Returning Contributors: The Bayonne Fighting Bees’ Linemen
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After inheriting a 4-5 team from a fellow alumnus that ended their season, and the former coaches tenure, in an unbecoming manner against Barringer in 2021, Head Coach Jerome Hayes and his Fighting Bees had a clean slate entering the…
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Continue ReadingAfter inheriting a 4-5 team from a fellow alumnus that ended their season, and the former coaches tenure, in an unbecoming manner against Barringer in 2021, Head Coach Jerome Hayes and his Fighting Bees had a clean slate entering the 2022 season. Fast forward to year two, Bayonne made a trip to the North, Group V NJSIAA Playoffs in just Hayes’ second year. Finishing with a 5-5, including a three-game winning streak down the stretch, the Bees played a stretch of games without a true quarterback to injury.
With an apparent ascension-in-progress along Avenue A and a stable full of young, returning talent, the Bees look to continue to be noise-makers and playoff fixtures in 2024 and beyond. Here are a few prospects they are looking at to get that job done.
Returning Contributors Series
Jerey Rogalski provides something of a safety net for the Bees, as he has been show capable of playing both offensive positions. Rogalski practices patience when pass protecting, as he avoids committing any one way or another until the defender encroaches on the neutral zone. However, when pass protecting, should he feel pressure cross his face or a defender take the inside path, Rogalski will look to bury his face into their ribs and turn it to a run block. I also like Rogalski’s consistent base when drive blocking. This allows him to gain vertical or horizontal displacement, regardless of who has the pad level advantage on any given play. It appears that Rogalski gets a kick out of demolishing down linemen on double teams as well. I would encourage Rogalski to continue to work the ladders and improve the quickness of his feet. This will allow him to win positioning on reaches and redirects, as well as gain more movement on down linemen more quickly.
Highlights
Anchoring Bayonne’s offensive line in the middle, at center is Josue Pena Josue Pena 6’0″ | 250 lbs | OL Bayonne | 2025 NJ . Pena appears to be one of the shorter starting linemen for the Bees; however, he works that to his advantage as he can play below the pads of defenders a bit more easily. I appreciate how Pena plays downfield until the whistle blows. Additionally, he seems to be able to win with hat speed, consistently out-positioning his assignment. If defenders are undisciplined and want to ride with pressure, Pena simply allows them to run the turn style upfield for a play they will never make. One thing I would encourage Pena to improve upon as he enters his senior year is his hand placement. Consistently punching, grabbing, and controlling a defender’s chest plate will lead to even larger holes opening for his backs to run through.
Although I am not sure if it was due to injuries or something else, the Bees are lucky to have James Fowler James Fowler 6’3″ | 260 lbs | OL Bayonne | 2025 NJ with his hand in the dirt last year. Fowler appeared mostly at right guard, but showed flexibility, selflessness, and adaptability as he played both tackle positions too. Versatility aside, Fowler is a “lunch pale” kind of lineman who does many things well and loves to work. When pulling he does a great job getting to his landmark and peeling his eyes inside for the first possible threat. He also gets great movement on double teams, displacing his matchup upfield. Fowler works his tail off when reach blocking. Should he not win with hat speed, he will then ride you upfield – making that reach block into an out block and creating a huge gash to run through. Speed and agility should be on the agenda this offseason. Appearing technically sound, improvement in these areas will make all 6’3″ of Fowler a bonafide war daddy in the trenches.
A run stopper in every sense of the the word, Fady Mansour Fady Mansour 6’0″ | 285 lbs | DL Bayonne | 2025 NJ plays the nose role along the defensive line for the Bees. In 2023 Mansour was credited with 12 tackles (5 solos) and 2 tackles for loss. His go to move is the bull rush, where he effectively moves people backwards. A load to handle predicated on his size alone, Mansour makes matters worse for interior offensive linemen as he does a great job of keeping his feet moving to establish a bubble along the line of scrimmage. If he is not in the backfield, Mansour has shown spurts of hustle and he busts it down field to pursue and make a tackle. When tackling you, Mansour brings plenty of “umph” as he wrangles ball carriers to the ground. He also has shown glimpses of being a rock in the middle, not getting blown off the ball when facing double teams. Mansour will stay a step ahead of the offense as he improves his block recognition, allowing him to keep gap integrity and force bounces to his teammates.
Highlights
Last I watched film on Jerome Hayes, Jr. Jerome Hayes, Jr. 6’2″ | 205 lbs | LB Bayonne | 2026 NJ he served primarily as a mike ‘backer and h-back type – hence his inclusion on this list; however, since then Hayes role has expanded to edge rusher, wildcat, and wide receiver. Wherever he lines up, Hayes is likely his team’s best tackler, wrapping at the hips and rolling through his leverage. He looks to play the ball with his hands and uses his size to his advantage, often looking to go top-shelf for grabs. Defenders who look to body him high are often unsuccessful as he can muscle them off. That muscle translates to force on defense, as he has the ability to pummel ball carriers due to his size, him running full speed, and solid technique. An opportunity for Hayes’ game to continue to grow is becoming more confident with reading his keys. If he can accomplish this and keep doing what he is already good at, teams will have a tough time running within the tackles. In his multiplicity of roles Hayes was 6/14 for 20 yards and a touchdown pass; rushed 8 times for 53 yards with 1 score; made 6 grabs for 77 yards and 1 score; and was credited with 30 tackles (14 solo) with 3 TFLs and 3 sacks on defense a season ago.
The final Bee to make today’s scouting report is edge linebacker Paula Gerges Paula Gerges 5’11” | 200 lbs | LB Bayonne | 2026 NJ . With a linebacker spot or two set to open this season, Gerges appears to be vying for a key role in Bayonne’s front 7. Mostly a special teamer this season, Gerges does a nice job avoiding wall defenders in pursuit of the ball and make a tackle. Whether it is on specials or on defense we see instances where he gets his hands on blockers in front of him, only to successfully shed and make plays. There are also glimpses of Gerges demonstrating the ability to set the edge on defense, controlling his gap, and then attacking. Gerges would benefit from improving his tackling by getting his shoulder behind each tackle he makes.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17791103/Paula-Gerges/highlights?_gl=1*f88jnu*_ga*MjEzMzI3Nzk2OS4xNjk0MTEzNDY5*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcxMDIwMzc3My4yNDAuMS4xNzEwMjAzODgxLjAuMC4w