Patriot League football capsules
DUXBURY
Coach: Dave Maimaron (third year at Duxbury, 29-15 overall).
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: duxbury.k12.ma.us/dhs.html.
Returning starters (10): Scott Austin, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Peter Bobseine, WR/DB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Pat Caffrey, OG/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Sean Cross, QB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Shane DiBona, RB/S, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Kyle Gavoni, DT, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Steve Ripley, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Craig Sullivan, FB/LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Mike Vercollone, TE/DE, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Ian Whitney, WR/DB, 6-3, 185, Jr.
Returning letter winners (24): All starters and Chris Buron, OT/DT, Sr.; Cody Childs, C/DE, Sr.; Quinn Cully, TE/DE, Jr.; Tom Dacey, C/LB, Jr.; Matt Duggan, C/LB, Sr.; Harrison Frick, QB/DE, Jr.; Tyler Genereux, RB/DB, Jr.; Grant Marston, WR/DB, Sr.; Elwin McCarthy, OG/LB, Sr.; Clay Nicolau, OT/DT, Sr.; Nick Norling, DT, Sr.; Ryan Turner, TE/DE, Sr.; Vance Turner, OT/DT, Sr.; Ben Urann, OG/LB, Jr.
Strengths: Team speed, experience at skill positions, defense.
Concern: Lack of offensive and defensive line experience.
Outlook: The Dragons have the size to dominate games. Middle linebacker Pat Caffrey is the Duxbury's captain and defensive playmaker, and he'll be helped by DE Will Shields, who started at BC High last year, and up-and-coming DT Kyle Gavoni. On the other side of the ball, watch out for Shane DiBona, whose frame (6-2, 210) and explosiveness could make him a Division 1 recruit. "College size and speed, now we need college production," said Maimaron of DiBona, who missed four games last year with a broken bone in his ankle. Blocking for him is Craig Sullivan, an all-American and Maryland recruit in lacrosse. It was a Super Bowl hangover for the Dragons last season, as the loss of key seniors led to an inconsistent season. However, they did reel off four straight wins in the first month, and their largest margin of defeat was 9 points. "We were in all of those games," said Maimaron, whose strength has been defense. Duxbury allowed a league-low 113 points and held their foes under 15 points in eight games, and since 2000, they've allowed a tidy 7.9 points per game.
HANOVER
Coach: Jimmy Lusinski, (second year).
Last year's record: 3-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: hanoverschools.org/highschool/index.htm.
Returning starters (13): Jack Hocking, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Brad Brookfield, LT, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Shawn Walsh, C, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Harry Dunn, RT, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Mark MacDougle, OG, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Pat Curran, FB, 5-7, 200, Sr.; Mikey Wheeler, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kevin Hanigan, TE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Christian Simmons, DT, 6-2, 305, Sr.; Tommy Hayes, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Matt Page, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Mike Masse, LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Craig Gattereau, S, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Returning letter winners (6): Paul Breslin, WR, Sr.; Brett Wheeler, K/CB, So.; Colin Shea; Luke Lohan; Matt Gerrish; Matt Johnson.
Strengths: Offense, quarterback.
Concern: Implementing new defense.
Outlook: Hanover will compete in the Patriot League by airing it out. Senior Jack Hocking, a league all-star and the only returning quarterback in the league, will be the focal point of coach Lusbinski's shotgun offense. Lusbinski plans to utilize sophomore kicker Brett Wheeler, who he said already has a range of 50 yards. With so many returning starters, especially on offense, the Indians should put up a lot of points. Elsewhere, defensive coordinator Jeff Faria returns to Hanover, after a brief stay at Canton High, with a simplified defensive plan.
HINGHAM
Coach: Paul Killinger (11th year, 36-26).
Last year's record: 9-3.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: hinghamschools.com.
