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Classic Issue

18 Vin Ascolese North Bergen’s linebacker, one of the most relentless players in the country, shares his journey.

Features

6 OFFENSIVE GUARD

Par Hill’s Linebackers Andrew Cupo and C.J Joyce talk about their record breaking season By Jeremy Liberman and Chuck Anderson

10 Tight End

Featured PlayerDon Bosco’s Frank Failace proves he can compete at a high level By Chuck Anderson

4 High School Football

PLAYERS IN THE CROWDStandout players around Morris County are recognized for their performances this past season By Chuck Anderson

13 Comeback Team

Parsippany Hills VikingsThe 2011 Team turned their program around.

16 Community

Giving BackWays to give back to your community

31 AWARDS

The Cheerleader What the modern day high school cheerleader means to football. By Chuck Anderson

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 3

On the Cover Design by Arlene Higginson (Legends Art) , Photo by Karl Mattson

ON THE COVER

Publisher: Chuck MoundEditor: Jack Devries

Art Director: Arlene HigginsonReporter: Michael Reden,Chuck Anderson,Jeremy Liberman

Photographer: Karl Mattson, George Leroy Hunter Quality Control: Anthony Corigliano

Sports Information: Will Harrigan, Ed Peters Football Operations: Marty Johnson, Calvin Thompson

Layout & Design: Chuck Mound, Chuck AndersonWeb Master: Chuck Mound

Bigtime Magazine : Issue # 225 : Bigtime Magazine features articles on the top High School, Col-lege and Professional football players. We celebrate and recognize the hard work and commitment both on and off the field. We highlight the personal traits of these Leaders of tomorrow so that they can serve as inspirational role models and mentors to all of our readers that includes over 30,000

youth, high school, college, professional players, teams, coaches, fans and alumni.

Bigtime Media Sports & Entertainment: 1. 888 8CHUCKMOUND www.chuckmound.comEast Coast : Bigtime East: 228 Park Ave S, Suite 22575, New York, NY West Coast : Bigtime West: 8605 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood, California, 90069 Southwest : Bigtime Southwest 538 West 21st St, Houston, TX 77008 Midwest : Bigtime Midwest 1608 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60608 Southeast : Bigtime Southeast 382 NE 191st St, Miami, Florida 33179

College Football NetworkAtlantic Coast Conference: Boston College, Clemson University, Florida State University, Univer-

sity of Maryland, North Carolina State University, Wake Forest University, Virginia Tech, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Miami, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina,

Duke University Big East: University of Cincinnati, University of Connecticut, University of Louisville, University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers University, University of South Florida, Syracuse University, West Virginia

University Big Ten: University of Illinois at Urbana, Indiana University, University of Iowa, University of Michi-

gan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, North-western University, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University,

University of Wisconsin-Madison Big 12: Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, University of Mis-

souri, Baylor University, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas

Conference USA: University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Central Florida, East Carolina University, Marshall University, University of Memphis, University of Southern Mississippi,

University of Houston, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at El Paso, Tulane University, University of Tulsa

FBS Independent: United State Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, University of Notre Dame, Brigham Young University

Mid-American Conference: University of Akron, Bowling Green State University, University at Buffalo, Kent State University, Miami University, Ohio University, Temple University, Ball State University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Norther Illinois University,

University of Toledo, Western Michigan UniversityMountain West: United Air Force Academy, Boise State University, Colorado State University,

University of New Mexico, San Diego State University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Wyoming

Pacific-10 Conference: University of Arizona, Arizona State University, University of California- Berkeley, University of Oregon, Stanford University, University of California- Los Angeles, Univer-

sity of Southern California, University of Washington, Washington State University Southeastern Conference: University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky,

University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University,

University of Mississippi Sun Belt Conference: Arkansas State University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International

University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Middle Ten-nessee State University, University of North Texas, University of South Alabama, Troy University,

Western Kentucky UniversityWestern Athletic Conference: California State University-Fresno, University of Hawaii- Manoa, University of Idaho, Louisiana Tech University, University of Nevada- Reno, New Mexico State

University, San Jose State University, Utah State University

Note to the Reader

The Journey by CHUCK ANDERSON

Far too many times, those that watch high school football only see what the athlete can do on the field. Spectators and onlookers

undermine and fail to recognize what actually got that athlete to where he is today.

