MANSFIELDDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueCoach: Mike Redding(20th year, 148-51-3). Last year's record: 10-1. Playing surface: Artificial turf. Football website: www.Mansfieldfootball.org Returning starters (11): Mark Gilson, QB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Mike Morrill, RB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Billy Goodale, TE, 6-5, 260, Jr.; Dan Glavin, T, 6-2, 255, Jr.; Will Gasson, G, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Jeff Cataloni, C, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Andrew Bourget, G, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Mike McPherson, T, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Chris Ingolia, DT, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Mike Abany, FB/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Dave Westhaver, CB, 6-1, 180, Sr. Returning letter winners (5): Powell Simpson, RB, Sr.; Curtis Graham, K, Sr.; Jeff Malett, FS, Jr.; Sean Whiting, CB, Sr.; Greg DiPietrantonio, LB/P, Jr. Strengths: Strong offensive line, team speed, experience on offensive end. Concerns: Experience on defensive side. Outlook: There are two sides of the coin for Redding's team heading into 2007. The Hornets return eight of 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball, including three-year starter Gilson. Gasson and Bourget, also three-year starters, feature in a fearsome offensive line that remains wholly intact from 2006. However, Mansfield lost eight of 11 starters on the defensive side, including DE Corey Eason, now at BC. Westhaver will anchor an inexperienced secondary and the linebacker corps, though a talented and speedy unit, is untested at the varsity level aside from Abany, who will also lead the way at the fullback position. Simpson and Morrill are the most experienced returning running backs, but junior backup J.D. Chalifoux holds the school record in the 55 meters, and will see some carries. The Hornets will hope to rid themselves of the bitter taste from last season, which saw them steamroll through the regular season before losing the final game against Foxboro. Redding's crew never failed to score less than 20 points until that 16-6 loss, and with so many returning players on the offensive side, look for the Hornets to do much of the same in 2007. (Game One)
Sat. Sept. 08 Holy Cross High School of Flushing, NY(Game Two)
Sat. Sept. 15 7 PM@ St. Edward's (Lakewood, OH)Mike Parris/Westside writer, Cleveland.com Link Preseason All-Westside Team Offense: OL: Tom Orlosky, St. Edward (12) - The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder will open holes for what should be a powerful Eagle rushing attack. Defense: LB: Justin Staples, St. Edward (12) - An Illinois commit, Staples is an athletic specimen who is a dangerous pass rusher off the edge. LB: Mike Spooner, St. Edward (12) - The outside backer teams with Staples to create a tough 1-2 punch. Spooner has been impressive in the summer camp circuit. DB: Branden Williams, St. Edward (12) - The speedy cover cornerback has run in the 4.4-second range. 4. St. Edward (9-2) A promising season ended prematurely for the Eagles in 2006, as they were upset by Warren Harding in the Region 1 Semifinals. Since then, chaos and turnover have been the storyline of the off season, as veteran head coach John Gibbons was dismissed and consequently replaced with Scott Niedzwiecki, a former offensive coordinator for the Eagles. More recently, an announcement that last season's starting quarterback, Alex Sterba, was quitting football to concentrate on basketball. Furthermore, the Eagles will have to replace a number of key contributors from last year's squad, including five Division I recruits in Nate Oliver, Frank Edmonds, Diauntae Morrow, Kyle Hubbard and Jeff Lucas. Despite all the turmoil, don't expect the Eagles to be feeling sorry for themselves. Plenty of talent remains and Niedzwiecki, the former defensive coordinator for John Carroll, will bring a breath of fresh air to the program and plenty of familiarity. The Eagles, who boasted one of the best defenses in the state last year, will again be strong with a terrific tandem at linebacker in Justin Staples and Mike Spooner, each Division I prospects. Offensively, Dominique Goodwin is a thick, powerful runner who should pick up where Frank Edmonds left off. Expect Jeff Burke to get the first crack at the starting quarterback job. Question to Answer: How quickly will a young team adjust to a new coaching staff? Prediction