Talented Dobbs Football Star Signs With Manhattan College for Lax

For senior Darien Bica, these are heady times indeed.

That’s because not only was he an integral part of Dobbs Ferry’s recent state title run in football as an inside linebacker and a right guard, he also signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Manhattan College next year.

Bica chose Manhattan over Ithaca and CW Post.

“All three of the schools had a lot to offer me in all different aspects but in the end I chose Manhattan because it was the best fit for me both academically and athletically,” Bica said.

He said that his biggest goal playing at Manhattan is to win the MAAC conference and help bring a championship to the college’s trophy case.

Academically, Bica said that he plans on majoring in physical education while studying at Manhattan.

“Sports have always been a big part of my life and I have always liked working with kids so becoming a physical education teacher would be the best job for me,” Bica said.

While Bica, who is a long-stick middie in lacrosse, is looking forward to going to Manhattan, there will be a lot of people that he will miss at Dobbs Ferry. One of them is John Yozzo-Scapperrotta, a standout athlete himself who is a teammate of Bica’s and is going to play lacrosse at Brown.

“Johnny Scap has been my best friend since we were little kids,” Bica said. “Growing up we played football, basketball and baseball together until we both converted over to lacrosse in eighth grade. Me and Johnny are constantly pushing each other in lacrosse and it really helps us develop our skills.”

Bica explained how they go about that.

 “When at practice we try to match up with each other as much as possible and in the off-season we go down to our school turf and do a lot of one on ones, giving each other the best look we can,” Bica said. "The competitiveness we have when going against each other is a big factor to how we actually play come game time.”

Speaking of games, there was no game bigger than Dobbs Ferry’s 39-0 victory against Jamestown Southwestern in the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on Nov. 27 in the Class C state title football game.

“Ever since I started Pop Warner football in the third grade I have seen the success of the football team and it has always been a dream of mine to be in their shoes,” Bica said. "This year that dream was finally able to come true. The feeling you get when you finally reach a goal you have worked your whole life for is just unbelievable and I wouldn't trade my state championship for anything.”

While ecstatic that he is playing lacrosse in college, Bica admits that he will miss everything that comes along with playing football.

 “I have to say football is different than any other sport I have played in my life,” Bica said. “The amount emotion and heart that it is played with just makes it a truly amazing game.”

Bica said that the thing he will miss the most about football is the indescribable feeling one gets right before they step on the field each game.

“Playing football and Dobbs Ferry football in particular will always be special to me,” Bica said. “I also just want to wish all future Dobbs Ferry football teams the best of luck. Keep the tradition alive!”

As for his last season playing lacrosse for the Eagles, he has goals he would like to see the team accomplish.

 “This being my last season of lacrosse at Dobbs I really don't have any personnel goals for myself,” Bica said. “It’s all about the team and while it is going to be a really tough goal for an only two-year varsity program I hope to win a section championship in lacrosse this upcoming season.”

Which other standout Rivertowns athletes should we profile?  Tell us in the comments or email elizabeth@patch.com.