Golden Boys: Juniors of the BCC’s National Gold Division

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As fans, teams, and media alike grow tired of winter, we look forward to the spring and summer when football camp opens. Sophomores look to make a name for themselves as juniors. Freshman have dreams of breaking into the varsity lineup. Juniors start to romanticize about their senior years, as they hope to go out with a bang.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will take a closer look at rising seniors who are looking to build on strong 2022 campaigns. Already making waves in their conference, they hope to make a name for themselves in the state and on college recruiting boards - planting their flags as some of Jersey's top, blue-chip talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["380322"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The South Brunswick Viking's renaissance is, in the trenches at least, is anchored by two-way linemen [player_tooltip player_id='380322' first='Matthew' last='Pierre']. Measuring at about 6'1u0022 240lbs, this OG/DT combo holds down the middle and is a big part of what the Vikings look to accomplish on both sides of the ball. Appearing in 6 games, Pierre totaled 20 tackles as a DT.rnrnThe first thing I noticed is that Pierre's signature move is the snatch, where he tosses the OL across his face so he can attack his adjacent gap. Plays away from him he gladly pursues down the line at the correct depth in the backfield, effectively taking away any cutback opportunities. Offensively he is big and strong enough to bully smaller opponents. His first step in pass pro is quick from his guard spot so he can protect his inside gap. He plays with good pad level, which helps him succeed. He works well on offensive double teams, washing down opponents with ease. I would like to see him continue to hold his spot defensively and offensively his film will get a big boost once it shows how he comes off of double teams to the second level.rnrnAs the old adage goes, your best ability is your availability. South Brunswick would benefit from Pierre being available for more games this coming fall. Here is to health, academic success, and athletic success this fall for Pierre!rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jp5T7u0022u003eHudlu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63cb3eae27741"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["172834"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"**UPDATE**It was reported on February 1, 2023 that [player_tooltip player_id='172834' first='Aleks' last='Sitkowski'] has transfered to Watchung Hills Regional High SchoolrnrnTwo years removed from a cancelled season because of Covid, which resulted in a subsequent winless season, perennial state power the Piscataway Chiefs returned closer to form finishing the season 6-3 and qualifying for the state playoffs. Part of their programmatic renaissance has to do with the burgeoning play of QB/DE [player_tooltip player_id='172834' first='Aleks' last='Sitkowski']. Sitkowski has big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of older brother Artur Sitkowski, who played for Old Bridge, and was a big time recruit Rutgers nabbed. He now plays for Illinois.rnrnMeasuring at 6'3u0022 220lb the younger Sitkowski has ideal size for a number of positions on the field. From what I was able to find statistically, which I believe are u003cemu003eincomplete u003c/emu003estats, the signal caller was 49/102 for 681 yards with 6 TDs to 3 Ints. He added 34 carries for 90 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. He made 26 tackles (3 for loss), and 2 sacks on defense. He also plays basketball for the Chiefs.rnrnSitkowski's arm strength is that of a natural. He effortlessly throws strikes downfield with accuracy. He also has shown to throw with touch for routes within 10-12 yards. He has strong poise in the pocket as well. He will move and step up in the pocket to get a throw off; but if nothing is there, he will take off running rather than force a throw into coverage. Unless this is what he is coached to do, I would like to see him go through his read progressions rather than locking in on one target.rnrnAs a DE Sitkowski is raw with lots of upside. He possesses a quick get off when the ball is snapped. This allows him to run around slower OTs to get into the backfield where he makes hustle plays. I would like to see him destroy trap blocks and not absorb the contact. He relies on his speed for his pass rush. What I like the most is that when he gets to the QB he makes a play to strip the ball. To improve his rush, he should look to activate his hips.rnrnSitkowski is an interesting two-way prospect that might just help get the promise land.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15161115/635dae294deb630d1c206a91u0022u003eOffense Hudlu003c/au003ernu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JgZSRu0022u003eDefense Hudlu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63cb3eae277c8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["380328"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In his first year back at the helm, longtime South Brunswick Vikings Head Coach Joe George benefited from having a young, talented team. One player that played a big part on both sides of the ball was junior QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='380328' first='Braden' last='Paulmenn']. Listed at 5'10u0022 195lbs, he has prototypical size to compete at the varsity level. From his DB position he registered 52 tackles; and on offense he threw for 361 yards, 4 TDs, 2 Int, while completed a gaudy 73% of his passes. He was effective as a runner too, gaining 327 yards on 60 carries for 4 TDs. He also served as the Vikings long snapper, holder, and appeared at tailback as well.rnrnAs a QB in an option-based offense, Paulmenn makes the correct read on the option man. He is also a willing runner up the mid-line and effective off the edge too. Most impressive is his pitch-fake on speed option plays. He has found success duping defenders with it and gaining yards for himself. As passer, he often looks to scramble and make plays that way or looks to throw up the deep ball. Paulmenn will benefit from speed training this off season. By adding onto the wheels he already has he will be a dual-threat headache for defenses to contend with.rnrnPaulmenn might be South Brunswick's heartbeat, as their offense seems to beat to his drum. Let's see how he beats the rush in 2023.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JtpE2u0022u003eHudlu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63cb3eae276ac"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Pietro Gambino","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Old Bridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"First year head coach of the Old Bridge Knights Matt Donaghue's defense was a bright spot for the locally successful program he inherited. He also inherited a great cover CB in Pietro Gambino. A bit smaller in stature, this 5'9u0022 155lb corner makes his bones mixing it up with receivers on the perimeter. Statistically he was credited with 8 tackles and 3 interceptions; however, given his available game film I doubt these defensive stats are complete. As a pass-catcher he was extremely productive in limited opportunities, hauling in 14 passes for 202 yards and 4 TDs. He also plays lacrosse for Old Bridge.rnrnGambino plays far off the ball, but possesses strong closing speed when the ball is in the air. His depth may likely be attributed to scheme; however, it allows him to see route concepts develop in front of him and enables him to break on the ball - which is a strength of his. Whether it be offense or defense, Gambino has a knack for making acrobatic catches over, behind, or in front of his opposition. However, what I appreciate the most about him is his exuberance for playing the game. You constantly see him excited, clapping, cheering, and pumped up to play.rnrnGambino will be a player we are certain to check back in on during the season. I want to see if his infectious play manages to spread throughout the entire team.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jz8nSu0022u003eHudlu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63cb3eae2788c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Salvatore Marchione","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Monroe","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Closing out today's scouting report is the 5'10u0022 180lb WR/LB Salvatore Marchione of the Monroe Falcons. Marchione is another athlete who does a little bit of everything, as this year he accounted for 406 total yards of offense across eight games, while scoring twice. He impacted the game defensively as well, with 23 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 sacks, and 2 FF/FR. He also was the team's punter, punting the ball away 20 times for 790 yards (39.5 average, 60 long).rnrnThe tape shows us that the Falcons like to get Marchione the ball in a variety of ways as a WR. Whether it be on vertical sets, slants, bubbles, rockets, jet sweeps, or swing passes, he is the straw that stirs their drink. He adjusts to the ball well, often making catches on passes behind him and tracks the deep ball effectively. During scramble drill situations, Marchione is able to work to a soft spot in the defense to make an open grab. Defensively he does a nice job setting the edge and playing to the inside gap when the runner cuts it up. In order to make that leap his senior year, Marchione will need to create more separation when running routes.rnrnMarchione's plate will be full this coming season with a new head coach coming to town. Let's see how Marchione will handle an almost guaranteed in uptick in utilization and workload as a senior.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jv7xJu0022u003eHudlu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63d1f88a9c8cf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->