Today, people have forgotten the ge-netic makeup of a high school foot-ball player because they are blinded by the bright lights, the large crowds and the constant hype around where players will go after high school.

Behind every football player, there is a story. A story that needs to be told so that readers and listeners can understand their journey and the ob-stacles these players have overcome. It is my sole purpose to tell that story to remind us all that through immea-

For 18-years BigTime Magazine has printed over one million copies of over 300 issues of the magazine that provides you with everything you need to know of the BigTime players, teams and coaches.

CJ Joyce Parsippany Hills Vikings

Joyce, senior running back and linebacker, was the heart and soul of the Vikings. He rushed for 868 yards on 172 carries and six touchdowns. Defensively, he finished the season with an astounding 164 tackles.

Justin GoodwinMadison Dodgers

Goodwin was the most exciting player to watch this past fall as he led Madison to their second consecutive Section 2, Group II State Championship win. The junior running back finished up with 1,789 yards, 34 TDs and 208 points, setting a new school record in points scored in a single season for the Dodgers.

Cody GreenhagenMorris Knolls Golden Eagles

Greenhagen’s instincts and nose for the ball has led him to a 4-year illustrious career for the Golden Eagles. The middle linebacker capped off his senior season recording 75 tackles, including 10 tackles for a loss and one interception for a TD.

Players in the Crowd

Tyler Simms Parsippany Hills Vikings

The Viking’s quarterback had nearly 2,057 yards passing and 26 TDs while throwing12 interceptions. Simms helped Parsippany Hills turn things around as they made it all the way to the Section 2, Group III State Championship game with a final record of 8-4.

Dennis BencskoDelbarton Green Wave

The standout inside linebacker was one of the best in Mor-ris County. Bencsko managed to do it all defensivley. He racked up 104 tackles (23 for a loss), 13 sacks and four interceptions.

1501 Route 46 West Ledgewood, NJ 07852Phone: 973.584.0990Phone: 973.584.1660 Fax: 973.584.6996 Fax: 973.584.4146

E-mail:info@castleprinters.com

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 5

Two Linebackers: One record, One mission

By Jeremy Liberman and Chuck Anderson

Featured Players

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 6

The 5-foot-10, 180 -pound senior, who says he has been playing football since third grade, recognizes a game his team played against Mor-ris Knolls as one of his personal best. Parsippany Hills had a goal line stand to end the game as Cupo finished with 19 total tackles. Cupo also enjoyed a game against Roxbury where both teams played in adverse conditions, as snow continued to come down throughout the game. Cupo finished with 18 tackles in the team’s loss, but was proud of how they handled them-selves in such an unfavor-able environment. As for college plans, Cupo’s top schools include the University of Massachusetts, Drexel, and Seton Hall, where he does not intend to con-tinue his football career. “I want to go out on top,” he said with some laugh-ter. With sole possession of a school record, on top is exactly where he will remain.

For every high school football player individual accomplishments are placed second on the priority list, while playing in a state championship ranks first as the main goal for a player and his team. For Parsippany Hills High School linebacker, Andrew Cupo, both of these once-empty boxes have been checked off. The senior linebacker lead his team to the North II Group III State Champi-onship, while also finishing the season with 166 total tackles, breaking the former school record of 147. Cupo, who attributes his playing style to that of NFL superstar linebacker, Patrick Willis, credits the hard work put forth during the off season as the contribut-ing factor to his team’s success. He also praised Head Coach, Dave Albano, who played a major part in his team’s route to the State Championship. “He knows what to do in any situation,” Cupo proudly stated. “Plus, he’s always there to motivate the team,” he added.

Andrew Cupo Photo by: George Leroy Hunter Photography

who has the tackle?Parsippany Hills Linebackers Cupo & Joyce

7

C.J. Joyce amd Andrew Cupo

BIGTIME MAGAZINE

“I love hitting people, I always have,” Joyce said. “Being a linebacker, you get free range running from sideline to sideline and to me it’s the best posi-tion to play.” Joyce, along with fellow linebacker Andrew Cupo, also had a record breaking season as he helped lead the Vikings to the North II, Group III State Championship game. He finished the season with 164 total tackles, ranking him second in school history with tackles made in a single season behind Cupo.

He credits much of his success to former standout linebacker, Vin Lombardozzi of Parsippany Hills, who previ-ously held the school record for tackles made in a single season with 147. “I remember watching him play. I remember how great of a linebacker he was when they went to the championship,” explained Joyce. “I looked up to him as a linebacker and it was a humbling experience to pass him.” Joyce also gives recog-nition to his defensive linemen as they were able to create tack-ling alleys for him by holding up opposing offensive linemen. Not only does he use his speed to get around defenders, he also uses his understanding and preparation for each game to put himself in better positions to make plays. “Before each play, I always look at the formations. Each week we prepare really hard and I know what is coming before a play even starts,” he added. The modest Viking earned a spot on the Third Team All-Group III and First Team All-Area teams for his perfor-mance this past season. As far as what he has learned over his high school career, Joyce spoke about his personal development and the coaches that got him to where he is today. “They pushed me to get stronger in the weight room and helped me understand how foot-ball operates and it really paid off.”

Parsippany Hill’s C.J Joyce isn’t the fastest or the strongest player on the field, but he sure has a nose for finding the football. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior middle linebacker and running back makes up for what he lacks in size with his relentless ability to track down ball carriers and receivers because of the free range the linebacker position gives him.

CJ Joyce Photo by: George Leroy Hunter Photography

Featured Player

10 BIGTIME MAGAZINE

From the moment that Frank Failace could walk and before he knew anything about football, his father had already begun to take him to watch local youth football games every Saturday. “He just loved watching the games,” said his father, Frank Failace Jr. The hardworking tight end for Don Bosco Preparatory High School first started playing football for the Wayne Boys and Girls Club youth program and Coach Mike Starrs, the same team he watched as a child. There, he quickly rose to prominence as a young quarter-back who displayed promise. After he capped off his eighth grade season winning the NJJFL Cham-pionship and despite local criti-cism, he enrolled into Don Bosco to continue his career as a student and football player. “The coaches in my youth league had a lot of confidence in me,” Failace said. “But a lot of people thought I wouldn’t play at Don Bosco and told me to stay home and go to Wayne Valley High School instead.” Entering into his freshman year, all he wanted to do was prove his doubters wrong. That fall he earned himself a starting position as the quarterback on the junior varsity team and maintained that position throughout his sophomore year. During his sophomore year, he scored his first varsity touchdown in a state playoff game against Red Bank Catholic. What was memorable about that touchdown wasn’t the fact that it was his first touchdown on varsity, but that his father was working security and was standing in the end zone to witness it. “When I ran into the end zone, he was the first person I saw and his hands were in the air, jumping up and down,” explained Failace.

Failace is Don Bosco’s best Secret Weapon

By Chuck Anderson

Everything seemed to be going just as he had planned and his dream of being a starting quar-terback at Don Bosco was slowly becoming a reality. After his sophomore season, Head Coach Toal and the rest of the Don Bosco coaching staff called him into their office to discuss moving him from quarter-back to tight end.

11 BIGTIME MAGAZINE

His whole life he had played quarterback and was use to having the ball in his hands at all times— now his coaches wanted him to play a position that involved mostly run blocking. “The coaches asked me how I felt about playing tight end. At first I didn’t know, but I knew it was an opportunity to play and I told them I will do whatever I have to do to get on the field,” Failace said. Making the transition from quarterback to tight end isn’t an easy one. A quarterback doesn’t have to worry about making a block or catching a pass over the middle. The quarterback is a glorified player where the spotlight is consistently on him. The tight end rarely receives as much praise as the quarterback and can some-times be forgotten about if he is not a standout blocker and receiver.

