There was a lot of optimism on the state line for the 2022 high school football season. One thing Phillipsburg head coach Frank Duffy, his assistants and players knew was this: they had talent.

Outside observers knew it, too. The question was how those talented players would handle full-time roles for the first time.

Senior Xavier Moore – the top returning rusher from last year with 439 yards and six touchdowns – has been the leader of the bunch, a veteran skill position player and a steady influence on those new to their starting roles.

And that will be critical Friday night when third-ranked Hillsborough – 3-0, and riding the third-best winning streak in the state right now at 16 games – comes to Maloney Stadium Friday night to take on the No. 1 Stateliners.

Click below to hear Mike Pavlichko talk with Phillipsburg senior Xavier Moore about the 2022 Stateliners, preseason expectations, and the team’s 3-0 start: