Since the summer of 2023, Cresskill and Emerson have combined their JV and Varsity football teams. This arose following issues in sign-ups from years prior, also taking into account possible injuries and player capabilities when trying to form their respective teams. The solution was simple: create one cohesive group of players from both towns to play under one name.
But what is it truly like being on a mixed team from two schools? Do the players even get along? Cresskill Physical Education Teacher & Coach Kevin Quinn weighed in on the matter.
“I think it’s been real successful so far,” detailed Quinn, “For the football program in general, for both of them to go out there and be competitive and play on multiple levels, it’s been a success.”
The boys practice every day on the Cresskill football field, with the Emerson players traveling by bus directly after school. As a collective unit, both JV and Varsity practice together, maximizing their time and improving their plays to prepare them for upcoming games.
So far this season, the Cresskill Cougars are up 4-2, winning games against Garfield, Pal Park/Leonia, Lodi, and Elmwood Park.
When asked about player interactions, Quinn’s response was simple.
“It’s funny,” said Quinn, “When they go into practice over at Emerson, I’ll see some Cresskill players on their bikes going there to hang out with their friends. We are seeing a mix of players socializing outside their respective schools; obviously, there is, with the younger guys, a little bit more of a transportation issue getting back and forth, but I mean, I think they do socialize a lot, especially online”.
The players themselves also view the merge as a positive, both socially and athletically. According to Emerson Junior Danny Doherty, the football team has seen significant improvement.
“Since we merged last year, I feel like we’ve really improved as a united team; this year, everyone already knows each other. Even though we’ve only played together for one year, we all have a close bond and honestly feel like brothers”.
