5 Things To Know For Tonight's Playoff Game

Friday’s 5 Things column usually highlights and previews goings on around Washington Township over the weekend, but we’re taking a bit of a twist today.

The West Morris Central Wolfpack football team will host Parsippany Hills High School in the North II, Group 3 sectional semifinals tonight at Wolfpack Stadium. Here are five things you should know about the situation.

You Need to Know We’ve Been Here Before: Seniors on the team this year have a wealth of playoff experience heading into tonight’s game. Two years ago, as sophomores, they were part of a championship team anchored by running back Michael Burton. Last year, as juniors, they l. These guys are hungry for one last hurrah, and they’d like to make an appetizer out of the Vikings.

You Need to Know This is a Rematch: These two teams . The Wolfpack came out on top, winning 28-21, behind the running efforts of John Ciccone and Stephan Quatorze. Parsippany Hills is 6-3 on the season, with the Wolfpack at 7-2. The Vikings beat Nutley last week in the opening round of the playoffs, while West Morris had a bye.

You Need to Know About Strengths and Weaknesses: The Vikings leading rusher, CJ Joyce, had 72 yards and a score against Central the first time around. He also registered seven tackles and a sack on defense. The Wolfpack allowed a 68-yard flea flicker play in that game as well, and has shown

The Wolfpack, however, has been . Running backs John Ciccone, Jason Mackiewicz, Stephan Quartoze and at times Joe DeBiasse, have pounded and eluded opponents . Be on the lookout for a tough, hard-hitting game with a chance to play for a title on the line.

You Need to Know About the Brains Behind the Brawn: That’s the coaching staff, a group of long-time Wolfpack personnel and former players. Head Coach Kevin Hennelly, who took over in 1997, claims three state titles (2001, 2004, 2010), and nine appearances in the state playoffs. Hennelley’s assistants include Richard Kumpf, Jake Field, Barry Buchanan, Dan Wydner, and Henry Frayne.

You Need to Know It’s One Week at a Time, But…: If West Morris can hold serve at home as the number one seed in North II, Group 3, it will face the winner of Colonia vs. Cranford, seeds two and three respectively. The title game will be held on Friday, Dec. 2. at a place to be determined.

Let’s go ‘Pack!