Big field, bright lights, top-ranked opponent? “That’s what we do,” says Northern Highlands Head Coach Greg Russo, as his Highlanders prepare to battle No. 1 Somerville Sunday in the Rumble on the Raritan at SHI Stadium.
The game is part of a season-opening “Big Central Game of the Week” doubleheader driven by Mark Montenero and his team at the world-famous Autoland on Central Jersey Sports Radio. Kickoff is at 5 pm immediately following the Bernards-Hillside game at 2 pm. Click here to listen live as Justin Sontupe and Tim Catalfamo call the action.
Northern Highlands has been a force in Northern New Jersey for a handful of years, backing up a 9-3 campaign in 2019 with a 5-2 mark in 2020. Last year’s team finished with three-straight victories, and both of their losses came by just a single possession.
Dual-threat starting quarterback Enzo Arjona returns for his senior campaign, joined in the backfield by senior running back Nick Branca. Several key pieces of last year’s defense, which allowed 14 points or fewer in four games a season ago, return as well. A strong rushing attack and stingy defense will be the hallmarks for the Highlanders.
Russo says the goal for Northern Highlands is to win every game, but in order to do that, the Highlanders must play smart, detail-oriented football. “The goal this year will be to go win them all,” Russo said. “If we play at a high level, we will beat anyone we line up with. But we don’t have a huge margin.”
READ MORE: Miller, Bryant ready to lead Somerville air attack
Northern Highlands will be challenged right away, drawing Central Jersey Sports Radio’s top-ranked team, Somerville. You can hear the game live on Central Jersey Sports Radio, with pregame set for approximately 4:45 pm.
Click below to hear Justin Sontupe talk with Northern Highlands head coach Greg Russo about his team and the season opener against No. 1 Somerville: