Residual power points will decide BC fate
With only two games remaining for Bergen Catholic before the playoff cut-off point, now is a good time to examine how the playoff seedings for Non-Public Group 4 are starting to take form, and what it means for the Crusaders.
Here are my projections for the teams of interest to BC in the upper half of the playoff power point standings going into this weekend's games; included are the max power point values for each team if they get the highest possible number of residual points from each of their opponents:
#1 Seton Hall Prep (6-0) {108 points} MAX: {188 points}
The Pirates have had a sensational season scoring over 50 points on 4 separate occassions and blowing out every opponent. The schedule will get interesting for the Seton Hall during Week 8 when they will take on a possibly undefeated East Orange (6-0) team that would love nothing more than to hand the Pirates their first loss of the season. Seton Hall is hoping that Morristown, DePaul, Montclair, and West Orange continue to produce residual points for them with their own victories, as they still hold out hope at claiming the top overall seed in the group or at least the #2 seed and host a semifinal game.
Impact on BC: The October 30th road game at East Orange will decide Seton Hall's fate, and may also decide whether BC will take on Don Bosco in a potential semfinal game in Ramsey. This match-up between Seton Hall Prep and East Orange has been close in recent years, as the Pirates have won by a combined 5 points in the last 2 games. If SHP can't get their residual points to fall their way, especially with Morristown (3-3) having to face off against the likes of Roxbury (3-3) and West Morris (4-2) and DePaul (4-2) taking on Lakeland (6-0), the Pirates may have to settle for the #2 seed even if they go undefeated. A loss to East Orange may jump the Crusaders up possibly to the #2 seed, and set SHP with a semifinal showdown in Ramsey.
#2 Notre Dame (6-0) {102 points} MAX: {159 points}
The Fighting Irish needed a miracle finish last weekend against Nottingham to even still be in the position to discuss a top seed in the group. The Fighting Irish rallied with 40 seconds left to win the game 38-35, and may have essentially guaranteed themselves at least one home game in the playoffs. ND does not play the toughest of schedules down in South Jersey, which explains their 19 game regular season win streak. They do get punished with fewer power points, but that doesn't matter to the Fighting Irish if they consistently go undefeated every regular season, as a top seed will always be waiting for the Lawrenceville football program.
Impact on BC: The Crusaders can still garner enough power points on their own to pass an undefeated Notre Dame squad, but it wouldn't hurt if the Fighting Irish get tripped up in one of the their final two games before the playoff cutoff date. Notre Dame's always at the center of BC's power point frustrations each season, as ND plays in a weak conference and benefits from the North Jersey powers knocking each other off in the regular seasons. ND has been awarded a top 5 seed in each of the past 4 playoffs, and the lowest seed before that was back in 2005 when ND got the #7 seed due to their 5-3 record. The high seeds certainly have not helped the Fighting Irish, as Notre Dame's playoff record since entering Non Public Group 4 in the 1999 state playoffs is (2-11).
#3 Don Bosco Prep (5-0) {101 points} MAX: {194 points}
The Ironmen are only ranked in the 3rd spot due to last week's bye, and will be one of the top two seeds come playoff time. If everything breaks their way, Bosco will be the top seed for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Bosco will dispose of their 3 remaining opponents in Passaic Tech (4-2), Clifton (4-2), and Paramus Catholic (3-3), and should receive a good amount of power points in the process. The Ironmen will have to rely on some residual power points from the likes of Ridgewood to push them ahead of a potentially undefeated Seton Hall Prep team. Regardless of what residual points they get, it's looking like Bosco once again won't have to worry about playing away from Granatell Stadium for the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Impact on BC: If you gave the Crusaders truth serum, they would tell you that they want another shot at their nemesis, but preferably in the state championship game. If Ridgewood takes care of their three remaining opponents in Hackensack (3-2), Teaneack (2-4), and Passaic (1-4), the Maroons might very well dash any possible chance at a BC/Bosco dream rematch in the state final. The complete irony of it all lies in this following crazy scenario. The game that might decide the future fates of both Bosco and Bergen may not be seen by more than 40 fans in attendance. That game is when Kennedy hosts Fair Lawn in Week 8. How crazy would it be if a game between two possible (1-6) teams decides whether the Crusaders have to travel to Ramsey in late November.
