The Mendham Football Team concluded its 2025 season with a playoff loss to West Essex. The team had a mixed season with some noticeable wins against teams like Morris Hills and Dover, giving Mendham confidence for future games. Mendham’s season ended with a 4-6 record. Key rushing players like Thomas Guido and Owen Lieberwirth led the team with a total combined 1051 rushing yards. Quarterback Rocco Racioppi also supported the cause to win with a total of 575 passing yards over 55 completions, displaying a fighting spirit to make every minute matter. Defensively, the team relied on Senior Ralph Langone, who led the team in sacks and was a dominant force on defense. Ryan Kontley, also a senior, showed his flexibility and willingness to step up during difficult situations to play outside his comfort zone.
The early season of football was very scattered and mixed. Mendham started their season with a big game against West Morris Central, but were denied the win. From there, Mendham would continue to fight, reeling in a 3-game win streak against Dover, Warren Hills, and Morris Hills. Off the playing field, Mendham Football maintained a well-trained team throughout the season. When asked how the team performed, Football Captain Thomas Guido said, “I think we performed above expectations from everybody surrounding us. I think we all believed that we could surpass expectations, and I think we did by making the playoffs. No one thought we’re gonna be in the playoffs, and we were, at one point, playing for the division, so I think we surpassed expectations as a team.“ Guido describes the fighting effort of the Minutemen as resilient and impossible to break. Mendham’s performance to bring themselves to and through the playoffs did the team much justice, but it leads to the question of whether or not this will happen next year. Guido said, “Most of our starters will be returning. [..] So hopefully the incoming junior class and incoming sophomore class can step up a little bit.”
With the players expecting much from themselves, the coaches can expect the same. Assistant Coach Kattoura explains, “The expectations remain the same as they are every year: recommit to the process, invest fully in our preparation, and dominate the controllables. Each season, our goal is to build on the previous year’s success and take the next step forward.” This persistent plan gives the players the fight and determination that brings them through all of their past seasons. Going into this season, Mendham Football had graduated 21 of its 22 starters and relied heavily on the young potential that Mendham JV Football had to offer. This is a leading factor as to why Mendham Football has such a young team and why next year’s team is ever more promising. When asked what he expects the team to produce next year, Coach Kattoura stated, “We have a Junior class that we’re incredibly excited about, many of whom played a significant role in this past season’s success and already have significant varsity time under their belt. That, coupled with a sophomore class that just had a pretty successful JV season, gives us plenty to be excited about.” Coach Kattoura’s expectations and reasoning are a great and well-needed viewpoint on what the 2026-2027 Mendham Football Team should look like. With the class of 2026 leaving, many dedicated and decisive players will be leaving. Furthermore, the team’s young talent will surely provide a promising and exciting season ahead.
With this, Mendham Football’s 2025-2026 football season is a stepping stone for the future. With young talent still expected to shine, high expectations from captains, and a powerful plan for success, Mendham Football will certainly look forward to applying the lessons learned from this season and the success to come in the next one.
