Patriot League football capsules

DUXBURY
Coach: Dave Maimaron (2d year at Duxbury, 23-10 overall).
Last year's record: 13-0.
strong>Playing surface: Grass.
School website: www.duxbury.k12.ma.us/dhs.html
Returning starters (6): Grant Bowen, OT, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Kyle Harasimowicz, TE-DE, 6-6, 250, Sr.; Aaron McFadden, CB-WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Mike McKenzie, G-DT, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Tyler McPherson, OT-DT, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Luke O'Day, OT-DT-FB, 6-4, 245, Sr.
Strengths: Offensive and defensive lines.
Concerns: Inexperience at skill positions.
Outlook: The Dragons return from a season that can only be described as special, where Duxbury went undefeated (outscoring their opposition 300-47) en route to winning the Division 2A Super Bowl. Maimaron said that with the loss of over 20 seniors -- including 2A player of the year RB Chris Nixon -- this team will be very inexperienced, but he feels no need to approach the season any differently. ``We're staying consistent. We [the coaches] know what we're talking about," Maimaron said. Filling the void at QB -- where the Dragons lost three-year-starter Chris DiBona -- as well as getting a big season from FB Luke O'Day is imperative.

HANOVER
Coach: Jimmy Lusinski (first year).
Last year's record: 1-9.
Playing surface: Grass.
School website: www.hanoverschools.org/highschool/index.htm
Returning starters (9): Paul Armstrong, C, 5-10, 180, WB-OL, Sr.; Pat Curran, MLB-FB, 5-6, 177, Jr.; Rico DeLuca, CB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Kevin Hannigan, DE, 6-0, 161, Jr.; Marc Macdougall , DT-OG, 6-2, 275, Jr.; Mike Wheeler, TB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Harry Dunn, NG-OT, 6-5, 260, Jr.; James Wheeler, WR-SS, 5-10, 161, Sr.; Matt Mueller, DE, 5-10, 181, Sr.
Strengths: Running game, offensive line, three RBs returning.
Concerns: New offense and defense.
Outlook: A former assistant coach and player for Hanover teams that won four Super Bowls, Lupinski is dedicated to bringing ``old school football" back, using the veer offense and a Power I. ``I know what it takes to get it done," Lupinski said. Junior Jack Hocking is developing well at QB. Taking advantage of scrimmages and the return of three running backs, QB Hocking, and a deep OL, Hanover is almost sure to improve on last season.

HINGHAM
Coach: Paul Killinger (10th year, 27-23).
Last year's record: 9-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
School website: www.hinghamschools.com
Returning starters (8): Colin Devine, OL, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jeff Williams, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Den Hagstrom, FB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; George Cuchural, LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Jimmy Bagot, DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Matt Kearney, DT, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Trevor Robinson, LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; John Kelleher, DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Strengths: Skilled receivers and depth at RB.
Concerns: Inexperience.
Outlook: Despite losing many starters, Hingham is capable of remaining a worthy opponent. The main concern resides in rebuilding its offensive line, where Colin Devine is the lone returning starter. Look for first-year QB Ryan Lally to rely on his ground game with Hagstrom and upcoming junior Chris Constantine as well as WR Williams. Hingham's feeder system has succeeded in the past and this year should be no different. With records of 9-1 for JV and 10-0 for freshmen last year, Hingham is sure to remain competitive.

PEMBROKE
Coach: John McIntyre (third year, 8-13).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Turf.
School website: www.pembroketitans.org
Returning starters (12): Matt Brand, OL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Paul Champa, OL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Mike Daniels, LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Tim DeCristofaro, QB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; John Flight, WR, 5-6, 150, Sr.; Brian Hill, LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Evan Krasowski, RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Matt Lincoln, TE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Mike Lincoln, DL, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Craig McClelland, RB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Steve Tressel, DL, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Dan Wandell, DE, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Strength: Experience.
Concerns: Size and strength.
Outlook: After starting 2-4 last season, Pembroke won its last five. Don't expect the program, in its third year, to be sidetracked. McIntyre sees nothing but progress from a group that has been together since sophomore year. ``As much of a struggle it was the first year, they stuck with it and gained a lot of experience," he said. Pembroke certainly has the experience to compete in the Patriot League, but will need to develop on both lines to be a playoff contender.

