DiCosmo does it all for Bergen Catholic in semifinal win over Delbarton by Darren Cooper of The Record
ORADELL – Even Aeneas has an Achilles’ heel.
The Bergen Catholic star with nine Division I offers and the same name as a hero in Greek mythology is a do-it-all player on the football field.
Aeneas DiCosmo was the X-factor in the Crusaders’ 41-16 win over Delbarton in Saturday’s Non-Public, Group 4 semifinal. He scored twice – once on a run and again on defense – and made three tackles including a drive-ending sack.
That performance left no doubt for the top-ranked Crusaders, who move on to face No. 2 St. Peter’s Prep and look to win their first state title since 2004.
Only one question was left. What can’t he do?
“He just cannot throw a football to save his life,” coach Nunzio Campanile said, with a smile. “He’s one of those guys that quietly has become one of the most valuable players on our team. Without all of the things he does for us, we could never have been the type of team we are.”
Bergen Catholic (9-2) had no trouble against Delbarton.
Senior quarterback Johnny Langan threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns and the Crusaders broke open the game soon after it started. His primary target as usual was Dylan Classi, who set the school career records for catches and receiving TDs before going down with an ankle injury.
And DiCosmo took care of the rest.
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The Crusader junior is listed as a 6-foot-3, 225 pound defensive end and tight end, though his coach rattled off four other positions that would fit. That versatility puts him on the field more than maybe anyone else on the team.
“He’s become more physical,” Campanile said. “He does a great job of getting off blocks. Last year, it was just quickness. Now he’s really well-rounded and has become a great blocker. He understands the offense and the defense. He’s a special player.”
Just about the only thing DiCosmo hadn’t done in a Crusader uniform was score. After going years without a touchdown, he ended that drought on an inside pitch that went 26 yards.
“Aeneas is everything you would want in a player,” defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste said.
Then the knockout shot came just before halftime. The Green Wave cost themselves with a trick play gone awry.
A hook-and-latter from deep in their own end was poorly executed, and DiCosmo was right there again to step in front of the pitch and dart down the sideline with the ball.
That gave the Crusaders a 34-9 lead to end the second quarter.
“We’ve been practicing that all week,” DiCosmo said. “They do a lot of trick plays. I saw the second guy coming around and he tipped it and dropped it and I was right there, dove and ran it in.”
Bergen Catholic never lost control in the second half.
Jean-Baptiste and DiCosmo combined for a sack to end one of the final drives, giving the Crusaders their eighth straight victory and a chance at that elusive 17th state title.
“For the past three years, it’s all I’ve been thinking about,” said DiCosmo, who recently received offers from Wake Forest and Wisconsin. “Ever since I came here, I wanted to complete that goal. I’m happy we have an opportunity to do it.”