However, this did not deter him from following his dream to one day start varsity for Don Bosco. Instead, it motivated him; it drove him to work harder in the weight room and become a better student of the game. “He understands his commitment to make the team better and to give us a chance to win,” said Coach Toal. He accepted the challenge that Coach Toal and the rest of the coaching staff set for him and began training six days a week. He spent extra time on the field leading up to his junior year; practicing how to get off the ball, how to block effectively and fine tuning his route running. He said the two hardest things to learn was how to run block and getting separation while running routes. Switching positions takes hard work, but more importantly it takes patience. “I never knew how hard it was to run block, I’d do a lot of run blocking in practice,” he said. “I now have a lot more respect for guys on the line.” All of the hard work paid off for him as he found himself as the starting tight end that fall as a junior. He credits much of his success to his best friends and teammates, defensive end Darius Hamilton and safety/ wide receiver Kyle Sakowski.

“IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE, YOU HAVE TO WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE FOR THAT GOAL.”

- Frank Failace

Frank Failace

BIGTIME MAGAZINE

Day in and day out they have continued to push each other in the weight room and on the field. Failace believes the switch from quarterback to tight end ultimately helped him become more knowl-edgeable about the game. Before each run play, he has to decide what block he is going to make and is also responsible for echoing to the rest of the offensive line where his de-fensive end is aligned so they know how to make their own blocks during that play. “One of the main things I benefitted from changing positions is when I walk up to the line of scrimmage I recognize what coverage opposing teams are in. Whenever I go to the line, I am able to read the defense. So for example, if I am running a short cross-ing route, I know where to sit in the window to get myself open,” he said. His father believes one of the main reasons why his son is in the position he is today is because of his character and how he carries himself. “I always tell him that regardless of how good of a football player you are, the name on the back of your jersey is one of most important things because you will always be Frank Failace for the rest of your life,” stressed his father. He finished his junior season in style by captur-ing a state championship. He recalled the game and

remembered the game winning drive. He mentioned what Coach Toal said to the team and how Toal re-minded them how much hard work he and his team-mates had put in to win a state championship. It was a special moment for him because he personally reflected on everything that he did to not only become a starting tight end, but playing a major role offensively in help-ing Don Bosco win a state championship.

“HE’S BEEN A HECK OF A PLAY-ER FOR US FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. HE REALLY HELPS OUR RUN GAME AND HAS BECOME A GOOD COMPLIMENTARY RECEIVER.” - Coach Toal

His hard work had not gone unnoticed as he was named to the second team All Big North Confer-ence. After his junior season, Failace broke his collar bone and was not able to participate in prac-tices for a full month. “My father told me not to get down and feel sorry for myself. He said things happen for a reason and maybe the reason was for me to slow down a bit and not to take things for granted,” he said. “I realized how much of an appreciation I had for football. It killed me watching my team-mates practice and that I couldn’t be out there with them.” This year, he and his teammates completed another successful season by winning their sixth straight sectional title and second national title in three years with a victory over Bergen Catho-lic. He was also named to First Team All Bergen County, All Big North Conference and All Subur-ban as a tight end. When asked about his starting tight end this year, Coach Toal was very pleased with the way Failace has grown as a player. “He’s been a heck of a player for us for the past two years. He really helps our run game and has become a good complimentary receiver.” Failace’s father preaches that playing the game is one thing, but learning about life through the game is something completely different, “I tell my son that if he can look at himself in the mirror after a practice or game and honestly say he did the best he could do, then that’s all you can ask for.” Above everything, he hasn’t forgotten the reason why he is successful is due to his relentless work ethic and the support of his number one fan, his mother. “If you want to be successful in life, you have to work as hard as possible for that goal,” said Failace. “There is no such thing as instant success; you have to be the best in whatever you do, then you’re successful.” “I am most thankful for the sacrifices made by my family to allow me to follow my dreams. The biggest thank you goes to my mom for all she has done, without her help I never could have done any of this.”

