Wayne Hills has its sight set on repeating in the State Championship this year. Wayne Hills is currently 2-2 after wins over Roxbury and Ramapo. We interviewed three varsity football players and one coach to find out their thoughts and opinions on the team’s success, their gameplan, and their attitude going into this season.

Ethan Yuppa sat down for an interview with running back Michael Joyce.

EY: “Thoughts on the new QB? How is he performing so far?”

MJ: “He is doing a great job” said Joyce.

EY: “Are there any mixed feelings about underclassmen getting more playing time then seniors?”

MJ: “No, its fine. As long as we win its fine. Winning is more important than playing time.”

EY: “How is your first year playing varsity football experience going?”

MJ: “All Good, it was determination that got me to where I’m at.”

EY: “Do you feel intimidated playing varsity as a sophomore?”

MJ: “Not at all, I just stick to my playing style.”

EY: “Do you know what college you want to be going to for football?”

MJ: “No, I haven’t focused on it yet.  I just want to help my team win games for now.”

EY: “Are you going to change your playing style transitioning from playing on the freshman team to playing varsity?”

MJ: “I’m just determined to win, running up the gut is what I do”.

 Aaron Hook also interviewed Coach Canonaco and got his thoughts about how the coaches are preparing for each game and the season as a whole.

AH: “Obviously you won the state title last year, so are you planning differently this season, knowing there is a possibility to repeat as State Champions?”

CC: “We prepare the same way each year, we always practice the same way we have previously. We always strive to make it to the states and compete for a championship.”

AH: “How are you adjusting after losing key players such as DeVera, the Hayeks, Njoku and Luca Grave?”

CC: “We’re adjusting by making the guys behind them better. They know they have big shoes to fill. They need to know how to live up to the expectations. We have a great group of kids who are ready to step up to the plate and come through when it matters most.”

Stef Batavia interviewed varsity quarterback Jaaron Hayek.

SB: “Is it nerve wracking being the new QB and taking Brendan Devera’s place?

JH: “No, because I already had some practice and experience playing on varsity. Also, I know the team trusts me.”

SB: “Has your brothers graduating impacted your game at all?”

JH: “Yes because I have to step up more now that they’re gone.”

SB: “Which position do you enjoy playing better, QB or WR?”

JH: “QB, because I have complete control of the offense.”

SB: “Who do you think you have the most chemistry with on the field?”

JH: “Zack Zachmann.”

SB: “What is the most difficult part about playing QB?”

JH: “If something goes wrong, it is blamed on me.”

She also talked with Defensive end and offensive lineman Jason Modak.

SB: “What do you predict will come from the upcoming season? What teams will be the toughest challenges to beat?”

JM: “No prediction. Our toughest challenges are McKinley (Canton, Ohio), Ramapo and Old Tappan.”

SB: “Who do you believe will be the most valuable player this season?”

JM: “Mike Zaccone, because he controls the defense and calls all the plays.”

SB: “How is the loss of key players impacting the team? Are you doing anything different?”

JM: “The biggest challenge is having to replace them. We’re not doing anything different, we’re just doing our thing.”

Wayne Hills will continue their journey on their way back to the State Championship on Friday, October 6 against Pascack Valley.