Bayonne Bees
NJTCC Division 4
North 2, Group IV
2008: 4-6
Playoffs: None
Head Coach:
Frank Blunda
5th year (22-18)
Returning Starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Offense: Pro Style
Defense: 50 Front
2009 Schedule
9/11 vs Lincoln 7 p.m.
9/18 at North Bergen 7:30 p.m.
9/26 at Fair Lawn 1 p.m.
10/2 vs St. Peter’s Prep 7 p.m.
10/9 at Wayne Hills 7 p.m.
10/16 vs Dickinson 7 p.m.
10/23 at West Milford 7 p.m.
10/30 vs Union City 7 p.m.
11/6 vs Teaneck 7 p.m.
Football Preview Guide
Team Previews
Bayonne
Dickinson
Ferris
Harrison
Hoboken
Hudson Catholic
Kearny
Lincoln
Marist
Memorial
North Bergen
St. Anthony
St. Peter’s Prep
Secaucus
Snyder
Union City
Weehawken
School of hard knocks
Junior LB Jarred LaBoy is one of just four returning starters on defense.
Click Here for more photos from Bayonne's football practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – In an ideal situation, Bayonne head coach Frank Blunda would have a squad full of experience. However with just eight returning starters, it’s a luxury the fifth-year coach does not have at his disposal.
“We’re kind of loaded with sophomores and juniors,” Blunda said. “There’s only going to be a few seniors on the field and the majority of them are going to be first-year varsity players.”
As many as five sophomores could have starting spots for the Bees this upcoming season, this season will be a learning experience for Bayonne as they face a schedule that Blunda feels is as difficult as any they’ve faced since he arrived in the Peninsula City.
Offensive Overview:
Michael Moses (right) is competing for the Bees' starting QB position.
The starting quarterback spot is up in the air with a competition between senior incumbent Tyriek Porch and junior Michael Moses. Both bring different skills to the offense – Porch experience and athleticism, Moses a better thrower.
Regardless of how this duel plays out, Porch will make his presence felt on the offensive side of the ball.
“If he doesn’t win the job he’s going to come out in different formations at quarterback,” Blunda said. “He’ll play some receiver as well.”
Porch would join junior L.J. Fischer at wideout.
Senior Pierre George stands at just 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, but is expected to be the main ball carrier for the Bees. Jesus Urena, Matt Mullin, Rich Zepeda and Dennis Price will also compete for carries with George and starting fullback Robert Rivera in a crowded backfield.
Senior tackle Mike Nevith and guard Jarred LaBoy anchor the right side of the offensive line.Defensive Overview:
Sophomore CB Malcolm Robinson has turned heads with his physical play.
Big things are expected from LaBoy at strong side linebacker this season. LaBoy, who has good lateral movement according to Blunda, moves over to the strong side spot. The position was manned by his older brother Jordan a year ago.
“For (Jarred) it’s going to be a challenge,” Blunda said. “He’ll have to work with someone new at linebacker. He’s probably moving to the strong side. The majority of the time he’s going to line up against the tight end.”
Rivera, Mullin, Zepeda and Travis Gallardo will also see time at linebacker in Bayonne’s 50 Defense. There is size up front with Nevith, Nick Cordato and sophomore Roberto Melon at the tackles. Robert Rivera, Brian Brown and twin brothers Arickson and Erickson Reyes are also going to play big roles on the defensive line.
Fischer is returning starter at free safety. Sophomore Malcolm Robinson is expected to see a lot of action at cornerback and has shown a willingness to mix it up against taller receivers.
“He’s just an aggressive kid,” Blunda said about Robinson. “He’s got good football instincts and a good football sense, understands what we’re looking to do. He was a tough kid on the freshman team last year.”
Strong safety Jason Ovalle, and cornerbacks Mike Gonzalez and Price round out the secondary.
Star Spotlight: Mike Nevith OT/DT
Mike Nevith returns for his third season as the starting right tackle.
On a team lacking in experience, right tackle Mike Nevith is more than just a three-year starter, he’s an on-field mentor for his younger teammates.
“To have a guy that’s been out there 3 years in a row now is certainly important for us, especially anchoring the offensive line,” Blunda said. “That’s big from the standpoint of some of these guys look up to him. He’s been in the mix and in some battles before so hopefully these guys can take some lessons from him and step up.”
Being that leader might be a daunting task for some, but thus far the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Nevith has been able to shoulder that responsibility.
“Since I’m one of the few that started last year I feel I need to step up and do more as a leader,” Nevith said.
Nevith is more than just an on-field leader for this Bees squad. The senior will be the focal point of the run offense. Nevith, who has received interest from multiple colleges has also progressed as a pass blocker due to his time in offseason camps