#4 Bergen Catholic (5-1) {96 points} MAX: {170 points}
The Red & Gold have taken on the #1 ranked teams from both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and still may wind up with only one home game this entire postseason. So much for playing a tough schedule. BC is in prime position to at least host a quarterfinal game at Crusader Stadium for the first time since 2008, and are hoping that if some things break their way the next two weeks, they may jump right up to the #2 seed and host two games before a possible return to the state title game.
What BC is hoping for hinges on residual points, as they will not have to worry too much about Eastside (2-3) and Hackensack (3-2) in their last two match ups. BC's fate may rest on the shoulders of four teams: Hackensack, Teaneck, Fair Lawn, and St. Joe's. If each of these teams can come up with upset victories, the Crusaders would be golden and would be a serious challenger for the #2 seed or at least the #3 seed. The ironic thing is that if some of these upsets happen, they might be matched up with Bosco in the semifinals anyway, instead of a 1 vs. 4 game it would be a 2 vs. 3 contest. Regardless of all the playoff scenarios, Coach Campanile knows that it will be out of his team's hands the next two weeks, but they will have at least one home playoff game in November, and perhaps against a rival from Jersey City.
#5 St. Peter's Prep (5-1) {87 points} MAX: {138 points}
The team that feels the wrath of the power point system the most is St. Peter's Prep and for good reason: they play no one in Hudson County. The Marauders may be kings of the county, but they certainly haven't been able to reap any rewards from their kingdom. With a schedule that provides SPP with nothing more than glorified practices, one mistake can doom its playoff seeding, and such was the case in their Week 2 upset loss to St. Joe's. After taking down the rest of their schedule, St. Peter's will just have to wait and watch, and hope to avoid Bosco until the state final.
Impact on BC: Well, the Marauders might turn out to be a first round opponent at Crusader Stadium, something that most fans would not have expected coming into this season. What a brutal road that would be for either side if they were forced with the prospect of playing each other in the quarterfinals, only to be greeted with Bosco in the semifinal round. It would be a dream scenario for the rest of the bracket! St. Peter's will hope that North Bergen (4-2) and Union City (3-3) can win out to provide some much needed residual points. Don't be surprised if the Marauders even drop to the 6th seed when all is said and done due to their week Hudson County competition.
These are interesting playoff scenarios to say the least regarding BC and who they may have to play on their Crusade for state title #17. Be sure to check back here next week as I examine the playoff picture heading into Week 8. Will we have a major shake up in the top 4 teams? Will BC get the residual points they need to avoid a semifinal showdown with the Ironmen? We'll find out soon enough.
ABOUT DAN LONG
Dan Long graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2003 where he was the Sports Director of BCTV and coined the immortal phrase "Crusader Crazies" for the raucous BC student section. He is currently the radio voice of the Bergen Catholic football, the founder of DL Sports Media, and a weekly contributor to BergenCatholicFootball.com.
Know Your Foe: St. Joe’s Green Knights
BergenCatholicFootball.com's Dan Long previews Bergen Catholic's sixth opponent and one of the Crusaders' arch rivals, the St. Joseph Regional Green Knights.
- 2010: (4-1) having defeated DePaul (35-6) in Week 1, upsetting St. Peter's Prep (21-17) in Week 2, beating Paramus Catholic (35-7), holding on to beat Paramus (28-27) in Week 4, before losing for the first time this season last week to Ramapo (35-28) at home.
This season the Green Knights come into their annual match up with the Crusaders off a rare home loss, and to make matters worse, a home loss to a North Jersey public school for the first time since 2006. St. Joe's lost last weekend to Ramapo, the defending North 1 Group 3 sectional champions (35-28), in a game that went back and forth in part to Ramapo's turnovers. The previous week, the Green Knights were fortunate enough to escape from Paramus with a slim 28-27 victory thanks to a last second blocked field goal, otherwise SJR would be facing a 3-2 record heading into their showdown with BC.
