After disappointing 5-5 season, Ascolese’s team undefeated once again
The idea was unthinkable, unimaginable a year ago. North Bergen, the rich football program with umpteen state playoff appearances, umpteen county titles and six state championships to its credit, finished the 1999 season with a 5-5 record and four straight defeats.
Needless to say, it was not a situation that the state’s second all-time winningest high school coach, namely Vince Ascolese, was accustomed to being in. In fact, it was the first time that an Ascolese-coached team failed to crack the .500 plateau in some 30 years.
Football can be a redeeming sport, and redemption is shining upon Hudson County’s coaching legend these days. That’s because Ascolese’s Bruins hit the bye week this weekend with a perfect 4-0 mark, after knocking off Dickinson 30-25 last weekend at Bruins Stadium.
The Bruins captured the victory thanks to the heroics of running back David Castro, who scored the winning touchdown on a three-yard run with less than four minutes remaining in the game.
Needless to say, Ascolese has to be somewhat surprised that his team is undefeated, considering where they were a year ago.
"I’m a little surprised, because we’re playing so many young kids, five sophomores, on defense," said Ascolese, who now has 282 career coaching victories, well on the course to becoming only the second New Jersey coach ever to collect 300 wins. "And we’ve beat some good football teams by showing a lot of character, coming back in the fourth quarter. I think we have a group that works very hard and the proof comes with the four wins," Ascolese said. "Their work ethic is excellent. Because of their work ethic, it’s hard for them to surrender and that’s why we’ve been able to win the close games."
Ascolese said that it’s been a little difficult to temper the team’s enthusiasm, especially with a week off.
"We’re not laying back," Ascolese said. "We may have the week off, but the kids are still banging each other. I had two kids get hurt in practice the other day. They just want to keep working hard. I think there are a lot of kids who are hungry, because of what happened last year."
Another reason why the Bruins have been so successful thusfar is the incredible offensive balance. Traditionally, the Bruins have had one back that has dominated the carries and the yardage, like Mike Novembre, who is currently at American International College in Massachusetts, or Czar Wiley, who is playing at the University of New Hampshire.
But this year, Ascolese has been able to call upon the services of three talented running backs, namely Castro, Joe Petriello and Eric Macias. Not one of the three stands out above the other and they all compliment each other very well.
"One kid is shifty and quick (Castro) and the other is strong and quick (Petriello)," Ascolese said. "Macias is a good fullback who gets the tough yards."
Case in point. Macias had 92 yards rushing against Dickinson, with Petriello gaining 61 yards and scoring two touchdowns and Castro had 53 yards and a score. Add talented quarterback Gusto Rosario into the mix and the Bruins are definitely well balanced in the backfield. Rosario scored two touchdowns on long runs against Dickinson.
"I don’t think we’ve ever had true balance like this," Ascolese said. "It really means a lot."
Ascolese is very impressed with the way this team has been conducting business, especially along the line. Brothers Kenny and Dennis Veras have been solid at guard, while 5-5, 200-pound center Rob Carrujo has been a workhorse in opening holes.
"They’ve really been behind the scenes, but they’ve done a nice job for us," Ascolese said. "People don’t realize that they’re there, but we know they’re doing the job."
Needless to say, Ascolese has been somewhat rejuvenated by his team’s performance.
"It’s been very enjoyable," Ascolese said. "When you consider that we’re still young, it’s been a nice surprise. We still have a way to go, but we’re going to prove that we’re a good football team."
Ascolese has to be pleased to be able to say that once again.