Frank Failace

12

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 14

Matthews, Kuechly and Davis Receive Honorable Butkus Award

The Butkus Award annually recognizes the top linebackers at the professional, collegiate and high school level. The award is pre-sented by National Football and College Football Hall of Fame Legend, Dick Butkus, who is the founder of the Butkus Founda-tion. The foundation focuses on multiple heath and wellness activi-ties including the “I Play Clean” anti- steroid program.

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 15

Luke Kuechly of Boston College had the best season a linebacker could have this past fall. Kuechly, Ohio native, is the recepient of the 2011 Butkus Award for the collegiate level. Not only is he the top ranked linebacker entering the 2012 NFL Draft, he may get drafted as early as the 10th overall pick. He finished his junior season with a remarkable 191 tackles (102 solo) in the 12 games that he played in.

Noor Davis, senior stand-out linebacker at Lessburg High School, has been named to the high school Butkus 2011 award. The 6-foot-4, 233-pound athlete is a three sport athlete while maintaining a 4.3 grade point average. He has com-mitted to Stanford Univer-sity to play outside line-backer. Davis is a versatile athlete who can play almost any position on the field.

Butkus Award

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 16

GIVING BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY!

A lot things that you do as a player would not be possible if it were not for the help and support of your community. Your community plays are large in the equipment that you wear, the field that you play on and the generous amount of support that you get throughout your season.

This offseason, lets show our thanks and appreciation for our communities by giving back. Here are a few ways that you can get involved:

Go to your local youth league and volunteer to coach:

Younger athletes look up to you in everything that you do. By being apart of their athletic career, you may be able to inspire them to continue to work hard. Kids love when older players come to talk to them because it gives them the opportunity to learn and have fun with someone they look up to.

Volunteer to read to the youth:Not only is coaching a great way to get involved, but taking the time to read to younger kids shows that there is more to sports than just being an athlete. By volunteering your time to read, you are showing young kids that being educated is very important.

Write a letter to your elders:If there is one thing that elderly people like to see, it is a young teenager taking the time to say thank you. Without some of your elders who have donated numerous amounts of money to your school, a lot of what you do on a daily basis would not be possible. Some of your elders are the first to lend a helping hand in your schools between gener-ating scholarships to making sure that you have the must up-to-date school supplies. Taking the short time to write a quick thank you letter goes a long way!

Participate in a charity event:

Some of your biggest supporters may not have the ability to watch you play every weekend due to health issues. One of the best ways to show your thanks is by doing something to raise awareness about their illness. There are plenty of chartable walks and fun events that you and your teammates can do around your area. These events can range anywhere from helping raise awareness on breast cancer to autism. Whatever you decide, make sure that you are representing yourself and your teammates in a professional and respectful manner.

Community Service

Robert Griffin III: The Ultimate Football Player

2011 Statistics and honors: Passing

Rushing

Despite tearing his ACL in 2009, Griffin has managed to be considered one of the most talented athletes to ever play college football. His honors include: 2011 Heisman Trophy winner (first player from Baylor to win the Hesiman), 2011 Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, 2011 Davey O’Brien Award winner, 2011 Consensus All-American, 2011 Finalist for Walter Campbell Player of the Year, 2011 Finalist for Manning Award, 2011 Finalist for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, 2011 Finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy and Semifinalist for the Maxwell Award.

Comp. Attempts Yards Pct. TD Int. Rating 267 369 3,998 72.4% 36 6 192.3

Att Yds Avg Lng TD161 644 4.0 49 9

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 17

vinceBigtime Player

This high school captain and all-star, who recently won a state championship, has managed to uphold a decade long promise to his grandfather. for vin ascolese, the sky is the limit.

