Defensively, we have a number of different guys who do a great job locking down the other team’s offense. Plus, our kicking game (with senior Matt Murtagh) is outstanding!

“We’re not taking anything or anyone lightly, and we know that there are going to be obstacles to overcome along the way, but I feel that we’re ready to meet those challenges head on and continue to be a very successful team the rest of the way!”

NOTES- Capaldo mans what is labeled, ‘the Chief’ among the safeties in Caldwell’s  outstanding defensive secondary that also includes a pair of 3-year starters in Russo who is at the ‘Joker’ position which is a combination linebacker-safety; and Sozio, who is a veteran cornerback, plus Placenti who is a returning starter at free safety…Capaldo, who said he enjoys his statistics class at James Caldwell High School, has plans to go to trade school in order to become an electrician. His dad Anthony owns the electrical contracting company, Capaldo Enterprises…Mom Jaime Carsillo Capaldo grew up in Fairfield and attended West Essex where she played some softball for the Knights…A brother Anthony, who stands 6-4, 240, was a standout two-way lineman for the Chiefs along with being a top wrestler. He is currently studying Accounting at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park…Nicco, who doesn’t turn 18 until June 1, said he likes to watch Derek Henry, the standout running back who plays for his favorite NFL team, the Baltimore Ravens...Capaldo, who qualified for the wrestling state tournaement at 150 pounds last season, said he figures to move up to either 165 or 175 for the upcoming 2026-2027 winter mat season.   

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Parisi Speed School has been empowering athletes for over 30 years, since 1992. As the industry leader in youth performance training in the country, they have successfully trained over 1,000,000 athletes to include schools, teams, youth organizations and individual athletes from 7 years of age to the Pros in MLB, NFL, MLS, NBA and WNBA.

Parents and coaches are invited to visit their website for additional information at www.parisifairfield.com or contact their Director, John Cirilo at 973 227-0199.

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This Weekend’s Games For Essex County Teams. Pick To Win In Boldface:
Thursday, Sept. 17:
Belleville at Bergen Tech, 6

Friday, Sept. 18:
Clifton at Bloomfield, 6
Sparta at West Essex, 6:30
Wayne Hills at Nutley, 6:30
Passaic Tech at Irvington, 7
Montclair at Livingston, 7
Cedar Grove at Hasbrouck Heights, 7
Barringer at Weequahic (Untermann Field), 7
Hanover Park at Caldwell, 7
West Orange at Shabazz, 7

Saturday, Sept. 19:
Millburn at Bergenfield, 1
Glen Ridge at Lincoln, 1
Madison at West Side (Untermann Field), 1
Delbarton at Seton Hall Prep (Tevlin Memorial Field), 1
Orange at Central (Shabazz Stadium), 1
Verona at Indian Hills, 2
MKA at King School (Conn.), 4
Columbia at Hackensack, 6

Record on picks last week: 12-3; for the season: 31-13

This Week’s SC Essex County Top 10:
1-Shabazz (2-0)- After a bye week Bulldogs host West Orange in big game
2-West Orange (2-1)-Mountaineers had solid road win at Irvington
3-Seton Hall Prep (1-2)-Pirates went on road and beat Chaminade (N.Y.)
4-Cedar Grove (2-0)-Panthers rolled past local rival Glen Ridge
5-West Essex (3-0)-Knights roared by Hanover Park to win Cardone Cup
6-East Orange Campus (2-1)-Jaguars earned nice road win at Union City
7-Caldwell (2-0)- Chiefs could be tested for first time vs. Hanover Park
8-Weequahic (2-0)- Indians had a solid road win at Nutley
9-Irvington (2-1)- Blue Knights have another test vs. PCT
10-Nutley (1-2)- Raiders prepare to face state-ranked Wayne Hills

Follow Steve Tober on 'X' @Chattermeister