By Ryan Geller ’20

The Pingry football team is heading into its second year in the Metropolitan Independent League with a new sense of confidence and excitement. Coming off the team’s first winning season since 2003, head coach Mr. Christopher Shilts looks to continue his recent success alongside senior captains Nate Hefner (VI) and Zach Dobson (VI) as well as co-captains Jack Baulig (VI) and Joe Shilts (VI). The team replaces the position of Obi Nnaeto ‘18, who rushed for 1,526 yards and 18 touchdowns, with a new group of running backs led by Hefner and Brian Benson (VI). “It’s nice to have a different kind of mindset, not hoping to win anymore, but expecting to win. Our goal is to be the best Pingry team ever,” said Mr. Shilts. He means business.

The team has started the season 2-2 after beating Newark Academy and Morristown-Beard. Pingry lost 43-42 to Pennington in a hard-fought battle at Homecoming. Next, the team will face Montclair-Kimberley Academy at Friday Night Lights. However, Mr. Shilts’ philosophy remains the same, which is to always focus on “the next one.”