for 2007: The Eagles again have a daunting schedule; including having to face three Cincinnati powers (St. Xavier, Moeller, Elder) in addition to the likes of St. Ignatius and Strongsville. I'll say they still finish 8-2 and qualify in the top four in Region 1. (Game Three) CantonDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueCoach: Jim Goff (third year, 1-19 overall). Last year's record: 1-9. Playing surface: Artificial Turf. Football website: cantonma.org/chs/athletics Returning starters (7): Dan Pendergast, QB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Izzy Abraham, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Henry Krueger, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Peter Defisto, OL/DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Nuna Waynee, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Sean Burrows, TE/DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Joe Klapman, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Jr. Returning letter winners (12): Ray Bass, QB/DB, Jr.; Mike Bates, WR/DB, Jr.; Stephon Jarvis, RB/DB, Sr.; Tim Hughes, RB/LB, Jr.; Mike Barrera, RB/LB, Sr.; Ralph Finis, OL/DL, Sr.; Bobby Brown, OL/DL, Jr.; Hardy Zephririn, OL/DL, Sr.; Brian Brooks, OL/DL, Sr.; Josh Sarnowitz, OL/DL, Sr.; Sean O'Sullivan, WR/DB, Sr.; Chris Lane, OL/DL, Jr. Strength: Physical conditioning. Concerns: Youth, size. Outlook: They may not boast the daunting size and speed of their league cohorts, but Goff raves about his team's attitude and conditioning coming into the 2007 campaign, saying his Bulldogs are the "best prepared" team he's had entering what is his third season in charge. Pendergast returns as the starter, and will look to incorporate big, albeit untested receivers Mike Bates, a 6-3 junior, and A.J. Nichols, a 6-3 sophomore tight end, both of whom have impressed in preseason training. Abraham returns as arguably the team's top defender, and will try to anchor an inexperienced secondary. Goff praises his team for having "met every challenge put in front of them" in preseason. Those challenges will take a considerable hike when, after nonleague games against Quincy and Pembroke to start the season, the Bulldogs travel to Mansfield and host Foxboro to open Hockomock league play. It will mean trial by fire for a sophomore class that Goff expects to make significant strides this season, including running back Jordan Grayton, who will carry some of the load in the backfield this season. (Game Four)
Coach: Greg Burke (16th year, 94-61-4).StoughtonDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueLast year's record: 9-2. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: stoughtonschools.org. Returning starters (3): Mark Panciocco, DT/OT, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Joe Jeudy, RB/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Ryan Johnson, LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.. Returning letter winners (7): Richie Morris, LB/FB, Sr.; Sean Byron, QB, Sr.; Chris Hill, G/DE, Sr.; Vin Connors, C, Sr.; Barry Braconi, WR/DB, Sr.; Anthony Ferzoco, LB/FB, Jr.; Evan Taylor, DE/TE, Jr. Strengths: Team speed, strength. Concerns: Inexperience. Outlook: The Knights are hoping to build off a highly successful 2006 campaign which saw Burke's squad finish third in the league, the only two losses coming to Mansfield and Foxboro. A repeat in 2007 won't be easy with 25 graduated seniors, but the Knights do return one of the league and area's most dangerous offensive weapons in Jeudy (1,984 yard, 25 touchdowns last two seasons). One reason for optimism for the Knights is that they face the big four of the league (Mansfield, Foxboro, Franklin, North Attleboro) at home, where Stoughton went undefeated in 2006. "Teams know its going to be a tough game every time they play Stoughton, and we're proud of that," said Burke. An added bonus for the Knights will be the return of senior wide receiver John Reardon, who missed 2006 due to injury and, at 6-5, 220, will give Byron a big target to throw to. Also joining the Knights will be senior Baldwin Inachoa, a 6-2, 225, OT/DT, who moved back to Stoughton after spending his first three high school years at Vermont Academy. The Knights will be tested right away, as they are paid a visit by perennial power Longmeadow, winners of 28 in a row. (Game Five)