In what many had qualified as a rebuilding year for Coach Tony Karcich's crew, expectations were certainly raised after their Week 2 upset victory at home against then #1 in the state St. Peter's Prep. With a jam-packed Dinallo Stadium, St. Joe's fed off the energy of the crowd and embraced the role of underdog against the heavily-favored Marauders. BC will have to anticipate the same type of crazy atmosphere this week in Montvale, as the Green Knights would love nothing more than to upset their greatest rival in Big North Conference play and erase the memories of last week's loss to Ramapo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB #7 Chris Andrews (SR)
The Crusaders got to see Andrews up close and personal this summer during their first scrimmage of August, and the BC defense had to be impressed at his throwing power and mobility around the pocket. When pressured, Andrews does not possess the greatest accuracy in the world, as he is under 50% passing on the year. What Andrews can do well is keep plays alive and bounce off initial tackling attempts. The Crusaders defensive line found ways to rattle Andrews in the summer, they now have to duplicate those strong efforts when it matters most in October.
RB #28 Presley Beauvais (SR)
While he may not have the same number of game-breaking runs as Kamal Hogan from the past few seasons, Beauvais can still frustrate opposing defenses with his amazing display of jukes and breakaway runs. Beauvais uses his small frame as a weapon as defenses often lose sight of him behind the SJR line. St. Joe's has always featured its power running game, and this year Beauvais is the main threat against the BC front 7. The Crusaders must not fall for any head and shoulder fakes, and must instead target Beauvais' hips in order to make the stops. If the Crusaders can neutralize his running outside the tackles, BC will have stopped the Green Knights' main weapon on offense.
WR #5 Ricky Jeune (SOPH)
While BC is well aware of stopping the SJR rushing attack, the secondary must not cheat in on the run while leaving SJR's best receiving threat open for big plays down the field. Jeune, just a sophomore, has replaced SJR's recent great wide receiver Kai Dominguez, and will try to do some damage against a BC secondary that had last week off against Fair Lawn. Juene will try to use his 6'2 frame against the smaller BC defensive backs, and don't be surprised if SJR try some jump balls for their wide out while in the BC red zone.
RB/CB/KR #1 Jabari Garvin (JR)
That last name should be very familiar to Crusader fans, as Jabari's older brother Michael Ray tormented the Red & Gold for years while at Don Bosco Prep. Like his older brother, Jabari possesses tremendous speed and may give BC fits on kickoffs and punt returns during the game. Garvin also lines up as a corner back on defense, and will try to use his speed to combat the size disadvantage against some of BC's wide receivers. Garvin is capable of delivering a momentum changing play on Saturday, so the Crusaders need to continue their solid special teams play to limit Garvin's returns, and not be afraid to throw deep against him on offense, especially if he is matched up with Cam Dickerson.
THREE KEYS FOR BC
After their glorified practice last week against Fair Lawn, BC has to be thrilled to be taking on their other arch rival in St. Joe's this weekend. This will be the first true test for the Crusaders after the loss to Don Bosco two weeks ago, and this Crusader team is intent on making a statement against the Green Knights with a great performance on Saturday. Here are a few of my keys for a BC victory over St. Joe's on Saturday:
- BC must focus on shutting down the SJR rushing attack early in the game and force the Green Knights to throw the ball, something that they have not done well this season. SJR was able to pull the upset against St. Peter's Prep because their rushing attack controlled the clock and wore down the Marauder defense. By stopping the run, BC will potentially put their secondary in position to make plays, and can keep the field on tilt for their offense all afternoon long.
- BC must find a way to get the ball in Spencer Kulcsar's hands early and often in Montvale. Kulcsar has had sensational performances against the Green Knights each time he has played them dating back to last November. Kulcsar will have his chances as a receiving threat and as a running back, and it will be interesting to see if he gets more work this game due to his past exploits as a SJR killer.
- BC must not step off the gas at all during the game against their rivals from Montvale. BC cruised to a 28-7 win last year, but that game was even closer than the final score. The Crusaders want to win the game, and win in a convincing fashion, making a statement to the rest of the state in the process. St. Joe's will be an emotional bunch this weekend, and if BC can weather that potential storm early on, we may witness the same level of dominance the Crusaders displayed in the summer when they easily dispatched SJR in their full contact scrimmage.
