The Morris Knolls High School varsity football team is rallying under the fresh guidance of new head coach Bryan Gallagher. Gallagher, a 1999 graduate of Morris Knolls High School, was named head football coach in December 2023 after longtime coach Bill Regan retired after nearly 50 years at the helm. There can be no question Coach Gallagher has made an immediate impact in his first season.
Coach Gallagher has undoubtedly brought a renewed sense of determination to the Golden Eagles, who ended an undefeated regular season with a Liberty White Division title and a No. 1 seed in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 playoffs. Gallagher was named the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 8 of the 2024 season and the NY Giants Foundation and Gatorade presented the Knolls’ football program with a $2,000 check in recognition of the award.
Known for his innovative approach, Gallagher has sharpened the team’s ground-game strategies, transforming Morris Knolls into a formidable playoff contender. As a team, Knolls is averaging well over 300 rushing yards per game. At the forefront of the team’s dynamic run game is senior Bobby Brickner, who has rushed for well over 1,000 yards this season. Supporting him in the backfield is senior quarterback Chris Kaiser, who has made key contributions in the passing game but is also the team’s second-leading rusher. Rounding out the rushing attack are fellow senior running backs Justin Hanson and Jayden Koger, both of whom have contributed significant yardage and touchdowns, keeping defenses on their toes throughout the season.
A rushing attack like that can only be accomplished behind a stellar offensive line. One of the members of that line, junior center Dean Cervona confirmed Coach Gallager’s influence by noting, “He helped us unite as a team and improve our team chemistry. He knows what he is talking about and calls good plays which puts us in a position to succeed.” Dean credits some of the team’s success to the intensity at practice which helps the team “keep focused” and maintain the “tempo that has helped [MK] win games this year.” Dean also gives credit to his teammates on the defensive side of the ball with specific praise for “Bobby Brickner, [who] leads the defense with his calls and ability to stun offenses with his plays.”
Sophomore Lucas Zuravnsky has been a surprise this season as a defensive standout with numerous tackles and key stops. Junior Luke Shivas and senior linebacker Brent Berchin add even more depth to the defense, both contributing over 20 solo tackles this year.
The atmosphere around this year’s team is certainly due in part to the new culture created by Coach Gallagher. Knolls’ success can also be attributed to the talent of their roster and a strong sense of team camaraderie. This is certainly a season to remember and one every member of Coach Gallagher’s inaugural team at Knolls should be proud of. The Knolls football program certainly has a bright future under Gallagher’s leadership.
