The NPHS football team is one of the top teams in the big Central Division with a 3-1 start to the season, having defeated South Plainfield, Governor Livingston, and Metuchen. After finishing 4-6 last season, the Pioneers have something to prove this season.

Head Coach Chet Parlavecchio has huge expectations for the team this year: “I think we’re a team that’s just going to keep getting better and better as the year goes on. We have a lot of talent, a lot of good players. So I’m just concerned with us getting better every week, focusing on ourselves, and if we take big steps every week, as the season winds down and we get to the end of the season towards the playoffs, I think [we] will be a dangerous team.”

Led by senior quarterback TJ Munn and junior running back AJ Whitehead, the Pioneers are averaging 20.5 points per game offensively so far.

The Pioneers’ defense has played a crucial role by only giving up 11.75 points per game. Junior linebacker Mike Petses leads the team in tackles with 38. He is joined by senior defensive lineman Jameson Moore, an anchor on the line who has tallied 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 28 solo tackles on the year.

Parlavecchio thinks there is a a lot of talent on the football field for the Pioneers this year, and that includes some less seasoned underclassmen.

Sophomore Bobby DiQuollo, who is the only sophomore on varsity, is getting reps at defensive tackle for the Pioneers.

DiQuollo said:  “It’s definitely a big change, as last year, I played freshman football, and there’s a big step from freshman to varsity. As the competition definitely gets a lot better, you get some more fast-paced games. I think our team’s special this year, we’re going to be able to do some great things.”

The New Providence JV team is doing great as well, starting off 2-0 by beating Governor Livingston and Metuchen.