RANDOLPH
Coach: Vernon Crawford (first year).
Last year's record: 0-9.
Playing surface: Grass. School website: www.randolph.mec.edu/schools/rhs_fall_04/athletic_fall_04/index.htm
Returning starters (6): Chris Tuck, OL-DL, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Remy Parker, WR-DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; David Defir, OL-DL, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Dominic Spearanzo, WR-DB 5-6, 165, Sr.; Paul Francois, QB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jacques Phillipe, RB-LB, 5-9, 195, Sr.
Strength: Team speed.
Concerns: Overall strength, new offense.
Outlook: Former New England Patriots linebacker Vernon Crawford takes over as head coach of a team trying to get back on the right track. Crawford is familiar with the program, having coached the defense. ``I want to build a program -- not just win a couple games this year and then none the next." In order to perform better this year, Randolph is spreading out the offense to establish its running game and open the field for Phillipe and is optimistic it can improve on last year's effort, which yielded a division-low 66 points. Crawford said the defense is performing stronger than the offense, but the offense is improving.

ROCKLAND
Coach: Ken Owen (25th year, 155-77-5).
Last year's record: 6-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
School website: www.rockland.mec.edu
Returning starters (2): Armando Oliviera, LB-RB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Derek Smith, WR-CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.
Strengths: Skill positions and quickness.
Concerns: Inexperience.
Outlook: Owen isn't shy when he talks about the Bulldogs' chances. ``To lose 24 seniors like we did last year and expect to compete for the title can be somewhat unrealistic." Welcoming back only two starters in Oliviera and Smith, Rockland faces another hurdle by having to wait until mid-October to play at home, where it went 4-2 in '05. Despite the team's losses, Owen feels success is still possible. ``A winning record is feasible," he said.'

SCITUATE
Coach: Steve Castle (first year).
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Turf.
School website: www.scituate.k12.ma.us/shs/athletics.htm
Returning starters (15): Gary Crowley, QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jay Milkiewicz, RB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Jason Roach, FB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Kyle Britton, WR, 6-0, 195, Sr.; James Doherty, TE, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Matt Harriman, T, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Ryan Kane, G, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Zack Flannery, C, 5-8, 220, Sr.; Nick Mullin, G, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Sam Brigham, DE, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Stephen Ferriter, OLB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Pat Shea, CB, 5-6, 165, Sr.; Brendan Dickinson, SS, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Joe Barisano, FS, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Chris Duffey, CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.
Strengths: Unity, work ethic.
Concerns: Strength, both lines.
Outlook: After coaching in four states, Castle brings his experience to the Sailors, hoping to bring the same intensity he saw in the South and Midwest to Massachusetts. Castle also brings a playbook that will separate Scituate from most other teams in the league. The focus will be on either QB Crowley or Barisano, who will lead the no-huddle, air-attack. The defensive scheme concentrates on stopping the run.

SILVER LAKE
Coach: Dana Battista (sixth year, 34-20-2).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
School website: www.sl-regional.k12.ma.us/slrhs/activities/fall.php
Returning starters (10): David Bradshaw, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Scott Cameron, FB-LB, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Mike Doherty, T, 6-1, 280, Sr.; Dave Gay, G, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Dan Mendes, TE, 6-5, 235, Sr.; Jordan Thompson, QB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Steve Burna, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Brian Perkins, T, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Ed Martin, OLB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Derek McGinn, CB, 5-8, 170, Sr.
Strengths: Running backs, tight end, and O line.
Concerns: Losses to graduation.
Outlook: Losing QB Jeff Smith, who's playing at Boston College, will only marginally hurt the Lakers, who remain a contender in the Patriot League behind All-League TB David Bradshaw, who ran for 880 yards in seven games, and TE Dan Mendes. ``We are lucky to have a massive offensive line, so we really like to run the ball," Battista said.

Compiled by Matt Tice