By Chuck Anderson

ascolese

BIGTIME Magazine 20

Vin Ascolese

s if the Section I, Group IV State Championship game lacked drama— a game winning catch, a team pulling off an upset and a retiring coach going out on top— Vin Ascolese III and his teammates added one more

dramatic chapter to the book, helping a grandson keep a decade long promise to his grandfather. Vin Ascolese III has everything that a coach would want in a linebacker. He has speed, power, size, intelligence and a motor that doesn’t stop. “The model of football is apart of our lives,” said his mother, Susan Ascolese. “The disciplines of football are what we apply to our family and in the household. We all grew up around it, and it is in our veins.”The game of football and every aspect of it runs deep within the roots of the Ascolese family. His grandfather has won eight State Championship titles and every male Ascolese that has preceded him has managed to win a State Championship as well. However, buried underneath all of the excitement of North Bergen’s stud linebacker and the accolades that he has accomplished rested a promise—a guarantee— a pledge that he would win his soon to be retired grandfather and coach one more State Championship.

A

Vin Ascolese: Keeping his Promise

By Chuck Anderson

Ever since he was a child, he has been around football. Mainly because of his grand-father, Vincent Ascolese, who has been coach-ing the game for 50-years. So it comes to no surprise that his grandson would be born to play football. “He started playing when he was very young. He played pop-warner for a township recreation program,” said Coach Ascolese. “Starting at that age, he learned a lot about respect and he has always had a thirst to get better.” Ascolese was immediately intrigued by the physical nature that football had to offer. “The first time I ever hit somebody, it felt real cool, the fact that I could hit some-body and not get in trouble for it is pretty awe-some,” he said. Entering his freshman year of high school, he weighed a mere150-pounds and played linebacker for his grandfather on the varsity team. He was overlooked due to his size, but he played because of his willingness to get bet-ter and the constant motor that he had on the field. After his freshman season, Ascolese began training 6 days a week toprepare for his sophomore season. He gained twenty-five pounds thatoff season while maintaining his speed and agility.“People doubted me because of my size, but I worked my tail off after

BIGTIME Magazine 21

Perhaps Ascolese’s desire to play at such an elite level stems from the constant trips that he and his mother would take to watch college and professional athletes play. His mother has taken him to many different sporting events because she believes that her son should experience what it takes to be great. “I always wanted him to experience greatness; he’s been to the Heisman Trophy Awards, BCS National Championship games and other games to watch great athletes play. I wanted him to understand what greatness is.” By the beginning of his junior year, he started to turn a lot of heads and many people knew that he had something special to offer as a player. He started to make coaches, fans and players into believers and it looked as if the promise he made to his grandfather would be fulfilled.

Vin Ascolese

BIGTIME Magazine22

Ascolese capped off his junior season recording 90 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He was hon-ored as a two-time First Team HCV All-County and Second Team All-Sate player as well. However, there was still something missing, a promise to uphold andState Championship to win. “After they lost his junior year, the next day he took his cleats and told me that he needed to get his teammates and get ready for the upcoming season,” said Ms. Asco-lese. Working hard and always getting better has become his motto off the field as it has been on it. He has become a better student. “I was a little bit of a hot head my first two years, I didn’t take school as serious as I should have,” he said. “I realized after my sophomore year that I had a shot to play some big time ball and I started getting better grades.”

“I realized after my sophomore year that I had a shot to play some big time ball and I started getting better grades.”- Vin Ascolese

Vin Ascolese

Vin AscoleserWas also asolid Fillback for the Bruins

23BIGTIME MAGAZINE

Since his sophomore year, he has stepped it up in the classroom, going from an aver-age student, to receiving all A’s and B’s in every class. He entered his senior season being ranked as not only one of the top players in New Jersey, but one of the best linebackers in the nation. For him, that was one thing, but getting his grandfather his last State Championship was first on his list of priorities. Ascolese and his team-mates finished a dramatic 8-4 season this year by not just win-ning a State Championship, but doing it in a dramatic Hollywood fashion. North Bergen upset Mont-clair with a last minute, game winning touchdown pass to edge out Montclair 14-13.

