EHS football adopted a mantra before the start of the season, “We Before Me.”
Senior Captain Gerald Baker III didn’t take that lightly. Athletic Director, Benny Candelino was pleasantly surprised when receiving an email from an official who was impressed with the character of “number 53.”


Mr. Candelino,
I have been officiating high school football for over 27 years, and this is the only the third time that I have written a letter like this one. I am just informing you that you have a very special young man on your high school football team.
I don't know his name, but his number is 53. I officiated the Phillipsburg vs. Elizabeth football game last Friday night. There was one player who stood out -who respected his coaches, his teammates, the officials, his opposition, and the game in general - number 53. He was a fine gentleman and he assisted me in keeping the peace in the middle of the football field. He never belittled or disparaged anyone, he only gave encouragement to his teammates. What made me write this letter, is that I was talking to a small group of referees a few days after the game. When I mentioned
that I officiated the Elizabeth game, 2 other referees who also officiated an Elizabeth football game this year instantly mentioned "number 53" before I said anything else. This player stood out to all 3 of us. We all wished that there were more "number 53s" playing high school football today. Please let this young man know that his actions are being noticed and appreciated, and that we wish him all the luck in the world, because
he deserves it. If you could please share this letter with his parents, and any other one interested in this young man's future.
Thank you for your time,
Rich Rutkowski