It’s football season. Forget the pros, I mean high school football in Jersey!
My wife Jodi and I went to see my friend Tommy Farrell, who produced for me on the radio station and on my old TV show “Chasing News”, at his new job. Tommy was a great producer for sure, but he found his calling.
He is the new head coach of the Manchester High School football team.
Coach Farrell and Manchester Township Football Team (Coach Farrell)
One of the great things about football is that it teaches young boys how to toughen up to become young men. Given the enthusiasm, discipline and passion of this football team, Tommy is the right leader at the right time.
We live in a world where the corporate media encourages those who denigrate men, masculinity and masculinity. The absurd and dangerous term “toxic masculinity” has been introduced and pushed, making the job of dads and coaches even more difficult.
The term itself is used to further emasculate men into believing that tenacity and courage are a negative element rather than the essential foundation of a free society.
After more than two years of panic, blockages and fear mongering from feeble-minded government officials hiding behind and using junk science to empower themselves and enrich themselves, many people are seeing the light and defend normalcy.
One way this pushback is highlighted is on the football pitch.
It’s tenacity and the desire to win combined with sportsmanship and respect for the other side.
Coach Farrell and Manchester Township Football Team (Coach Farrell)
The families that show up to watch and cheer on the kids on a hot Saturday in late summer are about as American as they come.
The September 3 game was Tommy’s first game as head coach, and he and the team came out to play and win.
The boys secured a huge victory for the Manchester Hawks over the Lakewood Piners 43-26. It was an offensive battle from the start with QB Aiden Lunn passing for 126 yards with a TD. Running back Josh Love, a junior in Manchester, had a monster day with 3 touchdowns. Senior Eli Casalan got into the action with a rushing TD. It was a huge win for everyone involved.
Coach Farrell and Manchester Township Football Team (Coach Farrell)
One of the highlights happened after the match, as Coach Farrell left the pitch to greet his mentor and coach, and former New Egypt HS football head coach, his father, Thomas Farrell.
Out of respect and admiration for his father, Tommy carries on the tradition of training in shirt and tie.
Coach Farrell and Manchester Township Football Team (Coach Farrell)
Both men deserve our respect for carrying on a great tradition in American youth football and, more importantly, recognizing and enacting the practice of turning young boys into strong men.
It is events like this that give me confidence in the future of our great state and country.
The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of Bill Spadea, host of New Jersey talk show 101.5. All opinions expressed are those of Bill. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6-10 a.m., speaking from Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.
Click here to contact an editor about a comment or correction for this story.
These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey
A trip to New Jersey doesn’t have to be just the beach. Our state has incredible trails, waterfalls and lakes to enjoy.
From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to New Jersey’s hidden gems, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it’s a great workout.
If you descend and meet an uphill hiker, pull to the side and give the uphill hiker some space. An uphill hiker has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.
Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless marked as an official trail, avoid them. Going off the trail, you risk damaging the ecosystems around the trail, the plants and wildlife that live there.
You also don’t want to disturb any wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.
Cyclists must yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also give in to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you’ll encounter on New Jersey trails.
If you plan to take your dog on your hike, they must be on a leash and be sure to clean up all pet waste.
Finally, pay attention to the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it’s probably best to save your hike for another day.
I asked our listeners for their suggestions on the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:
