NEC Large football capsules
GLOUCESTER
Coach: Paul Ingram (fifth year, 34-8).
Last year's record: 9-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: gloucesterfootball.com.
Returning starters (11): Jake Alves, C, 5-6, 200, Sr.; Brian Anderson, DL, 5-6, 235, Jr.; John Celata, DL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Anthony Enderle, FB/DE, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Andrew Fulford, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Brian Harnish, FB/LB, 5-6, 165, Sr.; Robbie Lowe, OG/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Cameron Marston, TE/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Mario Peritore, OT/DT, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Adam Quinn, OG/LB, 5-7, 190, Sr.; Sal Taormina, DL, 5-10, 235, Sr.
Returning letter winners (18): All starters and Marc Alves, LB, Jr.; Taylor Burbine, DB, Jr.; Ross Carlson, DB, Jr.; Joe Falzarano, OL, Jr.; Zach Kendall, DB, Sr.; Giacomo Romeo, LB, Jr.; Jared Toye, DB, Jr.
Strength: Quickness, depth, athleticism, toughness.
Concern: Kicking game.
Outlook: If Gloucester gets to its first Super Bowl since 2000 (when it lost to Foxboro, 35-21), it'll be in large part to their backfield. Anthony Enderle, a Northeastern Conference All-Star at defensive end, and Luis Hernandez will share the load with Andrew Fulford, who set a school record for TD's (22) last year. Elsewhere, TE Cam Marston, a league all-star and three-year starter, is a skilled option. There's size and toughness on both offense and defense. But Ingram notes the kicking game as a flaw. "Our nemesis. It might be again this year, too," he said. Despite this, their experience and athleticism makes the Fishermen team to beat in the NEC Large. "Expectations are always high in Gloucester," said Ingram, who said his expectation - and that of his players - is a conference title.
LYNN CLASSICAL
Coach: Matt Durgin 10th year, 65-33).
Last year's record: 7-3.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: lynnclassical.org/Athletics2.htm.
Returning starters (5): Quivari Jackson, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Tony Johnson, TE/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Chad Quintana, FB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Stanley Sam, LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Cameron Smith, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.
Returning letter winners (16): All starters and Sebastian Bejin, OL/DL, Sr.; Calvin Harris, RB/DB, Jr.; Brian Koloziej, OL/LB, Jr.; Darell Lane, LB, Sr.; Dylan O'Toole, OL/DL, Sr.; Bryndyn Primus, RB/DB, Sr.; Robert Ramsay, DL, Sr.; Sam Smith, TE/DL, Sr.; Tarleh Teah, RB/DB, Sr.; Billy Thibodeau, OG/LB, Sr.; Alex Watler, QB, Sr.
Strength: Depth in backfield, linebackers.
Concern: Depth of offensive line.
Outlook: QB Mike Quintana, the co-NEC Offensive Player of the Year, departs after posting a 1,000-yard season and eight touchdowns. Senior Alex Watler, a 4.0 student, has learned much by studying Quintana, but his transition won't be easy. He'll be protected by an entirely new set of offensive linemen, so he'll need to rely on his backfield for help. Jackson and fullback Chad Quintana were part of a three-back set (with outgoing RB Rick Della Zoppa) who combined for 26 TD last year. They'll be part of a rotation with juniors Cameron Smith and Calvin Harris, so Durgin can keep his ballcarriers fresh. Despite the problems on the O-line, the defense is experienced, and linebackers will be a strength. The Rams should be in the hunt if they can keep defenses out of the pocket.
LYNN ENGLISH
Coach: Gary Molea (18th year, 102-74-2).
Last year's record: 2-7.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: lynnenglish.org/lcalsf1a.htm.
Returning starters (13): Byron Brown, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Brian Castellons, DB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Jesse Fowler, WR/QB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Jason Gervicio, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Steve Havrek, OL, 6-3, 265, Jr.; Sam Hill, LB, 5-11, 190, So.; Bob Mason, C, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Jermaine Patterson, DE, 6-2, 245, Jr.; Charlie Rucker, TE/DE, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Terron Seafort, DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Al Soedomo, OL/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Josh Vera, OL/DL, 5-11, 255, Sr.; Justin Young, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.
Returning letter winners (26): All starters and Troy Adguerson, LB, Sr.; Julio Arzu, RB, Jr.; Anthony Donofrio, OL, Jr.; Matt Garuti, LB, Sr.; Sam Guwor, LB, Sr.; Chris Holey, TE, Jr.; Paul Lenzie, LB, Jr.; Dan Lucier, OL, Jr.; Tony Pasuey, LB, Sr.; Greg Shambo, OL, Sr.; Kyle Smith, DB, Jr.; John Surrette, DB, Jr.; Peter Varjabedian, TE, Jr.
Strengths: Defensive depth, young core, player turnout.
Concerns: Only 11 seniors on roster, skill positions.
