Parsippany Hills football starts fresh with a new head coach | State of the Program

First-year coach Ross Tarlowe is no stranger to the Parsippany Hills football program.

A top assistant and coordinator at the Morris County school for the last 24 years, Tarlowe steps into the top role this fall after longtime coach Dave Albano took the Randolph head job following the 2023 season.

“The reception by the school and community has been encouraging, and the excitement is high after putting together a winning season last fall,” Tarlowe said. “I’m not going to lie, though, but it’s a little weird not having or seeing Dave [Albano] and some of our longtime staff around. We’re focused on the upcoming season and I’m excited to lead this proud program.”

Tarlowe, who has spent the majority of his tenure at Parsippany Hills as a defensive coordinator, takes over a team that finished 7-3 last fall, its first winning season since going 5-3 during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. The Vikings qualified for the postseason for the second straight year, falling to rival Montville in the opening round in North 2, Group 3 .

“There’s a carry-over effect among the returning players and everyone is encouraged in camp this summer,” Tarlowe said. “We have a good balance of upperclassmen and young and new players competing for starting jobs. It’s great to see the competition.”

Though the Vikings graduated most of their skill position players and key playmakers, a handful of senior two-way starters return. Linebacker AJ Herre (17 receptions, 180 yards, five touchdowns), linebacker RJ Ellerbee (42 tackles) and linebacker Rafael Lindsay (44 tackles, three sacks) provide leadership and experience.

The tradition

Parsippany Hills won its second sectional title in 2019, defeating West Essex, 38-21, in North 2, Group 3.

A week later, the Vikings came up short against Ramapo in the Group 3 North regional championship at MetLife Stadium to finish with a 10-3 record.

The challenge

The Vikings are in rebuilding mode with most of the lineup young and inexperienced. Factor in a challenging schedule and a rebuilt offense, and Parsippany Hills is going to need some time to gel and play as a team.

After producing more than 3,600 yards of total offense last fall, Parsippany Hills is expected to switch to a conventional pro-style offense in 2024.

Expectations

Tarlowe has a good understanding of the defense, so expect the Vikings to be prepared on that side of the ball.

The rookie coach is encouraged by what he sees up front with the line, and believes the team will come together as the season progresses.

“Our goal is to bring the team together and have them play for each other,” Tarlowe said. “That’s what we’re preaching in the preseason. Once that happens, we’ll be a good team.”

Schedule

Aug. 30 : at Roxbury

Sept. 6 : vs. Mendham

Sept. 13 : at Vernon

Sept. 20 : at River Dell

Sept. 27 : vs. Montville

Oct. 4 : at West Morris

Oct. 10 : vs. Warren Hills

Oct. 19 : at Morris Hills

Oct. 26 : vs. Chatham

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Parsippany Hills football starts fresh with a new head coach | State of the Program