November 19, 2010
North Bergen at Randolph
North Bergen's Peter Ramanand had two rushing TDs and two passing TDs last week.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
North I, Group IV
North Bergen (8-2) at Randolph (9-1)
Friday, 7 p.m.
For North Bergen and Randolph their respective playoff runs represent a return to glory after some recent tough times.
The Bruins have been to the state playoffs in 22 of the past 23 years, but until last week’s 27-25 victory over Passaic County Tech had gone without a playoff win since 1997.
The Rams won five consecutive state titles in the 80s and 90s, but had fallen on tough times in recent years. Randolph certainly made a statement in its first playoff game since 2006 with a dominant 34-0 win over Livingston in the opening round.
Both teams also enter tonight’s showdown on a roll as North Bergen has won seven-straight games and Randolph enters with a nine-game winning streak.
Players to Watch for North Bergen
DE/K Mike Mentor
Finally healthy after nearly two seasons on the sidelines, the 6’3” 230-pound Mentor has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks of late. The Bruins recorded six sacks in last week’s 27-25 win over Passaic County Tech, four of them by Mentor. He is also the Bruins’ kicker.
QB Peter Ramanand
If you want a chance at stopping the Bruins’ offense, slowing down Ramanand is imperative. Of course the task is easier said than done as the senior tossed a pair of touchdown passes and added a 69-yard score in last week’s win over Passaic County Tech. Ramanand is also a threat on special teams as evidenced by his punt return touchdown against Peddie.
Players to Watch for Randolph
RB/LB Mike Mastrangelo
Randolph likes to use a multiple-back attack on offense with Mastrangelo at the forefront. Last week against Livingston he had two touchdown runs and a 96-yard kickoff return for a score. Mastrangelo has 10 touchdowns on the year, seven of them coming in the past four games.
QB Chris Westenhiser
The Rams may like to run the ball, but can also beat opponents through the air with Westenhiser. A three-year starter, Westenhiser tossed a pair of touchdown passes in the first round against Livingston. He also threw a pair of touchdowns and rushed for another in a regular season win over Delbarton.