As for Ascolese, he kept his promise to his coach and grandfather. “He said it every week since he was little and he always believed it,” said his mother. “He’s a man of few words, I never doubt his judgment. When-ever he says he is going to do something, he does it.” The 6-foot-2 1/2 , 220-pound Ascolese capped off a remarkable senior season recording 137 tackles, 57 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions. Offensively, he averaged roughly 11-yards per carry for 600-yards and three touchdowns. He is a High School All-American and is the first football player to accomplish this feat coming out of North Bergen High School. He has also made numerous teams for his performance this fall that include:1st Team All-State Star Led-ger, Star Ledger North New Jersey Player of the Year, 1st Team Defense Tri-State, 1st Team All-State Bergen Record, 1st Team All-County, 1st Team All-Conference, Hudson Country Defensive Play of the Year, Hudson County Player of the Year and the Mini Maxwell High School Player of the Year which acknowledges an ath-lete’s character, as well as his academic and athletic performance.

Vin Ascolese

“The disciplines of football are what we apply to our family and in the household. We all grew up around it, and it is in our veins.”- Susan Ascolese

BIGTIME MAGAZINE24

Aside from his honors, his grandfather talked a lot about his character and the way he handles himself day in and day out. He spoke about his grandson’s unselfish manner and how he is always willing to do what is right for the team, even if that means sharing plays between his teammates. After everything that he has been through, he continues to give thanks to his biggest fans, his own fam-ily members. “I have the most supportive family that anyone could have,” he said. “They are always behind me. Whenever you go to the games, there are about 17 people from my family screaming my name.” With being a student-athlete, he still finds time for his family. “Sometimes Vin will come over and has dinner with us. His grandmother always tells him if he sets the table and cleans it, he is always welcome to eat at our house,” said his grandfather. When asked what he is most proud of, Ascolese did not talk about football or academics; he spoke about always being there for his family. “It’s about how much I care about my family and how much time that I put in for them.”

His mother added that she was more proud of the fact of what her son has become, “This year he was a captain and became a leader. Since he was a little kid he always told his Papa he would win him a State Cham-pionship. I’m so proud that he kept his word and I’m proud he worked so hard for that.” Just as a testament to his character. When asked where he wanted his pep rally to be held for being hon-ored as an All-American, he didn’t ask for a gymnasium with hundreds of students in it. Unpredictably, he asked for it to be held in his Superintendent’s office; the same Superintendent who has pushed him and mentored him academically throughout his high school career.

Vin Ascolese

Coach Ascolese and Vin at Junior Rank All American Bowl

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Linebacker 101:

What do linebackers do?

Typically, linebackers are positioned no more than 4-5 yards from the line of scrimmage. They are meant to stop the run and short passes, hence the reason why they are placed behind the defensive linemen and in front of the defensive backs.

What is the correct stance for a linebacker?

The stance for a linebacker is very important because it allows him to read plays while staying low and main-taining his athletic position. His feet should be slightly wider than his shoulders with his weight on the balls of his feet. His toes should be pointed straight ahead. His knees should be bent and his back should be straight. His head should be up analyzing the offensive line and the backs in the offensive backfield.

Who can play the linebacker position?

The linebacker position is a very demanding position physically and mentally. In order to be productive at the linebacker position, you must play with a relentless attitude for pursuing the football. Linebackers have to be strong enough to fight off blockers and make tackles. They also must possess a great deal of speed and agility to track down ball carriers and receivers. Most of all, they must be smart enough to read plays on the fly.

What are a few things that I can do to become a better linebacker?

1) Practice using your hands to shed off blockers:

LINEBACKER FUNDAMENTALSThe linebacker position illustrates every aspect of the game today. A linebacker must be equipped with it all: speed, strength, agility, power and knowledge. The linebacker has been referred to as the quarterback of the defense because he must be able recognize and make adjustments to multiple offensive formations, shifts and motions. Most importantly, he is the leader of the defense and the other 10 players on the field look to him to direct them where to line up so they can prevent the offense from scoring.

