State of the Program: Boonton football expects to bounce back in 2023
Boonton is a small-school football program that prides itself on its rich history and big-time success.
Although the Bombers finished 3-6 last fall, only their first losing campaign in the last five years and fourth since veteran coach Bryan Gallagher took over the program in 2011, the Morris County school still managed to qualify for the postseason in North 1, Group 1.
“Last year was challenging. We played a really tough schedule with injuries and our crossover games were based on the previous season’s results,” Gallagher said. “Realistically, we were a couple of plays away from being a .500 team or better. It showed everyone the importance of the small details and execution. Overall, we all could have done a better job.”
The Bombers dropped the season opener last fall to Pequannock, 28-27, and traded wins and losses the first four weeks of the campaign before losing three straight and four of their last five.
As a result, and typical for small-school programs, several underclassmen and inexperienced athletes earned significant playing time. That’s expected to bode well for the Bombers this fall.
The tradition
Boonton has won two North 1, Group 1 titles, most recently in 2019. The Bombers captured their first title in 2003, defeating Butler in the final.
Overall, Boonton has made 13 postseason appearances, including seven during Gallagher’s tenure.
The challenge
As is the case for most Group 1 programs, depth and athletes playing multiple positions is an on-going challenge.
“Every year we have to cross-train our players. Our athletes need to know all the plays and perform at multiple spots,” Gallagher said. “We have what we call a bunch of Swiss Army knives. We’re bringing some of our younger guys up to speed this summer and they’ll be tested right away.”
STATE OF THE PROGRAM: Inside look at every HS football team in North Jersey
Expectations
Gallagher feels that the Bombers have a realistic chance to surpass last fall’s win total and finish at or above the break-even mark.
Seven seniors are back, led by returning quarterback Adem Qose, a dual-athlete who Gallagher says has worked tirelessly in the offseason to improve his passing skills.
“Adem started all nine games for us last fall and he learned a lot in the process,” Gallagher said. “He’s much faster this summer and may be a better thrower overall. He’s one of the hardest workers we’ve had here over the years.”
Two-way starter and rising senior Dylan Cannizzaro returns at tackle and linebacker for his third year, and two-way lineman Michael Zuercher is back after earning second-team All-Conference honors in 2022.
2023 schedule
Aug. 25: at Belvidere
Aug. 31: vs. Pequannock
Sept. 9: vs. Kinnelon
Sept. 15: at Cedar Grove
Sept. 22: vs. Parsippany
Sept. 29: at North Warren
Oct. 6: at Weequahic
Oct. 13: at Mountain Lakes
Oct. 20: at Whippany Park
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Boonton NJ football expects to bounce back in 2023
