Post 257 – Bull Session 19-03

High school front:  Caught Bogota’s 73-37 win over Wood-Ridge in the preliminary round of the Bergen Jamboree.  What impressed me is the continued coaching excellence of Jay Mahoney.  The defense was outstanding, especially in the first half and that is a reflection on Mahoney, arguably Bergen County’s best coach.  Their reward for winning: top-seeded Don Bosco…..Speaking of Bosco, I mentioned last week that it was a quiet off-season on the coaching carousel.  That all changed with the resignation of Bosco head coach Mike Teel.  I wish Mike well in whatever he chooses and we now have a hot stove league as to who may replace him and I have heard very little on that front and will not speculate on the candidates. …..Bergen Catholic wrestled Blair Academy last weekend at Lehigh, with Blair winning comfortably.  It’s very interesting because BC had two Blair transfers become eligible for them earlier last week.  One is the top-ranked wrestler in the country at 195 and the other, his younger brother, finished second in the Beast of the East tournament.  Nonetheless, Blair still won and avenged last year’s loss to Bergen…..I also see they had their way against Paulsboro yesterday at the Palestra in Philadelphia…..If they have state semi-finals in football next year, I would like them to call it the North Final or South/Central Final instead of a Bowl Game; it just sounds better and may sound more important to to the public…..Doing my college football searches for Jersey Guys, I noticed Dartmouth has an assistant named Dave Shula.  Yes, It’s that Dave Shula, Don’s son and former head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals…..Not only that, but Albany’s quarterback this year was Vincent Testaverde, son of Vinny Testaverde…..And last, Delaware wide receiver Vinny Papale, by way of Bishop Eustace, is the son of former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale…..Other:  I have always said “imagine how much money Pete Maravich, Oscar Robertson, and Wilt Chamberlain would have made the last thirty years with merchandising?”…..Last week, I mentioned how well the Nets have done, crediting head coach Rick Atkinson, but neglected General manager Sean Marks and the good job he has done…..The Rangers have done as well as expected to this point, but I keep waiting for something to go wrong.  They were almost there before winning five of their last eight…..It won’t be long until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training and while baseball is near, I have to admit the Red Sox do a better job than the Yankees when it comes to acquiring good starting pitchers, whether it is trading or free agency. …..With the Super Bowl almost here, I am in the minority, as I am rooting for New England….. When it comes to the best ever, Brady is always mentioned, but the players from years ago get ignored.  My father always brought up Sammy Baugh of the Washington Redskins. Baugh was a big part of changing the game, bringing the passing game to the forefront.  In the days of playing both ways, Baugh was also a top punter and defensive back, leading the league in passing, punting, and interceptions in 1943…..Pet Peeves – the term “baller.”  I am not 100 percent sure what it means, but I figure it means he is a good player.  They can simply say that or “he’s good.”…..That’s all for this week, I will be back soon for some more bull!