Returning starters (18): Matt Cawley, OG/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Chris Constantine, RB/DB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Pat Creahan, TE/LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Austin Driscoll, RB/DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Mike Egan, RB/P, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Josh Golden, LB/FB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Rob Grosse, C, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Chris Johnson, FB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Mike Jones, OG/DE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jeoung Kim, DT, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Ben Lincoln, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Ian Long, OT, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Pat McAuley, QB/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; K. C. Murphy, OT, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Mike Murphy, WR, 6-3, 160, Sr.; Liam O'Neil, DE, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Bo Pinkus, DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Kyle Weller, RB/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.
Returning letter winners (26): All starters and D.J. Clerkin, OG/LB, Sr.; Billy Cullen, WR/DB, Sr.; Rob Dresser, OL/DL, Sr.; Mike Geary, TE/LB, Sr.; Joey Giacchetti, RB/LB, Sr.; Mark Marcella, OT/DT, Sr.; John McEachen, OG/LB, Sr.; Kevin Sestito, WR/DB, Sr.
Strength: Experience, a mobile offensive line.
Concerns: Depth at running back, secondary.
Outlook: Hingham's veteran crew shouldn't make many mistakes. "We play seniors," said Killinger. "They've been through the system. By the time they get a chance to play, they know what to do." The exception is QB Pat McAuley, a BC High transfer, who will step in for John Cassidy, Division 2A's leading TD passer (15). Wideouts Mike Murphy and Chris Constantine, both 6-3, will be constant threats. Also a DB, Constantine will use his size and speed (4.5 40-yard dash) to wreak havoc in the secondary. With their offensive weapons, and big, mobile fronts on both sides, the Harbormen look like a good bet to contend for the Patriot League title. A matchup to watch: A new Thanksgiving Day tussle, this year with neighboring Scituate.
MIDDLEBORO
Coach: Dave DeFelice (sixth year, overall 25-32).
Last year's record: 5-6 (independent).
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: middleboro.k12.ma.us.
Returning starters (8): Sam Andrade, OT/DE, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Dominique Bailey, RB/DB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Nick Bean, QB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Brent Lydon, RB/LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; James Muirhead, C/LB, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Matt Pilla, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Tim Therieult, OG/DE, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Stanley Wright, RB/C, 6-0, 195, Jr.
Returning letter winners (17): All starters and Tony Barbato, OG/LB, Sr.; Kyle Empey, OT/DT, Jr.; Tim Green, OT/DE, Sr.; Vince Henry, RB/C, Jr.; Mark Jackson, C/DE, Jr.; Brendan Morse, OG/DT, Sr.; Andrew Sederquist, C/LB, Sr.; Pete Teed, RB/LB, Sr.; Nate Wood, QB/C, Jr.
Strengths: Linebackers, strong junior class, defense.
Concerns: Depth, injuries.
Outlook: The Sachems move back to the Patriot League after two successful seasons as an independent. Junior LB James Muirhead moves from the outside to the middle of coach Dave DeFelice's defense, where he'll use his massive strength - he benches 350 and squats 525 - to shut down opponents. "One of the strongest kids in the area, pound-for-pound. He can handle anybody," said DeFelice of the 5-11, 245-pound Muirhead. Elsewhere, QB Justin Wilson departs after three years as a starter, but senior Nick Bean, a converted DB, is ready to run Middleboro's unique "flex" offense.
PEMBROKE
Coach:John McIntyre (fourth year, 15-17)
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: Pembroketitans.org.
Returning starters (5): Ryan Hill, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Mike Lincoln, RB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Ryan Martin, LB/TE, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Craig McClelland, RB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Peter Trudeau, DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Team speed.
Concerns: Inexperience, overall size.
Outlook: When you're watching Pembroke games this fall, remember that the Titans will experience some growing pains. In their second year in a deep Patriot league, they'll be reeling from nine starters lost on offense, and eight on defense. That should add up to few wins in the fourth year of the program's existence, after they split from Silver Lake in 2004. Despite the struggles, coach John McIntyre sees good things. "We've come in stronger and faster than we have in the past. Our kids worked very hard this summer," he said. The spotlight will be on the four returning seniors to provide leadership. Junior TE/DE Ryan Martin will need to provide some physical presence, as Pembroke is one of the smaller teams in the conference. McIntyre worries about his returnees. If they don't step up, "It's going to be a long season," he said. For inspiration, his crew might look to Rockland, who lost 25 seniors and still competed for the league title.
