NJ high school football team making history (Opinion)

The Manchester Hawks are 4-0.

My friend, Tommy Farrell is the head coach.

My wife Jodi and I went to his first game as head coach last year to support our friend and former producer at New Jersey 101.5 and at Chasing News.

Tommy took over the team at a time where high school football was under attack by the media and activists decrying the dangers of the game.

Of course, what the corporate media missed (or purposefully ignored) is that all youth sports come with some risk of injury. Actually, when it comes to head injuries, specifically concussions, girls soccer outpaced the boys on the gridiron for a five-year period from 2010 to 2015 .

The numbers continue to show that nearly ALL youth sports carry a risk of head injury.

When it comes to risks, it's all about balancing the reward.

For young men in particular, it's a proving ground for them to learn how to be a strong, capable man.

We hear too often that masculinity is 'toxic'.

Nothing has betrayed our social structure more in this politically correct world than the assault on manhood. Coach Farrell take the role of training these young men and helping them become more than just football players.

His coaching, mentoring and leadership is contributing to a strong positive culture among the boys and will serve them well long after High School.

It's no small feat that the team is also undefeated!

They've won all four contests so far this year and head into Keyport at noon this Saturday.

Congrats to Tommy and the entire team, and specifically two stand out players, Senior running back Josh Love who is leading the state in TDs and scoring, and Sophomore defensive end Kurtis Mayer who leads the state in sacks.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.

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