Morristown-Beard Restores Varsity Football

Last season, the Morristown-Beard varsity football program was non-existent.

Literally.

With not enough players to fill out a varsity roster, the Crimson relegated themselves to a junior varsity program, giving them an extra year to develop as a team.

“It was the right call when we had to make a decision,” third year head coach Tim Fell explained. “Our numbers were just not where they needed to be to compete on a varsity level.”

Fast forward one year later, and despite some key injuries, this Morristown-Beard squad is primed for a big return to the varsity stage, as they get set for a week 1 matchup against Montclair Kimberly Academy on Saturday.

“We actually had a successful JV experience last year,” Fell said. “Guys got better and our numbers are up because of it, and we feel more confident going into the varsity season.”

With a senior class consisting of five players (a number that dropped to three after injuries to quarterbacks Ryan Martin and Matt Rosenberg), Fell is looking to his upperclassmen to help mentor a young team.

“It’s really nice [to be back at the varsity level],” Fell said. “I’m proud of the boys, I’m proud of our seniors, and our captains Bruno and Pribor. They really steadied the ship.”

LOOK OUT FOR:

Dusty Pribor, Quarterback (Sr.) –Pribor, a senior captain this season, is a wide receiver that has been converted to quarterback. While there will be growing pains, Pribor’s athleticism and experience on the field will help him throughout the season. Look for Pribor to make opportunities with both his arm and his legs.

Alex Bruno, Offensive/Defensive Tackle (Sr.) –The senior captain, a main ingredient to this team both offensively and defensively, brings with him experience and intelligence on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Bruno and the offensive line will be major factors opening up running lanes for the offense and protecting Pribor.

COACH’S TAKE:

“We’re a running team, I’m a running coach,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever be a spread guy. I like the option, but we’re going to run the ball. Teams that I’ve coached run the ball [on offense] and stop the run [on defense]. I think we can run the ball, we got better up front and I think our backs are coming along."– Coach Fell

THEY SAID IT:

“We have a nice young group that has a lot of talent, still learning the game. But we feel that if we come together, we can really do something this year. This year we’re back at varsity and I feel like we can compete at that level.” – Bruno

“I see a team with a lot of young talent. Bruno and myself and a lot of the kids on the team worked real hard for this season, and it’s just nice to know that all of the hard work paid off, ultimately with a varsity season this year.”– Pribor