Dan Long graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2003 where he was the Sports Director of BCTV and coined the immortal phrase "Crusader Crazies" for the raucous BC student section. He is currently the radio voice of the Bergen Catholic football, the founder of DL Sports Media, and a weekly contributor to BergenCatholicFootball.com.
Know Your Foe: Don Bosco Prep Ironmen
This week Dan Long breaks down Bergen Catholic's fourth opponent, and their biggest rival, as the Crusaders will host the top ranked team in New Jersey in the (3-0) Don Bosco Prep Ironmen.
- 2010: (3-0) having defeated Gilman (MD) (33-6), Ridgewood (35-14), and St. Ignatius (OH) (33-6) last week.
After winning their fourth straight state championship and finishing the top team in the country in many polls, Don Bosco was supposed to enter the 2010 season with more question marks than usual. The Ironmen lost a slew of key contributers to graduation, and this season was to reveal a chink in the Ironmen's armor, but someone forgot to mention that fact to the players and coaches at Bosco.
While New Jersey's most dominant program of this current decade was foolishly placed second in the state in the preseason polls in NJ, the Ironmen quickly reminded skeptics of their elite level of play by trouncing nationally-ranked Gilman in Maryland in the season opener. Coach Greg Toal's crew easily dispatched Ridgewood next, before thumping a rebuilding St. Ignatius team in Ohio on national television. With a roster that was strengthened by key transfers from Paterson Catholic, and a potentially historic freshman class, Bosco has found itself back in its familiar place atop the NJ state football rankings, but with a hungry arch rival in Bergen Catholic waiting for an opportunity to hand the Ironmen their first loss in NJ since 2005.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB #22 Paul Canevari (SR.)
This former Bosco defensive end has performed as one of the best running backs in the entire nation, let alone New Jersey, through the first three weeks of the season. The powerful and quick senior has rushed for over 700 yards and 7 touchdowns in less than 3 full games, and seemingly breaks 50+ yard runs at will against the competition. Canevari has exceptional field vision, and is elusive even for his larger frame. If BC wants any chance of winning Saturday's game, the Crusaders must find a way to keep Carnevari out of the endzone, especially when it is a result of a huge play from scrimmage that could demoralize the home side.
QB #10 Gary Nova (SR.)
One of Coach Nunzio Campanile's prized pupils while the offensive coordinator at Bosco, Nova has proven countless times why he will take his talents to the University of Pittsburgh next fall. With a strong arm and tremendous pocket presence, Nova's athleticism allows him to develop big plays down the field without jeopardizing the game for his team. Nova burned the Crusaders several times last season on long passing plays, and he will be given the green light to throw this week against a BC secondary that is not at 100%. BC needs to rattle Nova's cage early and force him into rushed passes in order to get the senior off his game. If Nova is given time, he will pick BC apart and grow in confidence throughout the contest.
DT #94 Darius Hamilton (JR.)
Bosco's biggest game changer may do his work on the defensive line, as Hamilton, the son of former Giant Keith Hamilton, is a beast to say the least in the middle. A player who can disrupt the game on his own, Hamilton might make it a long day for BC quarterback Tanner McEvoy if no one can block the Bosco DT. A disruptive force defending both the run and pass, Hamilton's pure athleticism may force a double team at points, and may leave a hole for his teammates to exploit. BC would be wise to game plan away from Hamilton, or use screen passes to exploit Hamilton's aggressive nature in the trenches.
K #23 Aidan Murray (SOPH)
Believe it or not, but the Don Bosco kicker will play a huge role in the game when it comes to field position. Murray has a strong leg and can routinely place his kickoffs in the endzone, forcing an opponent to go 80 yards every time against the fast Bosco defense. Murray is also reliable as a punter and as a field goal kicker, and is a definite weapon for the offense. It seems like its been awhile since BC made a huge play on special teams against the Ironmen, and now would be a great time to get a punt block against Murray to really swing the momentum and field position in BC's favor.