Coach: Tony Wood (second year).Bishop FeehanDivision Two , Eastern AthleticLast year's record: 2-9. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: bishopfeehan.com Returning starters (8): Mike McGowan, QB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Nicholas Schwieger, RB/DB, 5-11 190, Sr.; Kyle Schmidt, OL/LB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Chris Harris, OL, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Chris Paine, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Chris Vilandre, OL, 6-5, 240, Sr.; Jake Curren, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Brian Webb, DB, 5-8, 165, Jr. Returning letter winners (6): Jason Brown, DL, Jr.; Brian Gallagher, DB, Jr.; Chris Taylor, RB, Jr.; Tom Effler, Jr.; Pat Legare, Sr.; Matt Boulter, Jr. Strengths: Senior leadership. Concerns: Overall depth. Outlook: The Shamrocks fell hard last year, but it appears - with a massive amount of senior leadership and a qualified returning core - that a possible return to glory is in their midst. Super Bowl winners from 2001-2004, Bishop Feehan also has a much more comfortable and acclimated coach at the helm. "I had a year to spend in the classroom with the kids," Wood said, who enters his 30th year as a head coach. "The seniors are really taking charge. They're doing a good job. It's my second year with the coaching staff, too. I'm looking forward to it." It can't hide the talent in the EAC, though. "I don't know how tough it's going to be," Wood admitted. "But I do know it's a very competitive league with great schools." (Game Six)
FranklinDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueCoach: Brad Sidwell (12th year, 69-59-3). Last year's record: 6-5. Playing surface: Artificial turf. Football Website: Franklin.k12ma.US Returning starters (18): Pat Polomski, RB/LB, 5-11, 211, Sr.; Kyle Cybulski, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Dave Brunelli, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Andrew Leenhouts, WR/DB, 6-3, 186, Sr.; Tyler Dow, QB/DB, 6-2, 169, Sr.; Eloma Johnson, RB/LB, 5-10, 201, Sr.; Jack Flynn, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Matt Carini, RB/DB, 5-10, 173, Jr; Jake Evers, RB/DB, 5-10, 173, Sr.; Jason Dellorco, TE/LB, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Kyle Kaufman, OL/LB, 5-7, 189, Sr.; Mike Pritchard, OL/LB, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Mike Casali, OL/LB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Mike Santangelo, OL/DL, 6-1, 226, Sr.; Drew McNiece, OL/DL, 6-5, 279, Sr.; Jim Vizakis, OL/DL, 5-9, 283, Sr.; Tim Tassinari, OL/DL, 6-3, 294, Sr.; Peter Gill, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, Sr. Returning letter winners (7): Gordon Champlain, WR/DB, Sr.; Brian Collatos, WR/DB, Sr.; Adam Morrell, LB, Sr.; Marcus Morrell, LB, Sr.; Joe Weston, WR/DB, Sr.; Dante Drew, WR, Sr.; D.J. Tedesco, RB, Sr. Strengths: Experience, depth at skill positions. Concerns: Depth at line. Outlook: The numbers say it all for the Panthers heading into 2007. 18 returning starters and a seemingly endless supply of receivers and running backs have Sidwell's team expecting to improve upon a 6-5 2006 season. Most important for Franklin is its performance against the league's big four. The Panthers were winless against Stoughton, North Attleboro, Mansfield and Foxboro last season, and were outscored 112-14 in those games. There's enough depth and talent to meet that challenge in 2007, and achieve the team's goal of entering the "upper echelon" of the league. (Game Seven)
Oliver AmesDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueCoach: Jim Artz (second year). Last year's record: 5-6. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: oliverames.org/sports/ Returning starters (9): Nick Barrows, DE, 5-10, 224, Sr.; Brandon Cox, RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Chris DeRosa, OL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Sean Gobey, OL, Sr., 5-10, 225; Steve Ivanoski, OL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Tim Luoko, DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Rick McCole, LB/RB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Yianni Ravanis, DB/WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Alex Kershaw, QB/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr. Returning letter winners (4): Danny Ford, TE/DE, Jr.; James Hurley, RB/LB, Jr.; Paul Atallah, G/LB, Sr.; Eddie Christofono, RB/LB, Sr. Strengths: Senior leadership. Concerns: Depth, inexperience. Outlook: Football has been the last thing on the Tigers' minds following the tragic death of sophomore teammate Aaron Ortiz at preseason camp. Artz's squad only resumed practice