The Northern Burlington County Regional High School football team will look to stay hot coming down the final stretch of the regular season.
Situated at the top of the West Jersey Football League Patriot Division, Northern Burlington remains undefeated as of Oct. 21 against league opponents with a 3-0 record, while Delran High School follows close by in second place with an overall 5-1 record and 3-1 division record.
To date, Northern Burlington has earned an overall 4-2 record on the year.
With just two scheduled games remaining on the season with an Oct. 25 road game against Delran High School and a Nov. 1 home game against Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Northern Burlington coach Jule Dolci said a big push from the team this year has come from experience among his squad.
“I think we have really good leadership,” Dolci said. “Our senior class is really strong and we have some sophomores that are earning a lot of time on the field. Those are the big things.”
Although the Northern Burlington coach said his team has had to overcome some obstacles this season with numerous injuries, he explained that his squad is looking to recover in the remaining leg of the year to come together.
“We just have to put it together because we have been banged up and just like everyone else, we have dealt with a lot of adversity,” Dolci said. “We are trying to put it all together, learning who we are and learning what we have to do to win some football games.”
In light of Northern Burlington’s strong season, Dolci pointed out that his team’s efforts can be attributed to talent throughout the lineup.
The Northern Burlington coach praised players such as quarterback Michael Caloiaro, wide receiver Bryce Barron, running back Victor Mushinski and safety Andrew Zimmerman who have produced as leaders this fall.
In 75 completions, Caloiaro has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Meanwhile, Barron has recorded more than 380 yards in 24 receptions and has scored four TDs. Mushinski has also helped pace the offense with more than 460 yards recorded in 31 completions and has scored three TDs.
While Dolci explained that his “two weapons on the outside” in Barron and Mushinski have helped lead the team so far, their combined efforts alongside Caloiaro’s haven’t gone unnoticed by the Northern Burlington coach.
“They have shown to be difference makers on offense,” he said.
Dolci also said that Zimmerman has “been a rock” on defense for the Northern Burlington squad.
In hopes of a state sectional playoff spot next month, Dolci said that his team’s abilities on both sides of the ball can help lead the team to a successful season.
“I think we have versatility,” he said. “At times, we have shown the ability to be very good on offense and defense. So, for us it’s about putting a full game together, focusing on the play and getting out to a good start.”
