Getting to know …

Woodstown’s Bryce Belinfanti

By Brian Tortella
For Riverview Sports News

When Bryce Belinfanti walked onto the field for his first game last season, he knew he had huge shoes to fill. 

Woodstown star running back James Hill Jr,, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons while setting the program’s single-season rushing yardage mark (1,636) in the process, suffered a couple ACL injuries in the offseason that delayed and ultimately ended his senior campaign.

Belinfanti was going to be a big factor in the Wolverines’ offense as it was, but now he was thrust into the main role.

Woodstown had to rely on Belinfanti, a junior, who had just 421 yards and four touchdowns to his name in his two prior seasons playing second fiddle to Hill.

He was ready. Belinfanti ended the season with 1,740 yards and 21 scores on 214 attempts while helping the Wolverines win the South Jersey group 1 title. That’s good for just over eight yards a carry.

“Bryce is a phenomenal athlete,” said former Woodstown head coach John Adams, who retired following the season after 14 years at the helm. “His sophomore year he played in the slot for us and we started to rotate him in the backfield because of his abilities. Heading into last year we were planning on doing a lot with him and James Hill both in the backfield together but then when James got hurt we knew Bryce would be able to carry the load. He didn’t miss a day of workouts and got his body right to carry the ball over and over again.

“His ability speaks for itself. We tweaked a few things for him in the run game allowing him to use his patience and vision more and the rest is history. He probably would have had a lot more yards and TDs than he did if we didn’t take him out by halftime in a few games. I recall him having five TDs by the half in the first round of the playoffs (Dunellen). I really think he could have eclipsed 2,000 yards and I am excited to cheer him on this year cause I know he has that ability to do it.”

Get to know Bryce Belinfanti as he aims to improve on his fantastic junior season  and potentially reach that 2,000-yard mark. He’ll be in action Saturday when the Wolverines play in the Coach Ginzburg 7×7 Tournament at Total Turf in Pitman.

Riverview Sports News: Reflecting on last season, what was that special year like for you?

Bryce Belinfanti: Last season will always be my favorite of all. Starting the season not knowing what to expect was definitely nerve wracking, but once we played week by week I realized we were the best in South Jersey. It was an unreal feeling winning the first sectional in Adams’ final season.

RSN: What do you like most about playing football compared to other sports?

BB: I like playing football outside of all sports because of the hype and energy the game brings, but my favorite part is the character it makes you. Having to fight week by week with no excuses.

RSN: Were you at all surprised that you were able to break the single-season yardage record? What does that mean to you?

BB: Breaking the rushing record was not on my mind getting through the season, but once I hit 1,000 in the regular season I was on a roll. The sectional game I didn’t think I broke the record until I found out I rushed for 182. It means everything to me since I come from and played for Woodstown my whole life. I always believed I was the best and finally showed Woodstown and the county.

RSN: Looking ahead at your schedule, is there any one game that you have circled on the calendar? You open up with an always tough Delsea and rematch Woodbury down the road. Not to mention Penns Grove and Salem, I’m sure there’s no love lost there.

BB: Headed into the season I try not to get ahead of myself. I try to play week by week. I am excited to play Delsea since they have one of the best rushers in the state as well (senior Dan Russo).  I think it’ll make a good South Jersey matchup between two good teams.

RSN: What’s your expectation for this upcoming season, and what have you and the team been doing in preparation?

BB: My expectations for this season are high. I think our senior class can lead the team to new heights and we know how to win. At the moment we are doing summer workouts and field workouts to get everyone ready. I’m excited to see where we go.

RSN: What did you like most about Coach Adams, and how were you feeling when he decided to step away?

BB: My favorite thing about Coach Adams was him keeping us disciplined no matter who we were playing. He always had trust in us and was flexible to the type of player I am. I’m forever grateful for that.

RSN: How about new coach Frank Trautz? He seems like he has some good experience coming from a distinguished program like Haddonfield.

BB: Coach Trautz is the man with the plan. He has concepts from simple to advanced and is definitely an offensive mind. Just like Adams, he trusts us and bases formations and plays off of who is in and how they play. He makes it a comfortable coaching change and I’m excited to see what else he throws at us coming from Haddonfield.

RSN: Who’s someone you’ve looked up to growing up?

BB: Growing up I’ve always looked up to my big brothers. My oldest brother played for Adams at Woodstown and was a hell of a running back just like me. He also ran for 1000. Being the youngest I’ve always wanted to be like them.

RSN: What do you do away from the field? What do you do for fun in your down time? Any extracurricular activities?

BB: When I’m away from the field I do like to play basketball here and there. But mostly (being from the country) I love cars, trucks, and dirtbikes and it’s something I wouldn’t mind getting into in the future. I always fish also.

RSN: Now to the fun stuff, what’s your favorite pre-game hype song?

BB: My go to pregame hype songs get to thumping. I love to listen to drill music or Philly rap songs like Meek Mill and YoungBagChasers. It’s only right when you’re in the game time mode.

RSN: What about your go-to snack?

BB: My go to snack is always a Reese’s Fast Break bar. They’re the best and always hit. Plus it brings quick energy.

RSN: Tell me a little bit about your future. Do you see yourself playing football at the next level and what school is your realistic “dream” college?

BB: In my future I see money in many ways. I do skilled trades like hardscaping, remodeling and campground maintenance. So I see a future in a connecting business. But I do want to continue playing football at a high level also. A realistic school I want to go to is LIU, since they show me some good interest and it seems like a fun place to be. I just have to keep working to get there because I never thought I’d be wanting to go to college until last year.

RSN: How would you like to be remembered in Woodstown athletics history?

BB: In Woodstown I want not just me, but the team I’ve played with my whole life to get the respect we deserve. We had Woodstown more packed than ever to come watch us. We had zero transfers, zero recruiting players from out of town and still got things done. I want to be remembered as an electric player and one of the greatest.