The Bergenfield football team knows it needs to deliver a solid start to its season after being derailed by sluggish starts each of the past three years.
Last year’s Bears lost five of their first six games on the way to to a 3-7 record, and missed out on an NJSIAA sectional playoff bid.
“We have to get off to a better start this year – we have to,” said coach Rob Violante, in his 14th season leading the program. "Every year, it’s the same thing. We’re chasing 0-3, and then the next thing you know, you have to win your last three games to make the playoffs.”
Bergenfield is trying to combat those slow Septembers with July practices that start early and fast. The Bears kick off workouts early in the morning and spend more time on actual practice.
“We’re doing more football stuff than we’ve ever done, not just weight room, and running, and trying to get in shape,” Violante said. “We’re practicing more so we’ll be ready to get off to a better start. We’re losing close games early in the year, every year, that we need to find a way to win.”
It’s working. The Bears, who again have a summer roster of 35 to 40 players in grades 10 through 12, are enjoying a better turnout. Morning workouts are reducing the number of players who are missing time due to other sports that practice or play later in the day.
“We’re not getting beat by the heat and we’re able to get a lot done,” said Violante, whose program also has 20 freshmen. “I think it’s gone very well, and the numbers have been very good.”
The tradition
The NJSIAA introduced sectional playoffs in 1974 and Bergenfield started fast, winning five titles in 13 years. The Bears won North 1, Group 4 in 1974 and 1976, and won North 1, Group 3 in 1982, 1986 and 1987.
In the eight seasons prior to Violante becoming coach, the Bears went a combined 17-63. Bergenfield returned to a level of respectability under Violante, who is 59-66 in his first 13 seasons.
The challenge
Bergenfield remains young and inexperienced despite returning half its starters. How quickly can these Bears develop?
Senior Josh Hur, who last year started at safety, is the new quarterback in the multiple spread attack.
“He is not a runner, he is a thrower,” said Violante, whose program traditionally features a running quarterback such as last year’s signal caller, recent graduate Gabe Perez.
“We have a lot of guys back who started one way and played a lot last year,” Violante said. “But it still feels like we’re pretty young, because a lot of what we did last year was focused and predicated around Gabe Perez.”
Hur will be surrounded by a solid set of skill players, including senior running back Nasir Evans and junior athlete Xander Velez. Seniors Matt Mendez and Wladimir Chaves start on the offensive line.
Expectations
Bergenfield will need its 4-2-5 defense to improve. In five losses, the Bears allowed 27 or more points and permitted 27.7 points per game.
It starts with the line, which will be manned by Mendez, Chaves and junior Frank Perricone. Add in 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior Julio Rosa, as well as senior twins Jonathan and Jaiden Joseph, who are expected to contribute on both lines.
“It’s still a young team, but it’s a hard-working team,” Violante said. “There’s no ego. It’s a good group of kids, and we’re getting a lot done.”
Schedule
Sept 6: at Paramus
Sept. 13: at Old Tappan
Sept. 20: vs. Dumont
Sept. 27: at Pascack Valley
Oct. 5: vs. River Dell
Oct. 10: vs. Millburn
Oct. 18: at Eastside
Oct. 26: vs. Teaneck
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