Bishop Ahr is switching up its attack

Under first year head coach Joe Vigilante, Bishop Ahr is ready to hit a new gear. The team will be transitioning from the triple option to a spread attack and no one is more excited than quarterback David Holder.

"Coach Vigilante has put a big emphasis on throwing the ball," said Holder. "From the short game to the deep throws, the sky is the limit with our receivers. Running and throwing is my thing."

The Trojans only attempted 45 passes last year and that number figures to increase. So why the change in offense?

"When I first began coaching with coach Ron Hilliard, they made the decision to switch to the spread and we were the first team to do so. I've always been a fan of the offense and we have a lot of athletes to get into space. It is a good problem to have," said Vigilante.

He also believes that Holder is the man for the job and was effusive with his praise of the senior.

"I'm so impressed with David. He has become better every year and hasn't rested on his laurels," said Vigilante. "David is a tremendous athlete. He is going to be tough in space and he understand what we are trying to do with reading coverages."

Another aspect of the team that Vigilante is trying to change is their record. The Trojans finished at 3-7 with one-point losses to South Plainfield and Carteret. The emphasis has been on finishing games strong.

Holder explained, "Last year we never finished. When the fourth quarter came, guys were gassed. The coaches really drilled us this summer. They are trying to put us in the best position to win."

The Trojans will need more than just Holder to improve and one name that came up from both Holder and Vigilante was senior Tim Howard. Howard has made the transition from running back to receiver and looks poised to be a focal point of the offense.

"I think he is the fastest kid in the division and he can jump out of this world," said Holder. "I throw it up there and he has got it. Tim is just a big part of our offense."

Vigilante added, "He gives us a vertical passing attack and we try to give him the ball as much as we can. He has game breaking speed."

Holder and Vigilante will have only one year to make this offense succeed, but Holder seem confident that things will work out just fine.

"We are starting to become a close-knit group," said Holder. "We bought into this system and we are all in."

BISHOP AHR

About the Trojans

Coach: Joe Vigilante, first season.

Assistants: Ron James (defensive coordinator); Kelvin Williams (defensive backs); Patrick Gaston (wide receivers); Ray DeLorenzo (offensive line/defensive line); Matt Zulo (offensive line/defensive line); Mike Gallant (running back/linebackers); Don Powell (linebackers).

Stadium: Brietski Field (grass).

Colors: Scarlet and White

Classification: Non-Public Group III.

Offensive formation: Spread

Defensive formation: 3-5.

Last year (3-7 overall, 3-5 GMC White): Matawan 17-7 (L), J.F. Kennedy 20-14 OT (L), Perth Amboy 34-12 (W), St. Joseph 20-10 (L), South Plainfield 18-17 (L), New Brunswick 39-6 (W), Carteret 7-6 (L), Woodbridge 26-16 (W), Colonia 44-7 (L),

2014 schedule: Sept. 12 Colonia, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19 Woodbridge,7 p.m.; Sept. 26 Point Pleasant Boro, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3 at New Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 J.F. Kennedy, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.; Oct. 24 at Carteret, 7 p.m.; Nov. 7 Perth Amboy, 7 p.m.; Nov. 26 St. Joseph, 7 p.m..

RETURNING LEADERS

THE SKINNY

Returning starters: David Holder (Sr., 6-0, 205, QB-LB), Nelson Thomas (Sr., 6-0, 195, RB/WR-LB), Tim Howard (Sr., 5-10, 170, RB-DB), James Robinson (Sr., 6-1, 160, CB-WR).

Key losses: Michael Viggiano (WR-DB), Justin Greene (WR-DB).

Top newcomers: Richie McKee (Sr., 5-9, 165, RB-LB), Alex Dawes (Sr., 5-11, 210, TE-LB).