Hopatcong High Football Coach Looks Forward to the Playoffs, Proclaims 'Chief Nation'

The Hopatcong High School football team is reflecting upon what Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Randina called "an extraordinary season" as the members of the HHS family look toward Saturday, the team's first playoff appearance in their quest for the NJSIAA North 1, Group 1 state championship title.

The team finished its regular season with a 6-3 win-loss record. According to 
Chiefs head coach Jerry Venturino, this team is the eighth squad in Hopatcong High history to have ended the season with six or more wins.
 
Venturino took over the reins of the football team at the start of this team, and his "The Team" concept, he said, helped motivate the boys. Under the coach's philosophy, everyone—coaches, players, cheerleaders, band musicians, students, parents and fans—works together for the success of The Team.

"The coaches and players work hard every day on and off the field," the coach said. "The players know that everything they do is for The Team—making sure they do well in school, representing The Team in a respectful manner on and off the field and working hard when they are on the field."

The coach says his young men will be working hard Friday at 7 p.m., when the Chiefs take on top-seeded Hasbrouck Heights in the first game of the playoffs. The opponent will have the home field advantage, but Venturino says eighth-seeded Hopatcong has the spirit.

"The vibe from the stands transcends onto the field, whether it’s the band playing the garbage cans, the student section cheering with painted faces or the fans with their horns at the ready," he said. "It creates an atmosphere like no other."

Superintendent Randina said it's all part of the school's close-knit nature.

"We are Hopatcong," she said. "We are family."

Hopatcong students, residents and fans can show their spirit and pride to the whole world. The team has announced its own Twitter hashtag, #chiefnation, that people can use.