CHESTER – The top seeded West Morris Central Wolfpack (11-0) have advanced to the sectional final of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 Tournament. The Wolfpack upended the fourth seeded Roxbury Gaels (7-4), 28-7 and earned their second positive result against them this season, previously winning 34-3 on October 17.
On the western side of Morris County Friday night, a chance to move on to the sectional final was at play. It was an opportunity both squads squandered in 2024, to various degrees.
For the Wolfpack, a defeat in the semifinal round of the same tournament last season to West Essex left a bitter taste. Under head coach Kevin Hennelly, West Morris has been a juggernaut in the public school ranks for years. Highlighted by their ferocious and dominant wing-t offense, the Wolfpack were kings earlier in the decade, earning three straight sectional titles from 2021 to 2023.
For the Gaels, it was a disappointing 2024 campaign, one that resulted in just a single win. But in 2025, despite a slow start from head coach Ryan Roumes and his squad, they have exceeded expectations. Featuring a roster of mostly underclassmen, Roxbury was hoping to return to the sectional finals for the first time since 2023.
From the opening kickoff, the Wolfpack early on established their domination on the ground. Senior running back Mikey Finlay scored first for West Morris, giving his squad the 7-0 lead with 9:28 left in the first quarter.
Minutes into the second quarter, the Wolfpack would be welcomed back into the endzone. Sophomore fullback Deacon Frayne rumbled for a 9-yard rushing score and made it 14-0 West Morris with 9:17 left in the second quarter.
Near the end of the second quarter, Finlay, who wears number two coincidentally, scored his second rushing touchdown of the night. That score gave the Wolfpack a 21 point lead and entering halftime, the defense helped out by pitching a shutout.
For Finlay, it was another sensational performance vs Roxbury this season. Three weeks prior at the Gaels, the senior rushed for an impressive 130 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. Friday night, he ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
It was all love towards the offensive line from Finlay, however, after the game.
“Our whole game starts up front with “The Hogs” [the offensive line], they do a great job blocking and make my job very easy,” praised Finlay on Friday.
Roxbury was not out of the contest just yet when the second half started. A long opening drive to start the half wore down the Wolfpack defense and allowed sophomore running back David Benfatti to score from 10-yards out. West Morris would still have the lead, up 21-7 with 3:03 left in the third quarter.
The third piece of the Wolfpack’s strong rushing attack would eventually finish Roxbury’s season in the fourth quarter. Junior running back Brody Mansolino strengthened West Morris’ lead to 28-7 and with 4:33 remaining in the game, the Wolfpack smelled victory.
Entering Friday’s game, West Morris’ rushing attack had accumulated an incredible 2,867 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns. Theoretically, they are one of the best teams in the state when it comes to dominating on the ground. Coach Hennelly after the game expressed his thoughts on the ground attack from his backfield this season.
“It’s the first time somebody told me we’re one of the best in the state,” Hennelly said postgame. “One I do think they’re tough, hard running kids. But two, I think maybe it’s because we have a very, very good offensive line up front.”
Even though Roxbury fell short of their ultimate goal, they do have a key piece that will lead them to many more wins next season. Quarterback Frankie Falco played his heart out for the Gaels on Friday. Only listed at 5’7, the sophomore fought for every yard and refused to be taken down.
The heart and determination from the young man is something rarely seen from someone that young, especially from a first-year starter. Roxbury should be excited for what’s ahead.
On West Morris’ side, it’s now about securing another sectional title next week. Finlay spoke of his excitement for it postgame.
“It’s huge… it feels surreal just playing next week as a senior in the sectional final.”
West Morris now awaits the winner of the third seeded West Essex and second seeded Summit game. West Morris will host the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 Tournament Final next Friday at 7:30 p.m.
