Camp files: Bronxville

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BRONXVILLE BRONCOS
Coach: Jeff Napolitano (seventh season)
Conference: Section 1 Class C
2011 record: 8-1, lost in Section 1 final to Dobbs Ferry

Five observations from camp:
1. Bitter taste. It didn’t take too long into a conversation with any of the Bronxville players and coaches for the words “Dobbs Ferry” to get mentioned. The Broncos were admittedly “humbled,” as senior Petey Dejoy said. It’s probably not accurate to say Bronxville is looking for revenge. But they’re definitely aiming to even the score against the program that ended their two-year reign as sectional champs with a 38-14 defeat in the title game.

2. Receiver depth. The Broncos have two terrific pass-catchers in Luke Marrone and Matt Tormey. The senior duo are captains this season and will enable the Broncos to put the ball in the air with confidence this fall. Marrone is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and Tormey is 6-4, 190. According to coach Jeff Napolitano, they each have “20 or 25 colleges recruiting them at all levels.”

3. Another QB battle. It seems so many contending teams not only have new quarterbacks, but entered training camp with no clue who was going to take the opening snaps of the season. Count Bronxville in that mix. Senior Mike Dresdale and junior Will Duncan are vying for the spot. Both are gifted athletes who bring different skills to the table. Don’t be shocked if they each see time throughout the year.

4. Replacing the Conways. Gone are Jackson and Christian Conway, the twin brother RB/LB tandem who were two of the most accomplished and hardest working kids to ever come through the program. Bronxville was dealt a tough blow at camp on Friday when Jack and Henry Grass, who are standout Division 1-bound lacrosse players, opted not to play football this fall. Both were expected to be two-way players with Jack slated to start at running back. Napolitano said the team should be able to overcome it. Warren Kraemer has worked hard in the offseason and could be a breakout candidate.

5. New era on line. Gone are the days where Bronxville boasted the biggest line in Section 1, overwhelming the conference and marching to the Carrier Dome. But don’t underestimate this unit, Petey Dejoy leads a smart, fundamentally-sound group that has put serious time in the weight room. There are still positions available. Don’t be surprised if some first-year players up from JV win a few of the jobs.

Players to Watch: Matt Tormey, Sr., WR/DB; Luke Marrone, Sr., WR/DB; Petey Dejoy, Sr., C/LB

Names to Learn: Will Duncan, Jr., RB/DB; Warren Kraemer, Sr., RB/DB; Mike Dresdale, Sr., QB/DB; Declan Borcich, Jr., G/DE.

Season outlook: For the first time in well over a decade, there’s no clear-cut favorite to win the Section 1 title in Class C.

So long Dobbs Ferry ruled the conference, followed by a dominant run by Bronxville. This year, you could make a case for both of those schools, Woodlands or even Pawling in what should be a wide-open conference.

The one thing Bronxville has going for it is a core of players who’ve been through the highest of highs — winning a state title in 2010 — and then a very low point, which was losing handily to Dobbs Ferry in last year’s final.

“It was not a good feeling,” said Tormey, who had a stellar first half against Dobbs before leaving with a concussion.

The loss stung for a while. But the Broncos have used that defeat as a motivating force this preseason, and they’ll be a better team because of it.

The biggest question marks for Bronxville will be in the backfield. Right now, they only have 265 yards rushing back from last season and 0 yards passing. Tormey and Marrone combined to catch 28 passes, including four touchdowns. Otherwise, there’s almost 80-percent of the offensive production to replace.

It’s a scary proposition but it’s not something this team can’t handle. How quickly they adjust will be pivotal. Woodlands in Week 1 could pose a far bigger challenge than expected.

2012 Schedule:
9/8 Woodlands
9/15 at Hastings
9/22 Rye Country Day
9/29 at Haldane
10/6 Pawling
10/13 Tuckahoe
10/20 Dobbs Ferry

Email Kevin Devaney Jr. at kdevaney@cablevision.com
 

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