Montville Football vs. Sparta - Alex Husti — Montville's Alex Husti (Photo by Christopher Shannon/OnNJ Sports)

August 28, 2025

IMAGES: Montville Football Tames High-Octane Sparta Offense in Season Opener

football , high school football , high school sports , Montville , NJ sports , Sparta

Montville Football vs. Sparta - 8.28.2025

Image 1 of 25

Action from a high school football game between Montville and Sparta on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shannon/OnNJ Sports)

The Sparta offense found some momentum late in their game against Montville; however, a three-score Mustang lead midway through the fourth quarter, coupled with a late-game goal-line stand, proved to be the difference as Montville topped Sparta, 38-22, in both teams’ season opener on Aug. 28, 2025.

Jackson Gering led the Mustang offense, connecting on 14 of 24 passes for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Gering spread the ball around well, but his favorite target was Brett Kunkel, who caught six passes for 86 yards and a TD. Clement Hofbauer led the Montville ground game, carrying the ball 18 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Montville held Sparta’s rushing attack in check, limiting the Spartans to only 58 yards on the ground. Sparta quarterback Shane Hoover did everything he could to make up for the lack of production on the ground, going 18 of 24 for 189 yards through the air. However, Hoover also threw two interceptions, one of which was picked off in the endzone to end a promising, first-half drive.

Montville will travel to Warren Hills next Friday, while Sparta will host Lakeland.

About the Author

Christopher Shannon

Photo Editor

Christopher is the Photo Editor at OnNJ Sports. You can often find Christopher along the sidelines at sporting events in Northern Jersey, or at West Point photographing athletic, and other, events there. Christopher’s favorite events that he has had the opportunity to cover, so far in his career, include Penn State football White Out games and Army-Navy football games. While Christopher enjoys photographing a wide variety of sports, his favorite to cover include football, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and lacrosse.