Article by Chuck Anderson
Scouting Report:For the past few seasons, The Delbarton Green Wave and head coach Brian Bowers have stuck to their unique motto, “win this play”.
“This offseason, I really stressed what it means to win this play,” says Bowers. “We have the win the play right in front of us and we need to the things that are right in front of us to have a successful season.”
Offense :Offensively, the Green Wave will stick to what has given them much success in the past. They will feature a Pro-I style offense and will look to dominate in the run game .Carrying the ball will be returning senior running back, Jamie White. White had another stand out season last year as a junior as he averaged nearly 150 yards rushing. White is one of Morris County’s best running back and Delbarton will look to him to be leader for their offensive unit. “He’s played very good for us. Last season he had about 1,600 yards rushing. He’s dynamic and is an explosive kid,” Bower says.Starting at quarterback will be Michael Bicknese. This will be his first year under center as the starter, but Bower believes that Bicknese has the knowledge to run their offense and the athletic ability to have a great season. Will Reynolds, senior tight end, will look be a force for the Green Wave as well. Reynolds is an athletic tight end that has the ability to not only block opposing defensive linemen, but can really be threat in the passing game as well.
Defense: Delbarton will lean on Niyi Odewade. Odewade is one of the best defensive linemen in the county. “Niyi should have a beast season this year,” says Bowers. “He’s a big, strong guy and he knows how to use his hands to defeat blocks.”
Helping Niyi out at the linebacker position will be Reynolds. Bowers believes that Reynolds can be one of the best linebackers in the county.
Adding to the defense will be newcomer, Joel Johnson. Johnson will be featured at the outside linebacker position and the Green Wave will look to him to step up and play some big time football for them. Bowers, who will be entering into his tenth season as the head coach for Delbarton, believes that he has a special group of guys that are willing to win in 2012. “Last year, we had a great year. We went all the way to the state championship game and lost. This year, we have been working to get better so that we are better prepared,” Says Bowers. When asked about his team and what he expects out of them, Bowers did not talk about winning or losing games, he simply spoke about his team’s character.
“We play in the NJAC conference, a very tough conference and we are going to be tested each week. I believe that if we stick to our motto and win each play, we can compete with anyone.”
Prediction: 8-1
