Football

August 25, 2010

Eyes on the prize

Anthony Calabrese, North Bergen

Senior Anthony Calabrese is expected to start at running back and inside linebacker.

Click Here for more photos from North Bergen's football practice.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

NORTH BERGEN –A year ago North Bergen was playing with a chip on its shoulder, looking to prove that 2008’s disastrous 3-7 campaign was a blip on the radar for a team which had made the playoffs the previous 21 seasons. With five wins and a trip to the North I, Group IV playoffs the Bruins were able to avenge that earlier disappointment.

While North Bergen’s return to the playoffs was short lived thanks to a 42-7 first round loss to eventual champs Roxbury, the experience made it clear to the Bruins what needed to be done for 2010.

“You realize that you got there, but you weren’t good enough to beat them,” head coach Vin Ascolese said. “So you say let’s take the next step. That’s what’s important, taking the next step.”

In addition to having that taste of playoff football, North Bergen has a talented group of returning starters highlighted by a pair of HCV All-County First Team selections in senior QB/S Peter Ramanand and junior RB/LB Vinnie Ascolese.

Offensive Overview:

Mike Mentor, North Bergen

TE Mike Mentor returns after missing nearly two years due to knee injuries

North Bergen will have plenty of options when they run the ball as they enter 2010 with a quartet of options at running back. With senior Chris Adorno, juniors Anthony Calabrese and Ascolese, sophomore Debray Tavarez and fullback Luis Obregon, the Bruins have one of their deepest backfields in recent years.

“Adorno has quickness,” the elder Ascolese said. “Calabrese has good vision. Vinnie has strength and speed.”

The most dangerous runner of them all though might be Ramanand, who rushed for 1,032 yards last season at quarterback. Ramanand can also beat you with his arm.

Justin Glennon and Chris Vann are returning starters at wide receiver with Adorno also likely to see time there. Senior Mike Mentor starts at tight end after having the previous two seasons destroyed by injury.

One place the Bruins are short on experience at is on the offensive line. Tackle Alain Forbin, the only returning starter in the group, missed all but two games due to injury.

Defensive Overview:

Vinnie Ascolese, North Bergen

Linebacker Vinnie Ascolese was a HCV All-County selection at safety a year ago.

The strength of the Bruins’ defense lies at linebacker, an experienced and athletic group. Calabrese and Obregon, a three-year starter, are the starters inside. Anthony Navarro and Ascolese are on the outside. The younger Ascolese had five sacks and two interceptions a year ago and his past experience at cornerback and safety make him the team’s most versatile defender.

“It’s going to help him a lot,” Ascolese said about his grandson. “We moved him (around) a lot. We blitzed him, we lined him up all over.”

Adorno and junior Denzel Letish will start at the corners with Vann, a three-year starter, is at safety. Tavarez and Ramanand will also see action in the secondary.

Mentor and Wayne Estrella, a three-year starter, will be the defensive ends with Glennon and Schipkowski lining up at tackle.

Star Spotlight: Peter Ramanand, QB/S

Peter Ramanand, North Bergen

Peter Ramanand enters his third season as the Bruins' starting quarterback.

When North Bergen head coach Vin Ascolese transformed his offense from the Wing-T to a shotgun and option-based attack, the mission was clear: create more opportunities for QB Peter Ramanand to make plays.

“That opened (things) up a lot more for me,” Ramanand said. “I have way more space (on the field) to work with.”

The change paid immediate dividends for Ramanand and the Bruins as he finished last season with 1,032 yards and nine touchdowns rushing to go with 857 passing yards and 11 touchdowns.

The best may still be yet to come for Ramanand, a three-year starter, who has received interest from Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Temple and Buffalo thus far. He has added 15 pounds to his 6-foot frame and the offseason work will make him an even bigger threat with his legs this season.

“I really worked on getting stronger,” Ramanand said. “I really hit the weight room hard this year so I can run over everybody and get more yardage after contact.”