Thursday, and will not play their scheduled opener against Westwood. But with a few weeks training under their belts, the Tigers have a chance to perhaps improve upon their results from 2006. Oliver Ames have distanced themselves from the lower half of the league, and now face the challenge of breaking the logjam at the top, occupied by the familiar perennial powers. The Tigers will rely on arguably their best athlete, Kershaw, who steps into the starting QB role, to lead them on the offensive end. "If he can get comfortable in the QB position early, we can be pretty good," said Artz. A brutal three-game home stretch midseason against Stoughton, Mansfield, and Franklin will be a tough test for the Tigers. (Game Eight)
Coach: Brian Lee (third year, 6-15).King PhilipDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueLast year's record: 3-8. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: highschoolsports.net Playing surface: Grass. Football Website: kingphilip.org/kphigh/sports/sporthome. Returning starters (7): Brian Toney, WR/S, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Eddie Jones, T, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Eddie Lewicki, OL/DL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Mike Stewart, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Ryan Connolly, LB/RB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Eric Solberg, DT, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Andrew Chipman, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr. Returning letter winners (6): Jeremy Franklin, LB/RB, Jr.; Chris O'Neil, CB, Sr.; Mike Yousiff, OT/DT, Sr.; Nate Wilderson, C, Sr.; Matt Monahan, WR, Jr.; Matt Schairer, QB, Sr. Strength: Team chemistry, physical conditioning. Concerns: Youth, inexperience. Outlook: Lee is entering his third season and can't say enough about the physical conditioning and positive attitude his team has taken to preseason training. "They're getting the message," Lee said. "They're the hardest working team I've had and they all have real strong character." The Warriors won two leagues games last season and Lee sees no reason why his team cannot improve upon that mark. One reason for such optimism is the arrival of quarterback Schairer, who transferred to King Philip after leading Medfield to a Division 3 Super Bowl win in 2006, and according to Lee has made a seamless transition. Doug Dyke's absence in the backfield will be felt, and Lee will look to Franklin, Chipman, and Connolly to anchor the Warriors' running game. Lee's team hopes to make strides and play itself into the middle of the league standings. If there is any hope of achieving such a result, the Warriors must pick up a few wins in the beginning of the season, as their last four games see them traveling to Mansfield, Foxboro and Franklin, with a home game against Stoughton. (Game Nine)
Coach: Kurt Kummer (fourth year, 24-6).North AttleboroDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueLast year's record: 8-2. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: RedRocketeers.com Returning starters (9): Kyle Kummer, C, Sr., 6-2, 210, Sr.; Mike Hart, G/DT, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Brett Catarius, TE/DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Dan Rayburg, HB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Elijah Harris, HB/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Kevin Connolly, FB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Greg Elkins, SE, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Greg Dusel, QB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Chris Chretien, DE/TE, 5-10, 180, Sr. Returning letter winners (9): Jordan Laythe, T/DT, Sr.; Josh Keane, DE, Jr.; Zak Achim, DE/TE, Sr.; Dave Courtois, T/DT, Sr.; Ryan Gould, LB/RB, Sr.; Mike Marchand, C/DE, Jr.; Mike Mitry, G/DE, Jr.; Kyle Bainton, LB/FB, Sr.; Nick Horton, G, Sr. Strength: Senior leadership, front line. Concern: Replacing Anthony Sherman's contribution. Outlook: Anthony Sherman isn't walking back through the North Attleboro front door anytime soon. Now at UConn, Sherman changed the game on both sides of the ball, and Kummer knows there won't be any one player to make up for the 20 touchdowns Sherman registered last season. But with 20 seniors back from 2006, Kummer is confident his team has the necessary leadership to navigate his team back into contention for a league title. "It's not going to be any one guy," said Kummer. "We've got a lot of guys who understand the tradition and what we want to do here." The Red Rocketeers do boast experience at their skill positions, with Dusel returning at quarterback, and Harris may be poised for a breakout year in the backfield. Don't forget, Kummer's team were the only Hockomock member to beat Super Bowl champs Foxboro, and if not for a midseason loss to Stoughton, North Attleboro may have grabbed a piece of the league title for themselves in 2006. A Hockomock league opener at Franklin will be a good early test for the Red Rocketeers. (Game Ten)
