By PRIYAN GANDHI, junior

WITH THE BEGINNING of each new school year comes a season of crisp weather, a pile of homework, and, of course, football. For the Hawks, it’s a fresh start and a chance to train harder than ever to vie for a successful season. Following a subpar season with a 3-6 record last year, the Hawks are more than ready to move on to another season — ready to give it their all, and keep their heads held high.

The season started off on the right foot as JP opened against Marlboro with a 34-26 victory. The Hawks jumped out in front 13-2, thanks to two touchdown runs by junior Chiebuka Chukwuneke that were highlighted by a monster 90-yard run. The third quarter was also great for the Hawks as “Chewy” ran twice more into the endzone to make the score 27-2. Marlboro closed in on the score in the fourth quarter with sixteen unanswered points. But an interception and an onside kick recovery sealed the deal for the Hawks, who won their season opener.

Coming off a solid, morale-boosting victory, the team faced the next game against rivals Piscataway but failed to keep the momentum going, with a final score of 62-19. The third game, against Sayreville, was more suspenseful and proved to be a nail-biting finish. The Hawks, trailing 10-7, lined up for a game-tying field goal with six seconds left in the game, but the attempt