ferris bulldogs

2009 football preview

Playoffs or bust

Steve Le Ferris

Quarterback Steve Le and the Bulldogs look to build upon last year's 6-4 record.

Click Here for more photos from Ferris' scrimmage in Bloomfield.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

BLOOMFIELD – Over the past few seasons, Ferris has emerged as one of Hudson County’s top teams and the premier Jersey City public program. But despite 18 victories in the past three years, one thing has eluded head coach Wilbur Valdez and his team – a spot in the state playoffs.

“It’s a chip on our shoulder without a doubt,” Valdez said. “With these kids every year, that’s our goal (to make the playoffs). Every year we do enough to earn it, but just because of how the system works, we always end up being the odd man out. It’s definitely been frustrating.”

Ferris’ quest for a fifth straight winning season won’t be an easy one with games against DePaul Catholic, Passaic Valley, Paramus and Lakeland as part of the state realignment. While this year’s schedule is more challenging than the ones in previous seasons, the Bulldogs know the potential reward is much greater – a playoff berth.

“With this realignment that’s one of the good things,” Valdez said. If we can duplicate five or six wins at the cutoff like we’ve done the last four years we should be able to get into the state tournament again where we definitely want to be.”

Offensive Overview:

William Peters Ferris

William Peters is an explosive athlete who is tough to bring down in the open field.

Ferris has a deep group of running back led by sophomore Isiah Johnson and seniors William Peters and Bryant Worts. Peters in particular has shown the ability to make the big play and is a threat whenever the ball is in his hands.

“Peters is probably the guy that can break the homerun (play),” Valdez said. “He has great vision, catches the ball well out of the backfield and can make you miss in the open field which is a threat that we’ve been missing the past couple of years.”

Terrence Williams and Sikim Williams provide added depth in the backfield.

Sophomore Steve Le takes over at quarterback for the Bulldogs. While he is lacking in experience, Le brings a live arm and athleticism to the position.

The Bulldogs return four starters on the offensive line with junior Steven Skipper and a trio of seniors in Justin Santos, Daryll Williams and Raimel Monroe. Ferris has one of the biggest lines in Hudson County most notably the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Santos at right tackle.

Defensive Overview:

Wayne Judson Ferris

Safety Wayne Judson is back after playing just three games in 2008.

Worts is a three-year starter at middle linebacker and is the heart and soul of a defense that posted three shutouts last season. A third-team All-State selection, Worts is one of the state’s premier linebackers.

“He’s a good athlete and always hustling around,” Valdez said. “I’d say he’s a run stopper who can go sideline to sideline. He can go into pass coverage and blitz. There’s not a lot I can say he can’t do.”

Outside linebacker Terrence Williams is a returning starter and first-year starter Shawn Lee is “the most physically gifted of the group,” according to Valdez.

Lee will also see time at defensive end along with Skipper and Daryll Williams. Santos, Monroe and Scott Lee (Shawn’s twin brother) will rotate at the tackle spot.

Senior safety Wayne Judson leads the secondary with his physical play and intelligence.

“He’s like having a coach back there,” Valdez said. “He knows all the stuff, he makes our checks. He’s also a very talented kid who likes to hit people.”

Peters is the other safety for Ferris, while Johnson starts at cornerback. Le and Taylair Mobley will also see action at corner.

Star Spotlight: Bryant Worts, FB/LB

Bryant Worts Ferris

Bryant Worts is a complete linebacker and the unquestioned leader of the defense.

At the beginning of last season, Bryant Worts started to spend his lunch period watching film with the coaches. After recording more than 160 tackles and with multiple college teams showing interest in him, it’s a decision that has paid off for the senior.

“I got more into the game and I’ve gotten to know exactly what the other team is doing,” Worts said. “It’s good to know what the other team is doing before even they do.”

“He takes defense personally,” Valdez said. “He doesn’t want to give up a yard and that’s contagious. When he’s on the field the rest of the guys don’t want to give anything up either.”

This year Worts will also see a bigger role on offense. A part-time starter a year ago, Worts is projected to be the starting fullback in the Bulldogs’ three-back attack.

Worts has attracted the attention of many Division I programs in the region including Pittsburgh, Maryland and Rutgers.