DELRAY BEACH – Village Academy has a special player on the rise.
His name is Ferrari Bernadotte, a junior defensive tackle who seeks to capitalize on his recent success on the gridiron.
The 6-foot-1, 290-pound team leader anchored the Tigers defense this past season, as he registered 40+ tackles (15+ TFL’s), four sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in six games played.
As a result of this, he was recently recognized as our No. 3-ranked defensive tackle and a Close to 25 selection, which effectively means he was in consideration as a Top 25 player in Palm Beach County.
“I believe that I made a lot of progression from my sophomore year to my junior year,” Bernadotte said. “I’m watching film and mentally understanding the game more. I’m also in the offseason getting bigger, faster, and stronger.”
One thing Bernadotte helped Village Academy accomplish last year was the fact his team won its first regular season game, a 19-0 home triumph over Marathon. It was the Tigers first win since a 14-0 win over International School of Broward on Oct. 28, 2016.
“I was happy we won out first game of the season,” Bernadotte said. “Throughout the season we stayed competitive, no matter what the obstacle was.”
Boynton Beach junior linebacker Jason Norelus confirmed the notion claimed by Bernadotte.
“From what I can tell, he seems like a good kid,” Noreus said. “He’s a good size lineman. He don’t give up. When we was blowing them out (38-0 win by Boynton Beach over Village Academy in Week 7 of this past season), he was still trying his hardest. He plays until the clock hits zero.”
Village Academy head coach Gad Jacobs was complimentary of how Bernadotte has grown over the past year.
“He’s going to give you everything he has every single play,” Jacobs said. “For a big guy, he moves really well in space. He actually played basketball the last few years, and it helped him even more with his footwork. He’s big, he’s nasty, and can have a mean streak. He’s pretty much all the things you want in a lineman.”
Bernadotte is a model student off the field. In the classroom, he has a 3.3 grade point average and an ACT score of 23.
To sum it up succinctly, he’s college ready.
“He’s excellent in the classroom, and the teachers love him,” Jacobs said. “Overall what I find most interesting is that off the field, he is a little bit more reserved and quiet. He shows good manners and he’s a good leader. He has a good support system around him as well. But once he steps on the field, all he wants to do is compete. He is a good kid; he is like a son to me.”
Bernadotte’s efforts have ultimately resulted in his first two offers to Judson University and Iowa Wesleyan.
“No doubt it’s a great feeling, knowing there are coaches out there believing in me and taking chances on me,” Bernadotte said. “I’m truly appreciative.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Jeffrey Wimbrow
