{
  "id": 646906,
  "title": "Passaic football turning to next group of players to carry the mantle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/passaic-football-turning-to-next-group-of-players-to-carry-the-mantle",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T08:21:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/passaic-football-turning-next-group-082118437.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Passaic's football team prepares to enter the 2026 season amid a critical juncture. Over the past three years, the Indians have made it to the postseason each year, although their 2023 campaign ended in a consolation bracket. Still, two prior appearances in the NJSIAA playoffs marked a positive trend. The program had not achieved three consecutive postseason appearances since its heyday in the early 1980s. The current lineup, however, appears to lack the star power of the past. Legendary players Craig Heyward (5,142 rushing yards) and Justin Griffin (3,568) have not been part of the team in recent years. Coach Mark Dupree, now in his second tenure at Passaic, notes that the team has consistently produced top-tier running backs and 1,000-yard rushers since his arrival. Rising senior Eddie Hidalgo, who amassed 356 yards and two touchdowns last season, is the next in line to take over as the lead tailback. Hidalgo, who also played wide receiver, is considered a \"clever runner\" and has the potential for a successful season. The team's ground game has always been its strength, with Heyward playing a pivotal role in three consecutive sectional titles during the early 1980s. Notable players like Troy Giles and Jerome Henderson have contributed significantly to Passaic's success. However, the team faces two significant challenges in the preseason. First, quarterback Jamari Miller is being challenged by rising sophomore Justin Pimentel, though the latter has yet to play a varsity game. Second, depth at the offensive skill positions is a concern, as the top linebackers Ryan Valdez and Kendrick Fernandez have been relied upon since their sophomore years. Dupree emphasizes the importance of maintaining the health of these key players and developing new talent to ensure the team can compete against strong opponents like Wayne Valley and Ridgewood. The 2026 season will be a critical one for Passaic, with a tough schedule that includes games against top teams like Teaneck, Bayonne, Paramus, and Hackensack. The coach stresses the need for the team to mature and work together as a cohesive unit to achieve another state playoff bid.",
  "summary": "This edition of 'State of the Program' focuses on Passaic, which is in the midst of its most successful stretch since the early '80s.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}