NEWARK — The Newark Public Schools community high school football team is not alone in struggling with an identity crisis after more than three decades of success.
“I’ve been going to a lot of school sports for 30 years, and I’ve never had a single parent that I’ve ever been proud of,” said Trenton junior Darryl Moore.
“They’re my family, but they’ve never really embraced me as a kid.
It’s just never been there for me.”
But now that we’re moving into this new era of football and basketball, I’m seeing people coming into my classes and telling me about how they’re proud of me, but not proud of the school.
“The team has seen a number of players come and go, as the district’s football program has struggled with its graduation rate and its enrollment since the turn of the century.
The Newark Public School District has been plagued by a declining enrollment and graduation rate since it opened in the mid-1990s, and many players and coaches have found themselves unemployed as a result.
But Moore believes there is hope for the school.”
Our parents have supported us and I believe in this school, and it’s a place that we can really grow,” Moore said.”
It’s a big school and it has a lot to offer.
“Moore’s father, John, is a high school teacher and has been with the district for 33 years.
He was a member of the team for the last 20 years.”
If you don’t work hard, you won’t succeed.””
I’m a big believer that the best way to get ahead in life is to work hard.
If you don’t work hard, you won’t succeed.”
The players have their own story of success as well.
Moore said his mother is the first person he has told when he wants to tell her about his achievements in the classroom.
“She’s always been proud, and she’s always taught me how to be the best person I can be,” Moore explained.
“So I’ve just been a lot more open to her.”
He added that his father’s support and enthusiasm has helped them overcome their challenges.
“My dad has been my biggest advocate,” he added.
“He’s always had a big hand in keeping us going, and helping us get through the tough times.”
After a long time of playing on the field, the team’s first game against another local school is coming up.
The district hopes that the team can give back to the community in some way.
“If we can get kids to come and see this football team, we can give them something to look forward to,” said Newark Public Public School Athletic Director Dr. Kevin Cavanaugh.