Coach: Brian Chamberlain (first year).SharonDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueLast year's record: 1-10. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: Football website: sharon.k12.ma.us/school/shs/shsmain.html Returning starters (8): Dan Godlin, LB/G, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Jesse Anderson, C, 6-1, 220, G/DE, Sr.; Jamie McCue, FB/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Kevin Pollard, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Austin Gomes, WR/DB, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Joe Rosenbaum, C/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Luke Ding, CB/K, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Therim Zaide, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr. Returning letter winners (): Strength: Youth and experience at skill positions. Concerns: Size on offensive/defensive lines. Outlook: It's indicative of the mentality new coach Chamberlain is trying to bring to Sharon when he cites the team's youth as a strength rather than a weakness. Chamberlain comes to Sharon after spending three years as an assistant at Norwood, and hopes to change the mentality of a team that lost its final ten games in 2006 after an opening day win over Matignon. "We're trying to change the atmosphere here and start building a foundation," he said. "Hopefully we can surprise a team or two." If the Eagles are to record a win league play they'll have to start by putting points on the board, having failed to score at least ten points in a Hockomock game, as well as being shutout four times. Chamberlain expects contributions from a promising sophomore class, especially TE/LB Mike Barbosa, WR/DB Brett Shenkel, and LB Lucas Higgins. (Game Eleven)
Coach: Jack Martinelli (26th year, 200-59-5).FoxboroDivision Two, Hockomock LeagueLast year's record: 10-2. Playing surface: Grass. Football website: foxborough.k12.ma.us/fpsweb/FHS/FHSindex.html Returning starters (6): Brian Woolard, OT/DT, 6-5, 305, Sr.; Tim Morgan, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Stephan Neville, CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Ali Mourtada, K, 5-10, 160, Sr. Returning letter winners (12): Alex Price, TE, Sr.; Brian Bosoardet, LB, Sr.; Pete Dalton, C, Sr.; Tim Driscoll, LB, Jr.; Jim Kominsky, G, Sr.; Brendan Sweed, DE, Sr.; Nick Thrasher, FB, Jr.; Aaron Taylor, FB, Jr.; Joe Nixon, SE/S, Sr.; Brian Swanton, QB, Jr.; Garrett Simons, RB, Jr.; John Walsh, G, Jr. Strengths: Size on offensive/defensive lines, team defense. Concerns: Inexperience, filling roles left by key contributors. Outlook: A caution to any and all detractors who may rush to overlook the Warriors on the heels of their Super Bowl championship, considering the Warriors return only four starters from their 2006 campaign. But Martinelli is quick to remind any doubters that his team returned only four starters from the 2005 season, and look what happened then. The question marks thus remain the same however, if Foxboro hope to reclaim their Hockomock title, or a share of it as they did in 2006, and challenge for a Super Bowl again: getting underclassmen to step into vacant positions and make significant contributions. "We've tried to impress upon them how to step into playing roles and following in people's footsteps," said Martinelli. Last year's league Defensive MVP Ryan Moreshead, now at UMass, will be impossible to replace, but the Warriors do return Neville, a "game-breaking" threat on both sides of the ball. "Super Bowl hero" Morgan will feature in the backfield, and the 6-5, 305 lb. frame of Woolard will anchor a physically imposing front line. Once again, the Warriors face Mansfield in the final regular season game, so the fate of the league title may have to wait until then, but Martinelli's squad will find out what they're made of early, with a brutal nonleague schedule to open 2007, hosting Concord (N.H.), Dartmouth and Central Catholic. |
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