Bay State Herget football capsules
DEDHAM
Coach: Jay McGuire (seventh year, 17-49).
Last year's record: 0-11.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (17): Steve Coakley, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Theo Walker, OT, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Nick Fallon, FS/WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Nick Scarlata, LB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Sean Mcelhinney, CB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Bob Santamaria, OG, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Gary Coogan, OT, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Jim McCormack, WR, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Peter Molina, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; John O'Connell, QB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Mike Carilli, OT, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Nick Tanneta, DE, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Steve Cawly, OL, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Rob Zarther, LB, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Joe Mahoney, RB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Jeff Sweeney, DT, 5-11, 240, Jr.; Chris Dezzuolo, K/P, 5-8, 170, Jr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Experience
Concerns: Depth.
Outlook: Coming off a winless season, McGuire returns 17 starters and says that, "the silver lining was that the young kids played a lot last year and that should help us now." O'Connell started the final three games at QB last year and displayed an ability to throw and run well and with intelligence. "I think O'Connell is a special player who will help the offense score some points (league low 6.2 ppg in '06) and with a little luck, I think we will be alright." Dedham will look to throw the ball more with O'Connell and three or four solid receivers to help open up the defense. Nick Scarlata and Nick Fallon are the team's best tacklers and play very aggressive on defense. They will lead a defense which needs to be better on third down and create more turnovers. "We couldn't get off the field to save our lives." McGuire feels better about his team this year but Dedham needs to pick up that first win early. A few coaches in the league also believe Dedham will be much better this year.
MILTON
Coach: Steve Traister (fourth year, 13-20).
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (5): Mike Scalia, T, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Dennis Berry, G/NG, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Brendan Perry, HB/OL, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jack Brown, TE/LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Paul Connor Jr., FB, 5-7, 165, Jr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Skill positions.
Concerns: Inexperience on offensive line, depth.
Outlook: Senior Costa Karellas takes the reigns at quarterback with three-year starter Bob Driscoll lost to graduation. Paul Connor ran for almost 600 yards in less than half a season last year will help take pressure off Karellas. "He's a little guy but very explosive," according to Traister, who repeated the importance of getting Connor the ball. How the offensive line develops may dictate the success of the offense, which has set up in the Wing-T in past seasons but will spread the ball more this year. Milton is breaking in five new bodies on the O-line. There are changes on defense as well with Traister electing to go with more of a three-man front, not as multiple as in the past. "We will try not to give anything away," he said. "And we need to be more physical on defense."
NORWOOD
Coach: Joe Curran (fourth year, 17-16).
Last year's record: 4-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: norwoodmustangs.com.
Returning starters (20): Kyle Crowley, OL/DL, 6-7, 280, Sr.; Kyle Morrison, LB/FB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Paul Colantuoni, LB/OL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Vin Cowley, OL/DL, 5-8, 225, Sr.; Mike Welch, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Greg Migdal, QB/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Dan O'Rourke, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Ryan White, SS/FB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jonathan Finnell, K/CB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; David Maldonado, RB/LB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Mike McNamee, LB/TE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Nick Atton, WR/DB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Jeff Hickey, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Brendan Arbogast, LB/OL, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Chris Colantonio, RB/FS, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Chris Foley, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Jesse Shaughnessy, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Pat Cavanaugh, QB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Brian Williams, QB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Mosses Acloque, DE/TE, 6-3, 230, Jr.
Returning letter winners (4): Mike Fabbrucci, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Corey Savini, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Steve Cottens, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Shelton Veale, WR/DB, 5-5, 150.
Strength: Leadership, experience and skill positions.
Concerns: Depth.
Outlook: This is a deep, experienced team in all areas of the field with 20 returning starters to boast. Seniors Kyle Crowley and Ryan White headline that extensive list and are the stars on this multiple set, 4-4 defense, which also features a young but talented secondary. Crowley is a three-year starter at left tackle, has great size, strength and speed and is getting a lot of looks from college coaches. Curran calls him a "legitimate Division 1 player." White, he said, "is the heart and soul of our defense and plays the game the way it should be played - tough and hardnosed." Norwood has a new offensive coordinator and running backs coach to operate the multiple-set offense and will work with a talented group at tailback in Paul Colantonio, Zack Foley, and newcomer Mike Verrochi. "We want to get those kids on the field as much as we can," said Curran. "It is a competitive position for us and whoever gets the starting job will be great. We are excited about the depth here." There is also competition at quarterback between former Sharon starting QB and transfer Greg Migdal and juniors Cavanaugh and Williams. The game one starter will have weapons at his disposal, including a talented group of wideouts and a new TE in Savarian Brothers transfer junior Tim Kelleher. "We have had back-to-back disappointing seasons. We will play disciplined, smart, hard football and you will get your moneys worth," said Curran.
