As Poly Prep’s Varsity Football season came to an end, the impact of the senior student-athletes was felt by the entire team. Following a devastating loss at the Metropolitan Independent Football League (MIFL) State Championship, tears didn’t just flow from disappointment, but from the deep connection these players had built with each other, football and their coaches over the four years of high school. For the Class of 2026, football became more than a season. It became a defining part of their identity, not just at Poly but throughout their broader lives.
Head Football Coach Jerell Jones reflected on how far the seniors had come, describing them as the core of the team both on and off the field.
“This senior class matured in ways that go far beyond football,” Jones said. “They learned how to lead, how to lift each other up and how to keep going when things got tough. Watching them grow into the young men they are today has been one of the most rewarding parts of my coaching career.” Jones emphasized that their leadership transformed the team culture. “They set the standard every day,” Jones added. “Their work ethic, their commitment, their energy, all of it shaped who we were this season.”
For Varsity Football Captain Henry Crowley ’26, the end of the season brought a rush of emotion tied to the friendships he formed throughout his years in the program. “My favorite moments weren’t even the specific plays,” Crowley said. “It was being in the locker room with my best friends, laughing before practice and feeling like we were part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s what I’ll miss most.”
Varsity Football Captain Kobi Marshall ’26 highlighted the season’s highs, especially the team’s rivalry wins, as key milestones. “The Hackley and Morristown games, those moments I’ll never forget,” Marshall said. “The atmosphere, the pressure, the way the team came together, it felt like everything we worked for showed up in those games.”
Marshall said the loss in the championship hurt because the team was so tightly molded. “When the clock hit zero, it really hit us that this chapter was ending,” he said. “It showed how much we cared.”
Additionally, Varsity Football Captain Holden Morse ’26 highlighted the unity the seniors had developed over the years.
“Since freshman year, we stuck together,” Morse said. “We pushed each other through injuries, long practices and tough losses. By this season, we weren’t just teammates, we were family.”
Senior linebacker Tyler Borg, a key member of the program’s defense, shared how meaningful it was to lead the younger players.
“This year wasn’t just about playing well,” Borg said. “It was about helping the sophomores and freshmen find their roles. Seeing them grow reminded me of what Poly Football gave me when I was younger.”
The underclassmen on the team felt the seniors’ influence throughout the season. Freshmen and sophomores described the Class of 2026 as role models and big brothers. Many said the seniors’ dedication and drive are what made this year so special. As the season fades into memories, one thing remains certain: the impact of this senior class will be felt for years to come. Their leadership, grit and love for the game shaped this year’s team’s identity and set an example for every Poly Football member who will take the field wearing Poly on their back next fall.