THREE KEYS FOR BC
The Crusaders certainly respect Bosco's recent accomplishments, but they do not fear their Ramsey rivals. BC has been told over and over again how to beat this young but extremely talented Bosco squad, and I present some of my keys to a BC win below:
- BC must not try to arm tackle Paul Carnevari, but must wrap up completely on all their tackles. Carnevari has embarrassed opponents who were intimidated by his size and did not go full blast at the Bosco tailback with solid tackling mechanics. The BC linebackers better be prepared for the running back's elusive running style and blazing speed at the second level; the Crusaders need to run at him and not with him.
- BC must make Gary Nova begin to doubt himself with a poor start to the contest. The Crusaders cashed in a Nova fumble for a quick 7-0 lead last season, and I believe they are in position to make the Bosco senior signal caller's afternoon a frustrating one. Expect more blitzes up the middle, and for BC to take advantage of a young offensive line. If Nova struggles like he did last week in Ohio, then the BC defense will get opportunities for the type of game-changing plays they need to make.
- BC must continue to believe that they can beat Bosco, even if they fall behind early to the Ironmen. The new BC mental toughness was certainly challenged by LaSalle, but the Crusaders never blinked and won late in the game. BC must feed off the positive energy of their coach, in addition to the amazing energy of a raucous crowd in Oradell. Despite the huge game, BC must continue to lessen their penalties through proper mental focus on the field. BC will be in the game mentally for 48 minutes, the key is if they can finally put the physical and mental components of football together when taking on Bosco.
In what has become one of the most hyped games of the past decade, BC will take the field against Bosco knowing that the chance to take down NJ's best is too good to pass up, and by containing the players mentioned above, BC has their best chance in years to stop the losing streak to the Ironmen.
Dan Long graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2003 where he was the Sports Director of BCTV and coined the immortal phrase "Crusader Crazies" for the raucous BC student section. He is currently the radio voice of the Bergen Catholic football, the founder of DL Sports Media, and a weekly contributor to BergenCatholicFootball.com.
Chasing a legacy of perfection
The Bergen Catholic senior class is well aware of the storied history of the Crusader football program. Every day the players walk by the trophy cases in the BC hallway, the 16 state championship trophies challenging them to be the ones to add to the illustrious collection for the first time in 6 years. A championship is the ultimate goal for this Class of 2011, but the collective group of seniors understand that they can also create a legacy for their group starting with Saturday's game: a legacy of perfection.
The last undefeated team at Bergen Catholic was the historic 1998 squad, a team that went 12-0, had no opponent finish within 21 points of them all season long, and finished their championship season with a blowout victory over rival St. Joseph Regional before a huge high school crowd at Giants Stadium. The 1998 team is immortalized with their team photo on a Cheerios box that is placed alongside their state championship trophy in BC's main trophy case. That Crusader team is always brought up when fans debate the Garden State's best football teams in history, and their legend seems to grow each year.
The 1998 BC squad and the class of 1999 has become the group that every Crusader class strives to emulate when they first enter the hallways in Oradell. There is even a huge rock that rests outside the Saingas Center at the bottom of the main stairs that sits as a testament to the Class of 1999, a class that went undefeated at all levels during their time as Crusaders, and a class that unearthed the rock from their practice field as lowly freshmen. They proved themselves worthy on the field and in the classroom, and their legacy of greatness will never be forgotten. Every class is reminded of their dominance when they go to practice, and every class fights for a chance to be placed in that esteemed company.
The Class of 2011 wants to do something that the last 11 senior classes could not accomplish in Oradell -- to complete a perfect season.
Throughout the preseason, one after another, each player repeated aloud their goal of 12-0 when questioned about their season expectations. This Crusader senior class has beaten Don Bosco at other levels of the football program in recent seasons, and while they have a healthy respect for the Ironmen's recent accomplishments at the varsity level, they certainly do not fear their rivals. They gained a new level of confidence from their neophyte head coach, who brings a familiarity with perfection with him to Oradell.
Once Nunzio Campanile was hired as BC's new coach last February, he reached out immediately to members of the Bergen Catholic football alumni family, a group that had been splintered in recent years, with many members deciding to steer clear of Crusader Stadium, and even some alumni electing to send their sons to BC's arch rivals rather than have them play for their alma mater. With a message of renewal and change, many former BC players returned to Crusader Stadium and have been encouraged to extol their football wisdom on the current Red & Gold gridiron athletes, alumni which include members of perfect championship teams, including 1999.