NATICK
Coach: Tom Lamb (21st year, 218-60-2).
Last year's record: 11-1.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: natick.k12.ma.us/schools/nhs/sports.
Returning starters (9): Doug Gemao, OG, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Bill Crisafulli, OT, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Theo McCummings, QB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Thad McCummings, FB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Mike Zambarano, MLB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Mike Russo, S/P/K, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Tim Brandt, OL, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Tom Brandt, OL, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Eric Welhoff, CB, 5-9, 175, Jr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Linebacker, running back.
Concerns: Lineman on both sides of the ball.
Outlook: Natick is a perennial power in the Herget Division and should be again this season, returning 35 seniors after graduating 26. Concussions and other injuries have been a problem in the early going and a couple starters may be forced to miss the season opener. Zambarano will man the middle of this 50 (3-4) defense and according to Lamb, is "one of the better linebackers in the league." Natick will be working with an inexperienced line on both sides of the ball - Gemao and Crisafulli are the only returning starters. Twins Theo and Thad McCummings will start at QB and FB, respectively, and much will be expected from the duo. Theo tossed seven TD passes a year ago and Thad found the end zone nine times. The core of the team returns but, "we have to fill a lot of spots and that puts a lot of pressure on us. If you lose a couple games early, you're out of it," said Lamb. Natick opens with Weymouth and Walpole, two games that should reveal just how strong this team is.
WALPOLE
Coach: Danny Villa (seventh year, 49-21).
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Because of construction Walpole will play at various road sites this season.
Football website: walpolehighfootball.com.
Returning starters (6): Billy Hickey, WR/CB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Andrew Sellini, OL/DL, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Pat Harris, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Nickolo Mastromatteo, WR/DB/PR, 5-6, 120, Sr.; Ryan Collins, RB/DB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Mark Carrie, WR/S, 6-3, 215, Jr.
Returning letter winners (1): Joe Drinkwater, TE/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.
Strength: Linebackers.
Concerns: Inexperience.
Outlook: This is a young and inexperienced team that will try to use its speed on both sides of the ball to make up for a lack of size that was more prevalent a season ago. Walpole will run a wide open, multiple-set offense with junior Leo Ajemian taking over at quarterback. On defense, the Rebels will show a 4-3. "We are looking to start off a little stronger after an 0-2 beginning last year. In the Bay State you don't have a couple games [to warm up]." The Rebels' last league title and postseason appearance was 2004 and although it doesn't appear a title is in store this fall, Villa's teams are always in the mix and make opponents work for every win.
WELLESLEY
Coach: Bill Tracey (fifth year, 37-29).
Last season's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Wellesleyfootball.com.
Returning starters (10): Peter Jennings, HB/OL, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Trevor Rhodes, TE/DE, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Alex Stone, OT/DT, 6-4, 250, Sr.; Ben Ravelson, QB/CB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kyle Dowd, G/DT, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Eric Rosenberg, HB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; DeShawn Townsend, SE/FS, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Robbie Stacks, HB/IL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Tucker Abbott, G/IL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Marquee Ivy, FB/OL, 6-2, 195, Sr.
Returning letter winners (5): Matt Sperry, SE/DB, Sr.; Brendan Flynn, SE/CB, Sr.; David Taiclet, OT/DE, Jr.; Kyle Souza, OT/DT, Sr.; David Deligianidis, OT/DT, Sr.
Strength: Offensive line, running game, secondary.
Concerns: Quarterback, defensive line.
Outlook: Wellesley will run the ball early and often out of the Wing-T with a large pool of talented running backs and an experienced offensive line. The O-line features three returning starters in captains Trevor Rhodes, Alex Stone, and Kyle Dowd. "I'm pretty excited about our prospects of running the ball this year," said Tracey. Tracey admitted that for the first time in a quite a while there is not one go-to-guy this season but lauded the depth of the team. "We have five or six kids who are talented runners and it has been an interesting battle for the starting job." Wellesley will start a new quarterback for the second consecutive year, Ben Ravelson, who Tracey said "has done terrific so far." Some of the team's best athletes are in the secondary which should prevent the opposition from making the big play but the D-line is inexperienced. "We should contend for the Herget title," said Tracey. "We have looked very good to this point and have talent. This is a tremendously tough league but I see us battling at the top of the ladder."
Compiled by Ricky Popolizio