A linebackers should always be able to use his hands to his advantage. Using the two-man sled, practice shooting your hands, extending your arms at the mid-dle of the bag while stepping with your dominant foot. Remember to maintain a low athletic stance with your head up. Reset yourself and repeat drill for 10 reps.

2) Practice reading the pad level of the offensive linemen:

The easiest way to read whether the offense is passing or running the ball is to key in on the pad level of the offensive linemen. If an offensive lineman’s pad level stays low, it is likely a run. If his pad level is high, it is likely a pass. With a teammate, practice this by hav-ing him mimic the pad level of an offensive lineman. Standing five yards away from your teammate, in an athletic linebacker position, have him either attempt to run block you while keeping his pad level low or pass block you by raising his pad level and kick slid-ing backwards. If you read run, attack him using your hands and fight off his block. If you read pass, drop back on a 45 degree angle to roughly 5-7 yards, settle with your shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage. 3) Practice your footwork:

Linebackers always read run first and need great feet to read and react to any play. Starting in your line-backer position take a 45 degree ‘read’ step with your dominant foot forward, keeping your toes straight and shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage. Your step should be no more than six inches. Follow with your other foot to reset to simulate the downhill steps a linebacker should take when reading run. Repeat this motion for ten steps.

The Breakdown:

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CAN YOU NAME THIS SCARLET KNIGHT?

Above: Carli Grande, senior cheerleader for the Hanover Park Hornets.

The Cheerleader

Intergrated with the game of football and commonly eclipsed by the loud crowd, screaming coaches and the dramatic atmosphere, there stands the cheerleading squad. The commitment of a cheer-leader has not changed since cheerleading began nearly 100 years ago. “Yell leader”, Jack “Johnny” Campbell, of the University of Minnesota, led a screaming crowd of fans to organized cheers in 1898. With the help of Campbell and other “yellers”, they were able to motivate the crowd and the University of Minnesota’s football team as they defeated Northwestern University 17-6, giving birth to cheerleading.

During the 1920’s females began participating in cheerleading, and it was not until the 1940’s that the sport of cheerlead-ing became dominated by women all togeth-er. Today, more than 90% of all high school cheerleaders are female. The time and work that a cheerleader puts in to perform at her best is very de-manding. Similar to football, cheerleaders must work together as a group to achieve a common goal. They must also be willing to sacrifice not only hours for practice, but hours to decorate for pep rallies, football games, attend and organize fundraising events and prepare for competitions and performances. More than 83% of cheerleaders have a ‘B’ average or higher, making them ideal role models for younger girls to look up to. Many cheerleading squads have a code of conduct that addresses a cheerleader’s personal behavior, their responsibilities as a student-athlete and the way they present themselves to assure that they are represent-ing their school in a professional manner. Rather, what makes the role of a cheerleader special is her promise to always be there. Regardless of the weather or time of day, she is there with her illuminating smile and roar-ing voice, yelling chants to inspire both the home crowd and the players on the field. The cheerleader knows that her role is an important role that does not go unap-preciated. Due to her pledge, she too has given up countless hours of her free time to work for a better cause within her commu-nity. One of the most noticeable aspects of any football game is the excitement and in-volvement of the fans in the stands. Through the enthusiasm of the cheerleading squad, they are able to generate excitement that in turn creates a positive and energetic environ-ment. Remember, there is more to a cheer-leader than just her pom poms and her team color uniform. She is the “twelfth” man, an unselfish individual who will always be there to support her team and devote her time to better her town and the people in it.

BIGTIME MAGAZINE 31

The Unselfish Role of a Cheerleader By Chuck Anderson

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PLAY WITH THE CONFIDENCE THAT ONLY COMES WITH THE RIGHT PREPARATION.

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