The class of 2011 have absorbed the lessons like sponges, have cherished the amazing stories, and have become transfixed with the idea of ultimate glory, of unquestioned dominance, of a perfect record at the end of a season in December. This matchup with Don Bosco will not decide a state championship, or even cement playoff seeding as it is only Week 4. This regular season game though means the world to the seniors at BC, because this select group of players have seen three other classes leave Bergen Catholic without any championship rings on their fingers, and without any chance to create a legacy of perfection at BC.
BC's seniors have been reminded by their coaches every practice that perfection is attainable, that their destiny and legacy is in their own hands. Every time they slack off, they are quickly reminded of the team's record the last couple of seasons, records that were far from perfect and did not end in championships. Saturday's game will decide whether BC's senior class has the chance to be mentioned in the pantheon of all-time great Crusader teams.
When focusing of the goal of perfection for this BC senior class, I think back to tremendous quote attributed to Odessa Permian's legendary head coach Gary Gaines in both the novel and movie Friday Night Lights. In a stirring moment during their state playoff game he tells his players the following when it comes to the idea of perfection as a team:
"Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didn't let them down because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasn't one more thing you could've done. Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentleman - you're perfect."
This Bergen Catholic senior class, one of the tightest groups in recent history at BC, has a chance to make a case for their legacy starting on Saturday. With a loss, the Crusaders can still finish as a championship team, but with a win, these Crusaders can finish as an all-time great team. A perfect team.
Dan Long graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2003 where he was the Sports Director of BCTV and coined the immortal phrase "Crusader Crazies" for the raucous BC student section. He is currently the radio voice of the Bergen Catholic football, the founder of DL Sports Media, and a weekly contributor to BergenCatholicFootball.com.
Know Your Foe: Teaneck Highwaymen
Our Dan Long takes a look at Bergen Catholic's third opponent and first game against a fellow Garden State program when they travel to Teaneck on Saturday night to take on the Highwaymen.
- 2010 Season: (0-2) as they lost (42-27) to Ramapo in their season opener and also lost (34-6) to Clifton last week.
Many believed that the 2010 season might signal Teaneck's return to the North 1 Group 3 playoffs, the first time since 2006, as the team returned a group of talented and experienced athletes who had gone through the growing pains of the previous two seasons. The major hurdle for Teaneck would be its daunting schedule: the Highwaymen would have to lock horns with the likes of Ramapo, Bergen Catholic, Wayne Hills, and Ridgewood. Well, that demanding schedule is starting to rear its ugly head for Teaneck fans. Their team has started off (0-2) on the season, with lopsided losses to Ramapo, and a shockingly poor effort against Clifton last week.
Now, Teaneck must prepare for a doozy of back-to-back opponents as they play host to Bergen Catholic on Saturday night, then travel to Wayne Hills in Week 4. Teaneck is a power running team out of the I formation that must look to win time of possession first and look to score second against their tough opponents.
The Highwaymen 4-4 defense is made to take away an opponent's running game, while daring their foes to throw against some of their best athletes in the secondary. A loss on Saturday may see Teaneck facing a must-win situation against Wayne Hills the following week if they want to get into the playoffs this year with their senior-laden team.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB/CB # 12 Nevon Williams (SR.)
Williams is the playmaker for the Teaneck offense, as he scored all 4 of Teaneck's touchdowns against Ramapo, including an amazing 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the first play of the 2010 season. Williams ran for 1,346 yards last season, while averaging a staggering 7.8 yards a carry. Already committed to play next fall at Indiana, the BC defense must be aware of Williams at all times, especially in kickoff and punt return situations.
WR/CB # 1 Tyriek Harrison (SR.)
Harrison proved in 2009 to be one of the best wide receivers in the entire state hauling in 59 receptions for 1,137 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Teaneck passing attack. A perfect weapon against opponents stacking the lines to slow down the running game, Harrison is exceptionally quick and a serious threat down the field. Harrison has also accounted for an interception this season on defense.
LB/TE # 9 Zack Preschel (SR.)
