Bergen Catholic rolls past Paramus Catholic on “Jack McGovern Field” Day
On Saturday fall afternoon featuring cool temperatures along with golden sunshine and deep blue skies marked just not a football game, the 2020 regular season home opener for the Bergen Catholic Crusaders against Paramus Catholic but with the unveiling of the field being re-named “Jack McGovern Field” aka “The Jack” in honor of the late athletic Jack McGovern who passed away in October of 2019.
With McGovern’s family, former teammates and coaches in attendance, there were several emotional speeches including Bergen Catholic High School President Dr. Brian S. Mahoney, former Crusaders varsity football head coach and former athletic director at St. Joseph Regional High School (Montvale, NJ) Tony Karcich, Bergen Catholic varsity boys basketball head coach Billy Armstrong, McGovern’s son Brendan who is the Crusaders Associate Director of Athletics and wife Ann.
Bergen Catholic varsity football coach head coach Vito Campanile on the impact McGovern had on him and Bergen Catholic, “I had never really considered a boss but more of a mentor and somebody that you could lean on.” “The fact that he is such a football person and he could really relate to something that you go through as a player and coach is a special situation.” My wife Kristen and I were talking this morning about the crazy emotional balance. He gave me an opportunity to write probably the best opportunity in my life and forever indebted to him.”
“I just think of his values and what his family meant to him and what the school meant to him was everything and that’s with Bergen Catholic.” “To hear those guys talk about him and honoring him was really personally important to me.”
Junior quarterback Steve Angeli on Jack McGovern, “First and foremost Jack McGovern was a great man and athletic director at Bergen Catholic.” “His family plays a big role now and back then and everything was Bergen Catholic sports in the community.” Coach McGovern was one of the best coaches I have been around. I think it was a such a special moment for our team, coaching staff and our community.”
Once the pre-game ceremonies concluded there was a football game to be played against a rival foe in the Paramus Catholic. A Paladins squad that had struggled in the first two games of the season, getting outscored 82-33. Despite the Crusaders first offense drive ending on a interception thrown by Angeli into the end zone, Bergen Catholic caught a break with a high snap on a Paramus Catholic punt attempt as the ball rolled into the end zone for a safety with five minute remaining in the first quarter.
On the Crusaders ensuing offensive series, Angeli orchestrated an eight-play 70-yard drive that chewed up four minutes of the clock. Facing a second and goal from the eight-yard line, Angeli scrambled out of the pocket and eluded several defenders as he crossed into the right corner of the end zone.
“We had a little play action pass called to the left, faked it and saw the right side open up and got out of the pocket,” said Steve Angeli. “The offensive line did a great job of blocking and getting me into the end zone.”
The second quarter belonged to junior running back Ryan Butler. With six minutes left, Butler plowed through for a 15-yard score stretching the Bergen Catholic advantage to 16-0. On the ensuing Paramus Catholic offensive series, senior safety Davien Vernon picked off a pass from quarterback Kai Colon at the Paladins 20-yard line. Three plays later Butler scored on another 15-yard run with four and half minutes to go.
With 1:33 left in the quarter, the Crusaders had the ball at their own 35-yard line. Instead of running out the clock, the offense swiftly moved the ball into Paramus Catholic territory as Angeli completed a 25-yard pass to Butler. Angeli followed that up with a 17-yard completion to senior wide receiver Steven Marada. Butler plowed ahead for 12-yard run. With eight seconds remaining on the clock, no timeouts and a third and goal at one-yard line presented no problem at all with Butler capping a stellar day with 108 yards taking a handoff from Angeli and driving straight ahead untouched for the score with five seconds remaining.
Vito Campanile on Crusaders start to the game and Ryan Butler running the ball. “The thing I’m most proud about is how we played hard.” “We really wanted to get ahead of them and almost use the football psychology of the we’re going to grind it out.” We played with great toughness in all three aspects of the game today.”
“Ryan Butler is a great football player, incredibly competitive and a tough guy to bring down no doubt.” “Ryan is a hammer of a back, he is every bit of 208 pounds and very versatile.” “He is a great receiver, we can line in up as a flanker in the slot and does a lot of good things.” On top of being a second-ranked in his junior class academically.”
Finishing off an impressive day through the air by completing 10 of 13 passes for 212 yards and distributing the ball to nine players, Angeli completed a pass to junior wide receiver Jayden Bellamy who ended up breaking free and down the sidelines before cutting back into the middle of the field for an 84-yard touchdown that began a running clock in the second half as the Crusaders won convincingly 37-0. On the ground, Bergen Catholic proved to be a juggernaut, compiling over 250 yards. Defensively the Crusaders won that battle in the trenches limiting Paramus Catholic to a grand total of 82 yards.
“First and foremost the offensive line did a great job, wide receivers blocked well and Ryan (Butler) ran the ball hard on the perimeter and caught the ball well also,” Steve Angeli described. “I think start to finish we played a complete game on both sides, our second and third string players getting in and put forth a good effort.” It just shows our teamwork, chemistry and our culture and to be coached by such great coaches.”
“I trust every one of my guys whether running backs, receivers or tight ends and wherever they are catching the ball and making plays for me.” “To be able to trust them to make great catches and they are my best friends and brothers. Having Jayden Bellamy on my team makes my job easy, a super fast kid and great player overall.”
Two years away from graduating from Bergen Catholic, Angeli is receiving multiple offers from major Division I colleges and universities. However, Angeli is trying to keep things in perspective. “My focus is on this season at Bergen Catholic but I still try to talk to all the coaches at these programs.” “It’s a little bit harder to build these relationships over the phone.” All the hard work I’ve done through out playing football over the course of my life. Now being able to get a college education for free on scholarship is a dream come true for me and my family. I’m blessed with the opportunity to play football at the Division I level.”
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