Bengals Eager to Make the Jump to Perennial Power

When Barnegat Bengals head football coach Rob Davis started building his program in the summer of 2004, he had quite a few goals in mind. Seven years later, they seem to be on the cusp of establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the Shore Conference, year in and year out.

"When we started this program, one of our top goals was to make it competitive," said Davis, "So far, I think we have done a good job of that."

Despite dealing with one of the most grueling schedules in the Shore, the Group II school has reached numerous heights recently.

“We have made the playoffs twice now, and were one game away from the title a couple of years ago. We have been really excited with what has been taking place here,” said Davis. “We do take pride in having one of the toughest schedules around.”

Barnegat has also managed to send many players to the college ranks as graduated quarterback Nick SanGiacomo and wide receiver Mike DeTroia will be playing ball at Tulane and New Hampshire, respectively.

One current senior, and key cog to the success of the Bengals in 2011, is tight end Ryan Morris. Morris has already committed to play football at Purdue University next year.

Senior quarterback Mark McCoy will be directing the spread pistol offense and will have a variety of options to work with. Morris, along with junior Pat Moran, should be the quarterback's top targets, while David Smithman will be the Bengals top threat on the ground.

Top linemen Nick Anderson and Vinny Calderon will be leaned on to open holes for Smithman and the ground game and also keep McCoy out of harm’s way when he drops back to pass.

Senior and three-year starter at middle linebacker, Matt Schofield, will be called upon to anchor the 4-3 multiple look defense. Lineman Billy Caffyn and defensive back Jimmy Nacion also will be key contributors on the defensive side of the ball.

“In the past, it has always been our offense that has carried us,” said Davis, “This year, I think our defense is definitely a strength, I’m pretty pumped up to see how things turn out.”

Davis, like many other coaches, is a firm believer in team unity.

“We have been working hard all off-season, doing as many team oriented activities as possible,” said the head coach, “It makes the x’s and o’s the easy part when the team is this close.”

“Our goal is to contend for a title and make the playoffs,” said Davis. “As far as I’m concerned, looking back at 2004, I’d say this is exactly where we would want to be.”