Hackensack has hovered near the .500 mark since Brett Ressler took over in 2021. The plan this season is to break through − or in other words, explode.
Boosted by an influx of speed thanks to a collaboration with the track program, Ressler believes he will have a faster, more dynamic team capable of breaking big offensive plays any time. The Comets start the season ranked No. 17 in the North Jersey Public Top 20.
“Explosive plays, that’s what we have been harping on,” said Ressler, 15-17 in his three years. “We have some speed coming back. And if you look at the success Hackensack had in the 90s, it came down to a lot of explosive plays and long runs.”
In the last decade, Hackensack has become a cradle for Division I running backs, and Ressler is hopeful that senior Dylan Thornton will be next in line. He also believes in the talents of track star Seven Garcia at wide receiver.
From a big picture standpoint, things are rolling at Hackensack. The new weight room and fieldhouse are done, and participation numbers are good - although this year's freshman class is on the small side. The staff has remained steady.
This is still Hackensack. Ressler takes a lot of pride in leading his program and believes there’s a foundation for sustained success.
“We know we still get everyone’s best shot. Everyone has Hackensack circled on their calendar and we like it that way,” Ressler said. “We preach a bit of a different style of football that a lot of other teams do. We want to run the football, play tough, physical, aggressive defense and if you do that, you have a chance to win playoff games.”
MORE: Inside look at HS football teams in Bergen and Passaic counties
The tradition
Hackensack is one of the oldest and most successful football programs in North Jersey, dating back to 1902.
Since the modern-day playoff era (starting in 1974), Hackensack has won seven sectional titles, including a streak of five in a row under Greg Toal in the mid-90s and two more under Ralph Dass in 1999 and 2000.
Ressler has coined the phrase “Protect the H” to keep the current players connected to the past.
This year’s Thanksgiving Day game between the Comets and Teaneck will be the 90th meeting.
The challenge
Ressler talks about explosive plays right away, and he’s correct. It’s easier for a high school team to break a long run or a long pass than put together a methodical 10-play drive.
Hackensack has produced great running backs the last few years, but has to be careful not to become too one-dimensional. The Comets need to be able to pass the ball when defenses crowd the line of scrimmage.
Ressler said there are two quarterbacks vying for the starting job this summer, and it's possible both will play.
Expectations
The schedule sets up nicely for the Comets, who should be 2-0 heading into a battle with Northern Highlands, which will be one of the top teams in North Jersey, on Sept. 13.
Hackensack hasn’t won a playoff game since 2015 and that should be the measuring stick these Comets are judged.
The schedule is tough, but there’s no game that Hackensack will be out-manned.
Schedule
Aug. 30: vs. Passaic, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7: at Kennedy, 1 p.m.
Sept. 13: vs. Northern Highlands, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: at Eastside, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 27: vs. Wayne Valley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5: at Ridgewood, TBA
Oct. 18: vs. Ramapo, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: vs. Barringer, 7 p.m.
Nov. 28: at Teaneck, 10:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey's No. 17 team looking for big plays and big wins in 2024 | Top 20 countdown
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