PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School continued its strong start to the 2026 football season Friday, September 4, defeating North Warren Regional, 12-6, and improving to 2-0 for the first time since 2003.
Chris Kelly provided the scoring for the Redhawks, finding the end zone twice in a defensive battle that remained close throughout the night.
While Kelly delivered the touchdowns, Parsippany’s defense again played a major role in the victory. The Redhawks limited North Warren to just six points, following a 21-0 shutout of Sussex County Tech in the season opener. Through two games, Parsippany has allowed only six total points.
The defensive performance was a complete team effort. Davine Blackwood helped lead the unit at linebacker, while Vincent D’Accardi, Andre Aquino, Kelly, Jake Behnke, Harrison Gordon, Ryan Das, Pruthvi Shetye, and Michael Martin were among the starters contributing on defense and throughout the game.
Several of those players also carried significant responsibilities on offense. D’Accardi, Aquino, Kelly, and Behnke contributed at the skill positions, while Gordon, Das, and Martin helped anchor the offensive line. Shetye also contributed as part of a Parsippany lineup that relied on players handling responsibilities on both sides of the ball.
The early success also reflects the work of Head Coach Kenneth Brock and the entire Parsippany coaching staff. Brock and his assistants have guided the Redhawks to their strongest start in more than two decades, with the team combining timely offense with a defense that has been difficult to score against. Brock is listed by both the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District and New Jersey Record Book as Parsippany High’s football coach.
The coaching staff’s preparation has been especially important in two very different victories. Parsippany controlled its opener in a shutout and then found a way to finish a one-possession game against North Warren. Starting 2-0 after the program had not accomplished the feat since 2003 marks a significant early milestone for Brock, his staff, and the players.
For the Redhawks, the opening two weeks have been defined by defense, team contributions, and an ability to finish games. With the 12-6 victory, Parsippany now enters the next portion of its schedule undefeated for the first time in 23 years.
Author’s Note: Special thanks to Ryan Cobeo for his on-the-ground photography and to Pruthvi Sheyte for his outstanding performance and insights on the game.
