Dual County League football capsules
ACTON-BOXBORO
Coach: Bill Maver (21st year, 172-54-1).
Last year's record: 9-2.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: abfootball.org (website under construction).
Returning starters (12): Mike Austin, LB, 6-0, 218, Sr.; Steve Austin, RB-DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; John Dufresne, DT, 5-7, 168, Sr.; Eric LaForest, C-DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Dave Margolius, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Miles McDonald, K, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Nick Peterson, OT-DT, 6-3, 270; Sr.; Ryan Smith, OT-DT, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Peter Tongo, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Trevor Jeanson, RB, 5-11, 178, Jr.; Akeem Mercury, FB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Julian Dufresne, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.
Returning letter winners (5): Chris Jones, TE, Sr.; P.K. Robinson, DL, Sr.; Alex Kastrinelis, QB, Jr.; Robby Ruggiero, LB-OG, Jr.; Ben Fitzer, OL-DL, Jr.
Strength: Speed, conditioning, and size up front.
Concerns: Pass rush, protection, and blocking.
Outlook: The standard at A-B is always set higher. An off-season workout program and strength training should provide the Colonials with more stamina this season as the leaves start to change. The addition of Maver's son, Brian, as line coach should provide more depth to a coaching staff that is already among the best in the state. Andre Tongo will roam the secondary and use his great athletic ability to make life tough on opposing receivers. Jeanson's all-around game, blocking, and pass catching ability should mask the inexperience at the quarterback position and limit mistakes. "As in every other season, our goal is to play one game at a time and not look ahead," said Maver. "Our kids know what to do and how to do it, so now it will all come down to execution."
BEDFORD
Coach: Jack Belcher (fourth season, 14-19).
Last year's record: 4-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Bedford.k12.ma.us.
Returning starters (6): Manny Soto, QB-CB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Tim Steinberg, OG-DL, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Joe Tiano, RT-DL, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Brendan Gibson, OLB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Dave Micu, LB-OL, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Ryan Carter, CB, 6-0, 170, Jr. .
Returning letter winners (5): Sam Foltz, OL, Sr.; DeWayne Clachar, TE, Jr.; John Humphries, OL, Sr.; Ben Davis, OL, Jr.; Andrew Davis, OL, Jr.
Strength: Quarterback, offensive line.
Concerns: Age, inexperience.
Outlook: Belcher will be the first to admit that last season's four-win team vastly underachieved. Hope is on the horizon and it stems from the play expected at the quarterback position. Soto, a starter since his sophomore year, is touted as one of the top QBs in the DCL and is a dual threat to run or pass every time the ball is snapped. Protection and foot speed from the large offensive line should give Soto plenty of time to make quality decisions in or out of the pocket. "We have a great leader and I'll take my chances with him in battle any day," said Belcher. "I'm a little curious myself as to the makeup of this team so we are going to take it one game at a time."
BOSTON LATIN
Coach: John McDonough (seventh season, 20-43).
Last year's record: 2-8.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: bls.org/studentlife.
Returning starters (9): Peter Crapo, QB-LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Tom DiNardo, WR-DE, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Ryan England, RB-DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Darian Walker, RB-LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Conor Finnerty, RB-LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Joe Cascio, OT-DT, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Dan Duggan, OT-DT, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Casey Yuen, OT-DT, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Sam Strassman, TE-LB, 6-3, 205, Sr. .
Returning letter winners (9): Shaughn Durgin, WR, Sr.; Pat Cronin, RB-DB, Jr.; Joe Barry, RB-DB, Jr.; Jonathan Spillane, RB-LB, Jr.; Greg Morris, RB-LB, Jr.; Mike Rambo, OG-DT, Sr.; Gerry Bilodeau, C, Jr.; Bassam Bitar, OT-DT, Sr.; David Calixte, WR-LB, Sr.
Strength: Running game, protection.
Concerns: QB inexperience.
Outlook: McDonough knows that last year's two-win season was a real struggle, but the growing pains that the young Wolfpack team went through should pay dividends in 2007. "We are a little more experienced this season and have a little more repetition under us which we hope will translate into wins," said McDonough. The running-back tandem of Darian Walker and Conor Finnerty will provide a potent 1-2 punch and should keep both players well-rested and healthy for the duration of the season. Struggles at the quarterback position could be kept to a minimum thanks to the depth at running back, which goes beyond the two starters. Duggan's motor is always running and the senior lineman should provide stability on both sides of the ball. With sound quarterback play and reduced mistakes, the Wolfpack could find themselves around the .500 mark at season's end.
