‘Tremendous amount of potential’

After posting a 3-7 overall record last year, leaders of the Jefferson Township High School football program are confident that the young team will come of age this fall.

“Jefferson football has established a tradition of playing high-level football,” assistant coach Marcus Thompson said Aug. 6 during a High School Football Media Day at MetLife Stadium.

“A few years ago, we turned over our roster and have had younger players stepping into new roles. It has taken them some time to understand just what it takes to live up to that level of Jefferson football.

“What’s exciting for us as a coaching staff is we see the body, the experience, how they encourage each other and are buying into coach Jim Matsakis’ new system offensively and defensively. There is a tremendous amount of potential.”

Thompson was joined at the Media Day, sponsored by the New York Jets, by lineman Ethan Thompson, a senior; wide receiver/defensive back Christopher Connolly, a sophomore; and wide receiver/defensive back Steve Cruz, a junior.

“We must step it up now, regardless of what grade you are in,” Cruz said. “The standard remains the same: Winning a championship.”

The Falcons will play their first game at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 at Verona.

They are in the Patriot Red Division of the SFC, formerly known as the New Jersey Super Football Conference, along with Sparta, Vernon, West Milford, Lakeland and Dover.