Summit looking to learn from first loss of the season as they travel to undefeated Bernards

The old adage in coaching – one that Summit coach Kevin Kostibos echoed during the week – is that teams often learn more from losses than wins.

Following a 41-0 loss at Somerville, the Hilltoppers had plenty of learning to do.

After starting the season 4-0, Summit is looking to bounce back with another challenge, this time on a shorter week at No. 4 Bernards on Thursday, in the “Big Central Game of the Week” presented by Bellamy & Son Paving on Central Jersey Sports Radio. You can hear that game at 7 pm with Mike Pavlichko and Alec Crouthamel on the call. Pregame is 6:45; click here to listen.

An effective ground attack led by junior Alex Schwark has led the Hilltoppers to a strong start in Kostibos’ 12th season at the helm. Sophomore Gavin Schnall has also provided a spark, leading the team in carries.

While the passing game doesn’t feature many gaudy stats, it has gotten the job done of keeping the ball in possession. Junior Cole Sabol, in his second year as Summit’s starting quarterback, has been a “fantastic game manager,” according to Kostibos.

While some may see the term as a backhanded compliment, a game manager is exactly what many coaches look for especially when paired with an effective running game. Sabol leads the team with 418 passing yards and six touchdowns to only one interception. He also has 84 yards on the ground with another touchdown using his legs.

His primary target – senior Oscar Marx – has had a terrific season in all three phases of the game. He leads the team with 174 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver, has a pick six along with 21 tackles as a defensive back, and has also returned a kickoff for a score.

Going up against a top-five team in the Big Central – on the road no less – is always a challenge, but Kostibos’ team is looking to grow week by week, and last week’s loss to Somerville can help them diagnose what has gone well and what needs to change. It will be no small task against the Mountaineers – who are 6-0 – but it is one the Hilltoppers are ready for.

Click below to hear Summit’s head coach Kevin Kostibos talk about the Hilltoppers, and Thursday night’s game at Bernards, with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Alec Crouthamel: