Barletta Will Reunite With Bottone for 34th Annual North-South Classic

After a standout career for New Providence Varsity Football, Dave Barletta is relishing the opportunity to play one final game at the high school level in the 34th annual North-South All-Star Classic today.

This will afford him the opportunity to play under legendary New Providence football coach Frank Bottone, who retired after the , one last time.

Although Bottone will only serve as an honorary coach for the North team, responsible for "organizing, making sure guys are in the right spot at the right time and making a few decisions here and there," he is looking forward to being on the sideline with some familiar faces. 

On staff with Frank will be nephew Pat Bottone, who currently serves as an assistant coach with the New Providence football team. Pat will be responsible for coaching the defensive linemen on the team.

Bottone has a impressive resume, with 334 career wins in his 49 years, 46 at New Providence. As the fourth winningest coach in state history, Bottone compiled 15 conference championships and eight state crowns on the way to becoming one of the most respected figures in New Jersey high school athletics.

Bottone knows the game is an excellent opportunity for the players to prepare themselves for the challenges that come with being a collegiate student-athlete. All of the game's athletes will stay at the Kean University dormitories.

"It really helps them transition to the next level," Bottone said when discussing the four-day camp. "It's the experience of living in a dorm, working with strangers and being together with them for four days."

The legendary head coach is looking forward to coaching Barletta one final time. , contributing on both sides of the ball.

Barletta will play linebacker in the all-star game, . He knows that there is plenty to take away from the North-South game that will be help him adjust to life at the next level.

"It's a great way to prepare for that huge step up," said Barletta. "At the next level they will tell you what they expect of you and you have to go out and get it done."

The 6'5'' 205 pound Barletta also knows that the speed and intensity of the game will change significantly the first time he puts on the pads for Fordham. But for now, Barletta is looking forward to playing one last high school game with some of the state's best.

Just like he and his teammates did in December of 2010, Barletta is hoping he can help send Coach Bottone home victorious. 

"It was great to send him out with a win to end his career," said Barletta, reflecting on the state sectional championship. "Hopefully we can get him an all-star win too."