Preschel leads the Teaneck 4-4 defense in the middle, and was the team's leading tackler last season with 84 tackles. The BC offensive line will try to get to the second level with their blocking, and they would be wise to search out Preschel and get a body on him if they want the BC running game to flourish. In the first half of their two games this season, Teaneck has been able to slow down their opponent's running game, but have given up big plays in the second half. Preschel is the key to Teaneck's defensive performance against the Crusaders.
THREE KEYS FOR BC
In what will be Bergen Catholic's first visit to Teaneck since a 27-3 victory back in 2005, BC is aware of the number of great athletes on Teaneck's sideline. Teaneck may play like a desperate team, knowing their playoff lives will be on life support if they were to lose to BC in Week 3 and again vs. Wayne Hills in Week 4. Here are some of the keys for BC in their third game of the season:
- BC must continue to develop offensive chemistry with a balanced attack. Throwing the ball all over the field may look nice, but they must not get away from establishing a power running attack with the likes of Karl Bostick, Spencer Kulcsar, Mike Gerst, and Tanner McEvoy. BC must defeat Teaneck on Saturday, but they are also intent on preparing properly for Don Bosco the following week.
- The BC must not sell out on the running game, and leave big holes in their secondary for Tyriek Harrison to roam free. BC has allowed some big passing plays in the first couple of weeks, and they need to stop gambling on the defensive line and instead play their defined roles. The BC pass rush is starting to develop, and the linebackers are solid in their coverage, it is now up to the much-hyped BC secondary to start playing like the best unit around.
- BC's special team unit had a solid performance against Malvern Prep, but they better be aware of Teaneck's sensational kickoff and punt return units on Saturday night. If the BC defense is doing its job, the worst thing that can happen is if the special teams unit falls asleep on its responsibilities and gives up points to a Teaneck side looking for a spark. Again, Saturday's focus is on Teaneck, but everything done on the field is also in anticipation of Don Bosco.
BC will have to prepare for a quick start from Teaneck, as the Highwaymen have gotten out to quick leads in their first two games of the year, each game though ended in a lopsided loss. This is a great chance for some younger Crusaders to gain valuable varsity experience, and BC will keep their fingers crossed that they can get the job done on Saturday night while also staying relatively healthy. Kickoff is at 7pm at Teaneck High School.
Dan Long graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2003 where he was the Sports Director of BCTV and coined the immortal phrase "Crusader Crazies" for the raucous BC student section. He is currently the radio voice of the Bergen Catholic football, the founder of DL Sports Media, and a weekly contributor to BergenCatholicFootball.com.
Bergen Catholic High School is a Catholic community which prepares young men to become leaders by deepening religious faith, developing academic excellence, and strengthening social consciousness and responsibility in accordance with the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education.
Have what it takes to be a Bergen Catholic Crusader?
Follow us and find out more at the official Bergen Catholic facebook page for Future Crusaders and their families.
Go Bergen!
Photo Gallery
Click here to view and download brilliant in-game photos of your 2011 Bergen Catholic Crusaders
2010 Archive
BC Track frosh Kyle Ellerson & Matt Morano qualify for the Indoor National Meet! Ellerson ran a 53.2 in the 400 & Matt ran 4:42 in the mile2 days ago from Twitter for iPhone
Congrats to the NY Giants! Their road to the Super Bowl started back at BC! http://t.co/ydQRacPI2 days ago from Twitter for iPhone
BC Baseball coach Mooney grateful for 'gift of life' - http://t.co/02IBOPgu http://t.co/miaC8eB23 days ago from Tweet Button
Special 4 pm start time today for BC's basketball game against Kennedy. Listen live @ http://t.co/tfSUNN6w #BCRadioNetwork #DeusVult6 days ago from web
Ice hockey: Bergen Catholic's Scott Mogerley has big decision - http://t.co/02IBOPgu http://t.co/XzUjMoQX2 weeks ago from Tweet Button
The Program
Links
- AthElite Training
- Bergen Catholic High School
- BrianCushing56.com
- Gladiator Custom Mouthguards
- ImPACT™ Concussion Testing
- NCAA List of Banned Substances
- UnderArmour.com