CONCORD-CARLISLE
Coach: Dick Kerr (15th year, 83-66-1).
Last year's record: 7-3.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: colonial.net/cchsweb
Returning starters (10): Zach Driscoll, WR-DE, 6-1, 160, Jr.; David McKenna, OT, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Phil Recco, OT, 6-0, 220, Sr.; David Grean, TE, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Harry Scales, FB-DL, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Will Oh, DT, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Henry Carr, OLB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Oliver Cragan, OLB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jay Stephens, MLB, 6-10, 178, Jr.; Dan D'Arcy, CB-QB, 6-2, 185, Jr.
Returning letter winners (1): Franky Crowley, WR-HB, Jr.
Strength: Linebackers, athleticism.
Concerns: Offensive line, defensive line.
Outlook: Recovering from last year's senior-laden team will not be an easy task for the Patriots, coming off a successful seven-win season. Athleticism and team speed especially at the skill positions will provide Kerr with more offensive options, with the hopes of stretching the field. D'Arcy's strong arm and great field vision will allow the Patriots to implement more shotgun and spread formations which will result in more big plays downfield. Zach Driscoll's 6-1 frame could be a match-up nightmare for opposing cornerbacks and is a deep threat to score six every time the ball comes his way. Defensive run-stopping is a major concern and could factor in keeping the Patriots' high-powered offense off the field.
LINCOLN-SUDBURY
Coach: Tom Lopez (30th year, 202-87-4).
Last year's record: 8-3.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: lsrhs.net/athletics.
Returning starters (6): Mark Hogan, RB-DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Darren Cromwell, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.;. David Rocklage, OL-DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Keegan Ashley, LB-OG, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Kurt Rogers, DE-DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Derek Lowe, DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Running game, secondary.
Concerns: Line play, experience at quarterback.
Outlook: The Warriors came as close to an undefeated season in 2006 as a three-loss team possibly could. Experience in late game pressure situations could be the difference in taking that next step in 2007. "We were in every game all the way to the gun, which is what made last season so tough to bare," said Lopez. Hogan, who has generated interest from an abundance of Division 1 schools, will be tough to bring down with his outstanding balance and uphill running style as he shoulders the bulk of the running game. Rocklage's blocking ability should open up plenty of running room which will make up for a lack of experience at quarterback. Focus and hard off-season conditioning from the majority of the squad has stepped up expectations from the coaching staff down to the players. "We're not just out to play anymore. If we stay healthy we expect wins, and a lot of 'em," said Lopez.
NEWTON SOUTH
Coach: Ted Dalicandro (second season).
Last year's record: 2-9.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: newton.k12.in.us/hs/football/index.html.
Returning starters (10): Isiah Quinones, LB-WR, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Miles Bellinger, RB-DB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Rob Poutas, OL-LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; James Laussen, OL-DL, 5-8, 245, Sr.; Carl Pomeranze, WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Derek Russell, QB-DB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Chris Kim, LB-FB, 5-8, 220, Jr.; Mike Heller, LB-FB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Kim Donavan, OL-DL, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Lucas Walker, OL-DL, 5-8, 245, So.
Returning letter winners (6): Mike Hartnett, WR-DB, Sr.; Joe Needlemen, DE-TE, Sr.; Sam Delossantos, FB-LB, Sr.; Colby Kelly, OL-DL, So.; Kwame Francis, DB-RB, So.; Evan Goldberg, TE-OLB, Jr.
Strength: Skill positions, speed.
Concerns: Depth, defensive line.
Outlook: More excitement and optimism surround the Lions' football program coming into this season than at any time over the last decade. Without a winning season since the early 90's, Dalicandro in his second season has turned Newton South from a pushover into a serious DCL threat. "We have a lot of exciting things to build on coming into this season and we look forward to bringing our program to the next level," said Dalicandro. Quinones will provide a big-play threat, the likes of which the Lions haven't had in years, due to his breakaway speed and fantastic hands. Russell could turn heads as he evolves into one of the more coachable and fundamentally sound QBs in the state. Hellar, the defense's unsung hero and leader, could be a dominant force as he continues to get stronger and more seasoned with every snap. Look for the Lions to turn heads this season with the revival of a once-proud program.
TYNGSBORO
Coach: Mike Woodlock (fourth year, 25-8).
