Harrison Blue Tide
BCSL National
North 2, Group I
2008: 3-7
Playoffs: None.
Head Coach:
Dave Nankivell
2nd year (3-7)
Returning Starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 8
Offense: Shotgun Wing-T
Defense: 4-4
2009 Schedule
9/18 vs Becton 7 p.m.
9/25 at Secaucus 7 p.m.
10/1 vs St. Mary (Rutherford) 7 p.m.
10/9 at Cresskill 7 p.m.
10/16 vs Weehawken 7 p.m.
10/24 at Wood-Ridger 1 p.m.
10/30 at Lyndhurst 7 p.m.
11/6 vs Wallington 7 p.m.
11/25 vs North Arlington 7 p.m.
Football Preview Guide
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On the same page
Walter Sessoms should see time at both tight end and linebacker this season.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison's football practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – For head coach Dave Nankivell and the Blue Tide, last year proved to be a difficult learning experience. Hired less than two months before the start of the season, Harrison struggled to get into a groove and finished a disappointing 3-7. Now with a year of experience under his belt, the transition has proven to be a lot easier in season two.
“We got a better jumpstart than we did than last year,” Nankivell said. “It was an easier transition this year than it was last year. Knowing that you’re going to be here, it was easier to have a playbook established. Your staff is more in place. It wasn’t so last minute like last year.”
The year of experience has allowed the coaching staff to expand the playbook this season. The biggest changes have come on the defensive side where under new coordinator Al Ruiz, they’ve experimented with adding elements of the 4-3 into the game plan.
Offensive Overview:
After a brief stint last year, Danny Nankivell is the full-time starter at QB.
Harrison has experience on the offensive line with three returning starters. Center Andrew Negrin might not have the size you look for in a center, but his athleticism and experience help make up for it.
“He’s athletic,” Nankivell said about the three-year starter. “He’s not your typical look for a center. He’s not a real big kid that doesn’t have mobility. He’s really athletic.”
Right guard Cesar Anicama and right tackle Reuben Cuerva also return for the Blue Tide.
Senior fullback Ralphie Rivera gives Harrison a power runner, while junior Luis Aviles provides the speed. Danny Nankivell will be the primary quarterback, but David Passos will also see snaps under center. The versatile Passos will also see action at tight end and wide receiver.
Rahim Douelfakar and Walter Sessoms will also be factors in the passing game.
Defensive Overview:
With his size and speed, Ricky Touzet returns as the Blue Tide's top cornerback.
Coach Nankivell likes the depth he has at linebacker in his 4-4 defense this year with Rivera leading the way in the middle. Aviles, Sessoms and Negrin complete the linebacking crops.
There is also some depth in the secondary with senior Ricky Touzet leading the way.
Senior Ricky Touzet is Harrison’s top corner and has the skills to make an impact for the Blue Tide.
“(Ricky’s) got a good head for the game,” Dave Nankivell said. “He’s got some experience from the past couple of years. He’s very fast and he’s football fast. He has good recovery time. Even when he’s beat, he recovers well. He’s starting to have a better understanding of playing corner and improving in all facets of the game.”
Passos is a returning starter at free safety
Anicama, Cuerva and Albert Gomez will rotate at defensive tackle. Douelfakar and Danny Nankivell will see time at defensive end along with Negrin.
Star Spotlight: David Passos QB/WR/TE/FS
A true "slash" player, David Passos will line up just about anywhere on the field.
On a Harrison team that position flexibility, no one can match the versatility of senior captain David Passos. Whether it’s at quarterback, tight end, or wide receiver, Passos is sure to play a key role whenever the Blue Tide has the ball.
“David can play anywhere for us,” Dave Nankivell said. “David (Passos) plays tight end for us, but he can play our flanker back, he can play tailback, he can play offensive guard if we let him.”
A midseason injury forced Passos to move from receiver to tight end last season. This season he’ll see a good amount of time at both spots, as well as quarterback. With all of these responsibilities, as well as free safety, it might be too much to ask for one player to handle. However, Passos seems unfazed by the challenge.
“It’s not difficult at all,” Passos said about trying to learn all the spots. “When it comes to a small school like this you’ve got to know more than one position. Once you know one or two positions it isn’t that hard to learn more.”