Middle School history teacher and JFK football coach Mr. McGann. He gave comments on the success of the team and his contribution to the coaching aspect of it.
McGann felt very good and had some encouraging things to say after the win.
“Feels great. Our goal every week is to be 1-0. It’s really satisfying to see the guys work hard in practice and then go out and execute a game plan. We only say we are 1-0 until Monday and then we’re back to 0-0. Our goal is to be 1-0 again on Friday,” McGann said.
McGann talked about this idea of being 1-0 until Monday every week. The Mustangs were definitely 1-0 that weekend with a 39-26 win over North Plainfield. At one point holding a 26-8 lead, the Mustangs ran away and didn’t look back. That win built momentum.
“Every win builds confidence. There are still things that need to be fixed,” McGann stated.
Obviously there are goals set by every team. A huge milestone would be a division championship. JFK has almost locked one up for the first time in a while. McGann had a viewpoint on what a division championship would mean to the team and the effort they put in.
“It would be massive. Every senior class deserves to leave a legacy. And to be able to hang that up on a banner, that the Mustangs are division champs would be incredibly satisfying,” McGann said.
The running game is a huge part of the success and Fiheem Howell, Jr. has put in a lot of work as the running back.
“He’s always been physically talented, it’s the mental aspect that is clicking [for Howell, Jr.],” McGann said.
McGann also praised the O-line.
“As an O-linemen myself I have to give credit to the O-line. We have an all senior group up front,” he said.
JFK not only has had success on the ground but also through the air. Richie Trotman had 3 passing touchdowns vs North Plainfield. Howell, Jr. had 2 touchdowns on the ground along with 282 rushing yards. JFK dominated offensively and came out with the win. The team put on a show during Senior Night.
JFK followed this game with a great effort vs Middlesex. Although they lost 36-32, JFK showed a fantastic fight. They scored 4 touchdowns and 280 yards through the air and 162 yards as well as a touchdown coming on the ground. Defensively JFK came up with 80 total tackles and a forced fumble courtesy of E.J. Kaminski. Despite the tough loss JFK will remain positive going into a game against South Plainfield. Mr. McGann if he had a final statement.
“GO MUSTANGS!”