Outlook: Comprised of mostly sophomores and juniors last season, the Bulldogs are still pups. They'll try to improve an offense that put up the fewest points (71) in Division 2A. Juniors Justin Young and Jesse Fowler will provide different looks at QB, and speedy wideouts Bryon Brown and Jason Gervico are threats. The defense, led by Brown, at DB, and fellow co-captain and All-NEC selection Al Seodomo, also boasts the imposing combo of DE's Charlie Rucker and Jermaine Patterson. They'll have a challenge early, as Beverly, Winthrop, and Everett (combined 2006 record: 30-1) await in the first four weeks. And that's after preseason tuneups with Dracut and St. John's Prep. Still, coach Gary Molea is excited about his youngsters. "This is the best turnout I've had in 18 years. I'm out of helmets, I'm out of everything," he said.
PEABODY
Coach: Dick Woodbury (first year).
Last year's record: 1-9.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: pvmhs.peabody.k12.ma.us.
Returning starters (13): Kevin Bettencourt, LB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Tommy Cuilla, QB/CB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Scott Diefanbach, RB/S, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Dulu Gaye, RB/S, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Josh Green, WR/CB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Paul Hartigan, LB, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Joe Maroney, OG/LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Luke Moran, FB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Chris Nicosia, OT/DT, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Matt Shattuck, OT/DT, 6-3, 275, Jr.; Kevin Skop, RB/DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Anthony Tonopolous, C/NG, 5-10, 210, So.; Chris Villante, OG/DE, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Returning letter winners (18): All starters and Gino Dunni, OG/DT, Sr.; Nick Hiou, RB/CB, Jr.; Jimmy Maharis, WR/CB, Sr.; Nick Pointer, WR/CB, Sr.; Andrew Zamansky, OL/DE, Jr.
Strength: Athleticism, speed, a re-energized fan base.
Concern: Depth at offensive and defensive line.
Outlook: After 32 years in the Greater Boston League, the Tanners move to the Northeastern Conference. Woodbury's crew -- along with the entire fan base -- is energized. "There are alot of kids that are really psyched for football," he said. Junior Tommy Cuilla won the starting QB spot in camp, and co-captains Scott Diefanbach and Joe Maroney will provide leadership. Peabody will use its quickness - a few track sprinters decorate the roster - to make big plays. Also, Woodbury's new staff is comprised of former Peabody players and coaches who, "bleed Tanner blue. We wanted to bring back that Peabody work ethic, that Peabody character," he said.
REVERE
Coach: Lou Cicatelli (fifth year, 13-29).
Last year's record: 0-10.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: revereps.mec.edu/Schools/RHS_SITE/athletics.html
Returning starters (9): Luis Cruz, RB/LB, 5-7, 165, Jr.; Anthony Defeo, FB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; John Deramo, C/DT, 5-9, 235, Jr.; Paul DiPlatzi, TB/S/P, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Stephen Ennormoratti, QB-DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jimmy Falzarano, TE/DE, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Matt Gasparini, FB/S, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Mike Imbracio, TB/CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Manny Velez, OG/DT, 6-0, 250, Jr.
Returning letter winners (12): All starters and Victor Galli, TB/LB, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Rob Morales, OG/DT, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Yassine Rhrib, TE/DE, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Strength: Young core.
Concerns: Offensive line.
Outlook: There's some talent returning, especially the quick Paul Diplatzi, who takes handoffs, makes kicks and breaks up passes, and is one of the strongest kids on the team. "We're looking for some great things from him," said Patriots coach Lou Cicatelli, who also expects QB Stephen Ennormoratti to be one of the better signal-callers in the conference. It's a little too early to tell where they are in a tough conference, but with those two -- and a more experienced group around them - things are looking up. Playing mostly sophomores last season, Revere had the worst point differential in Division 2A, outscored by a 348-89 margin. With a long season behind them, they won't repeat that performance.
SALEM
Coach: Scott Connolly (fourth year, 8-24).
Last year's record: 5-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: salemathletics.com
Returning starters (11): Chris Al-Nabulsi, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Colby Boulay, QB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Billy Butner, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Garrett Cauley, OG/DT, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Chris Dunston, 6-2, 250, OG/DE, Sr.; Zack Gilbert, OT/DT, 6-3, 310, Jr.; Felix Gomez, DT, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Kevin Holding, 6-1, 190, TE/SS, Sr.; Shane Keith, OG/DT, 6-1, 270, Jr.; Matt Paine, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Melikke Van Alstyne, RB/FS, 6-0, 175, Jr.;
Returning letter winners (20): All starters and Eugene Dela Cruz, RB/LB, Jr.; Ben Henderson, WR/CB, Jr.; Matt Keiler, FB/DE, Jr.; Justin Louf, OT/DT, Jr.; Bizmark Lugo, LB, Sr.; Mike Ngarambe, WR, Sr.; Dan Reddy, HB/CB, Sr.; Ramon Rodruiguez, WR, Jr.; David Ronan, HB/SS, Sr.
Strengths: Skill positions, offensive and defensive lines.
Concern: Inexperience at quarterback.
Outlook: The Witches broke a 12-game losing streak on the fleet feet of RB Melikke Van Alstyne, a league all-star as a sophomore. He's even faster, and almost 20 pounds heavier, according to his coach. "He's got a little swagger, too," said Scott Connolly. Salem's incoming junior class, led by Van Alstyle, went 10-0 as freshmen - while the varsity went 0-10. Last year, they started for Connolly and put up a 5-5 mark. Expect them to better that this time around. Compiled by Matt Porter 
