The Cresskill Cougars Football Program turned a corner on Saturday, September 13th, and at the center of it all was their new head coach, Sal Aiello, who secured his first victory leading the team. For Aiello, the win wasn’t just about the scoreboard, it was about laying the foundation for a new era of Cougar football.
“It feels great, but it’s really about the kids,” Aiello said afterward. “They’ve been buying in, they’ve been putting in the work, and on Saturday we saw the payoff. I’m proud of how they executed and proud of how they fought together.”
The First Step in a New Era
Coming into the season, Aiello emphasized culture and accountability above all else. His first win was a validation of that philosophy. “We preach details all the time,” he explained. “You have to take care of the little things, whether that’s how you line up, how you finish a play, or how you respond to adversity. If you get those details right, the big things take care of themselves.”
Aiello’s influence has already been felt in the locker room. Players describe the win as a turning point, not only because it put a “W” in the column, but because it gave them the belief in the system and the future of the program. “Our goal isn’t to win one game,” Aiello states. “It’s to build something lasting here, a program that gets better every week and competes the right way. That’s what I want these kids to be a part of.”
Lewin Sets the Tone
On the field, it was junior quarterback Jake Lewin who helped lead the way. Lewin finished the night with 16 pass attempts for 9 completions, throwing a total of 78 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 59 rushing yards on 8 carries and punched in a rushing score, accounting for three total touchdowns.
“It felt amazing,” Lewin said after being named offensive player of the game. “Coach told us all week to trust each other and trust the system. That’s what we did. We kept our heads down, stayed locked in, and went out and got the job done.”
When asked about the moment that stood out most, Lewin pointed to the team’s energy after his rushing touchdown. “You could just feel it, the momentum was ours. Everyone was hyped, everyone was believing, and that’s when I knew the game was ours.” Lewin credited Aiello’s leadership for changing the team’s mindset. “Coach brings an energy that makes you want to play harder, for yourself and the guys around you,” he explains. “He believes in us, and trusts us, and when a coach believes in you, it makes you believe in yourself.”
A Balanced Attack
The win wasn’t just about Lewin’s performance. The Cougars relied on a balanced attack, with contributions coming from all sides of the ball. Aiell emphasizes this, praising his players for stepping up. “Jake had a great game, Joey Connelly made plays, and the line did their job. Football is the ultimate team sport, and this win was a team effort. Everyone had a hand in it.”
Though wide receiver/running back Joey Connelly also had a standout game, with a rushing touchdown and a receiving score, it was the collective effort Aiello highlighted. “One might get the spotlight,” he said, “but it takes all eleven on the field doing their job to make it happen.”
Looking Forward
For Aiello, one win doesn’t mean the mission is complete. His eyes are on the long-term growth of the program and the future of Cresskill Football. “This is a step in the right direction,but we’re not satisfied. We have to keep building, keep improving, and keep believing in the process. If we do that, this program is going to be in a really good place.” Lewin echoed that sentiment. “This is just the start,” he expounds. “We showed what we can do, and now it’s about staying consistent. I think with Coach leading us, we can go a long way.”
As the Cougars look ahead to the rest of the season, Aiello’s first win stands as more than just a number in the standings, it’s just a symbol of belief, Culture, hard work, and a new Standard for Cresskill Football.