Last year's record: 8-3.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: ths.tyngsboroughps.org
Returning starters (9): Colin Halloran, QB-DB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Josh Chronopoulos, FB-LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Dan Fox, C-DT, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Jon Mace, OT-DE, 6-1, 225, Sr; Mike Szablak, WR-OL, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Mike DePasquale, TE-OLB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Sam Mellus, WR-DE, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Tom Sullivan, DB-RB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Mike Bodenrader, DB, 5-11, 185, Jr..
Returning letter winners (10): Cody Serrao, LB, Sr.; Dan Jewitt, OL-DT, Sr.; Tyler Lorman, OL-DE, Sr.; Colby Sutherland, DB-WR, Jr.; Matt Polak, DB, Jr.; Jake Latif, LB, Jr.; Connor O'neill, DE, Jr.; Addison Loendorf, DE, Jr.; Tom Toner, OT-DT, Jr.; Steve Chinetti, LB, Jr.
Strength: Senior leadership, secondary.
Weakness: Quantity of players.
Outlook: As Tyngsboro braces for its first season in the DCL and a move up of two divisions, even Woodlock is unsure of what to expect. "I'm not planning on putting a number on success this season. I just want to see my team play hard and smart and things will take care of themselves," he said. A balanced offense with a 60-40 ratio of run to pass should keep this senior heavy team from getting blown out on a regular basis. Four-year line starter and team leader Dan Fox, possesses just the right amount of quickness needed from a 250-plus pound lineman. Halloran has recovered well from the broken collarbone which sidelined him most of last season and is ready to take the reigns under center. Chronopoulas, one the Tigers unsung leaders, will be expected to make most of the defensive calls.
WAYLAND
Coach: Scott Parseghian (seventh year, 45-23).
Last year's record: 13-0.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: waylandwarriors.com.
Returning starters (10): Jack Dean, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Matt Lombardo, WR, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Joe Cerrone, 5-10, 205, MLB, Sr.; Herman Brito, OG, 6-1, 225, Mike Mitchell, WR-KR, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Keith Meliones, C-DL, 5-8, 205, Sr; Brian Flynn, CB-RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Dylan Register, OT-DL, 6-3, 310, Sr.; Wilson McGrail, LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Brian Harvey, K, 5-9, 190, Sr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Defensive experience, kicking game.
Concerns: Complacency.
Outlook: As expected, there won't be many major changes to the Warriors. Wayland returns 10 starters from an undefeated 2006 Super Bowl winning team that has a 16-game win streak. "Last year was the absolute perfect season for our whole school, from the students to the coaches and on down to the players," said Parseghian. "But I have told all my guys over and over to put away the hats, t-shirts and anything else that is a reminder of last season because those things won't produce wins in 2007." Linebacker Cerrone, bulked up a little this off-season and combined with his existing nose for the football, should turn into one of the better defenders in the DCL. Kicker Harvey, who has shown interest from multiple Division 1 schools, produces one of the strongest and most accurate legs in Massachusetts. The departure of talented QB Ben Sherry to graduation has left a question mark under center.
WESTFORD ACADEMY
Coach: Mike Parent (12th year, 56-62-1).
Last year's record: 4-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: greyghostfootball.com.
Returning starters (6): Reilly O'Keefe, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Alex Pfister, C, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Mike Zupkosky, OT, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Nick Habosian, QB, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Brendan McEnaney, DB-WR, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Sam Shackleton, DB-RB, 5-8, 160, Jr.
Returning letter winners (7): Pat Hayes, G, Jr.; John Lincoln, LB, Jr.; Andrew MacPherson, DT, Jr.; Ian McEnany, LB-WR, Jr.; Kyle Boutin, G, Sr.; Steve Demaras, QB, Sr.; Brendan O'brien, DT, Sr.
Strength: Work ethic, leadership, speed.
Concerns: Offensive line, special teams.
Outlook: Parent's disappointment with last season's four wins coming, of a 2005 DCL title, was evident with the off-season program he laid out for his players. "We expect to be more then just competitive this season, but a real contender week in and week out," said Parent. Reilly O'Keefe's great intangibles and love for the game have transformed him into a real asset especially late in close games on both sides of the ball. Kick and punt return coverage will need improvement if the Grey Ghosts are to keep opponents from regularly working with a short field. Look for quarterback Habosian's comfort level to rise this season with another year in Parent's offense.
Compiled by Roei Biberstain
