Summit Football Defense Earns Players of the Week in Shutout Win

The Summit High School football defense dominated on Friday night, earning Salerno Duane Players of the Week honors after a dominant shutout victory. The Hilltoppers defeated Watchung Hills 21-0, recording their second consecutive shutout and improving to 4-2 on the season.

All 13 defensive players who took the field earned recognition. The group includes eight seniors, four juniors, and one sophomore—a mix of experience and emerging talent.

Players on the Lines

Five of the honorees play on the offensive and defensive lines. Juniors Evan Abernathy (No. 74) and Lenin Hurlburt (No. 72) anchored the defense. Sophomore Dominic Trujillo (No. 78) contributed at a young age. Seniors Hunter Gittleman (No. 55) and Max Zucker (No. 52) provided veteran presence.

In the Backfield

Several players pulled double duty, playing multiple positions. Senior quarterback and middle linebacker Matthew McKeever (No. 12) led the defense from the backfield. Senior running back and linebacker Gavin Schnall (No. 6) made an impact both ways. Junior running back and linebacker Will Heil (No. 29) also excelled.

Defensive Backs and Receivers

Five wide receivers and defensive backs earned recognition. Seniors JT Zobel (No. 18), Jackson Marx (No. 2), Kyle MacArthur (No. 23), and Lucas Kubeck (No. 3) formed a strong secondary. Junior George Wattick (No. 8) joined them in the backfield.

Back-to-Back Shutouts

The victory marks Summit's second consecutive shutout. The Hilltoppers previously defeated Edison 20-0. This defensive dominance has become a cornerstone of the team's recent success.

Head coach Kevin Kostibos praised the effort. "I'm very proud of the full team effort tonight. I thought our kids played really well in a tough environment."

Looking ahead, Kostibos expressed optimism about the team's trajectory. "We are getting better each week, so it's exciting to see what the future holds."

FAQ

Q: What was the final score of the Summit vs. Watchung Hills game?

A: Summit defeated Watchung Hills 21-0 in a shutout victory on Friday, October 3, 2026.

Q: How many consecutive shutouts has Summit recorded?

A: Summit has recorded two consecutive shutouts. They defeated Edison 20-0 the previous game, then shut out Watchung Hills 21-0.

Q: Which players earned the Salerno Duane Players of the Week honor?

A: All 13 defensive players who played in the game earned the honor. The group includes eight seniors, four juniors, and one sophomore.

Q: What positions do the honored players play?

A: The honorees include defensive linemen, linebackers playing both offense and defense, wide receivers, and defensive backs. Several players pulled double duty, playing both offensive and defensive positions.

Q: What is Summit's current record?

A: Summit improved to 4-2 on the season after the shutout victory over Watchung Hills.

Q: What did Head Coach Kevin Kostibos say about the game?

A: Kostibos said, "I'm very proud of the full team effort tonight. I thought our kids played really well in a tough environment." He also expressed optimism about the team's progress: "We are getting better each week, so it's exciting to see what the future holds."

Q: Can you list all the players who were honored?

A: The 13 honored players are: Evan Abernathy (No. 74), Lenin Hurlburt (No. 72), Dominic Trujillo (No. 78), Hunter Gittleman (No. 55), Max Zucker (No. 52), Matthew McKeever (No. 12), Gavin Schnall (No. 6), Will Heil (No. 29), JT Zobel (No. 18), Jackson Marx (No. 2), Kyle MacArthur (No. 23), Lucas Kubeck (No. 3), and George Wattick (No. 8).