ROCKLAND
Coach: Ken Owen (25th year, 162-81-5).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: rockland.mec.edu
Returning starters (8): John Bellrose, LB/FB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jared Crawford, CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Petros Hologitas, DT, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Matt LoSciuto, OG/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Peter Harrison, OT/DT, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Cory McCauley, RB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Brian Nicholson, DT, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Chris Saucier, DE, 6-1, 200, Jr.
Returning letter winners (14): All starters and Kevin Burke, T, Sr.; Bob Hackett, DB, Sr.; Scott McEnelly, DB, Sr.; Luke Palmeri, DB, Sr.; Derek Sawaya, RB, Sr.; Ryan Thompson, C, Sr.
Strengths: Skill positions and quickness.
Concerns: Youth and inexperience.
Outlook: At this time last season, Ken Owen's expectations weren't high. "A winning record is feasible," said the Rockland coach. But his Bulldogs exceeded expectations, finishing second in the Patriot League (tied with Silver Lake) despite the loss of 24 seniors. Can they claim the title this year? Not so fast, says Owen. "We haven't got enough to do it. But we'll give a lot of teams fits." Small, aggressive defenders like DT Peter Harrison, and LB's Matt LoScuito and John Bellrose, will disrupt the opposition. However, the Rockland offense is already unsettled, with no clear-cut starters in the backfield. Alpha dogs will have to emerge there if the Bulldogs are to contend.
SCITUATE
Coach: Steve Castle (second year).
Last year's record: 4-7.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: scituate.k12.ma.us/shs/athletics.htm.
Returning starters (7): Alex Cuomo, WR/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Frank Dixon, OL/LB, 5-10, 205, So.; Mike Fassnact, OL/DE, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Stephen Ferriter, FB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Matt Harriman, OL/DL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Chuck Harris, OL/DL, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Ryan Kane, OL/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strengths: Underclassmen, work ethic.
Concern: Overall skill and strength.
Outlook: "I wouldn't say we have tremendous strengths, but we don't have tremendous weaknesses. We're much more consistent and balanced across the board," said coach Steve Castle, who will continue to run the no-huddle, spread-set offense, with an empty backfield. Watch for senior WR/DB/P Sean Cooney, a BC High transfer who will key the Sailors' special teams. "We're getting the talent down here at Scituate, we just have to get it organized," said Castle. He's got a class of incoming sophomores who have strung together two undefeated seasons at the freshman and eighth grade levels.
SILVER LAKE
Coach: Dana Battista (seventh year, 41-24-2).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: silverlakefootball.org
Returning starters (9): Steve Berna, WR/K, 6-0, 205, Sr.;Mike Clark, RB/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Eric Gay, OG/DT, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Sean Gurley, RB/DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Joe Iginni, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Taylor Irish, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jake Luque, FB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Rob Struble, DB/QB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Ken White, OG/LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.
Returning letter winners (12): All starters and Vinny Dekarski, OT, Sr.; Ryan Kennedy, DE, Jr.; Marcus Mendez, TE, Jr.
Strengths: Speed and athleticism, strong core.
Concern: Inexperienced offensive line.
Outlook: The Lakers have changed their style this year. "We used to be a big, strong, lumbering team," said coach Dana Battista, who said this year's group is the "most athletic team I've coached in seven years." Senior Sean Gurley is one of the most skilled backs in the Patriot League. With him, and size up front, Silver Lake should be among the top teams in the league. "I think we're going to be right there in the hunt," said Battista. "There's no doubt in our minds." With four tough non-league matchups to start, the inexperienced offensive line should get their feet wet. There's skill in the backfield, and in the secondary. "(We) remind me of a North Attleboro team from 10 years ago - small, but we can run," said Battista.
Compiled by Matt Porter 
