South Coast Conference football capsules
APPONEQUET
Coach: Robert Lomp (seventh year, 48-17).
Last year's record: 8-3.
Playing surface: Grass.
Website: freelake.org/ARHS/.
Returning starters (8): Mike Bois, OG/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Ben Bullock, 6-0, 190, QB/DB, Jr.; Matt Gaouette, RB/LB, 5-6, 170, Sr.; Jack Gaynor, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Joe Kaminski, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Trevor Hinkle, DB/RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Mark Stapleton, DE/RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Ryan Tomlinson, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.
Returning lettermen (5): Seth Barron, OL/DL, Sr.; Eric Chagas, WR/DB, Sr.; Justin Deyak, OL/DL, Jr.; Gabe Giestas, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick Jablonski, TE/DE, Jr.
Strength: Skill positions.
Concern: Inexperience on both lines.
Outlook: Ben Bullock is more experienced and athletic than most junior quarterbacks. Bullock, who has started at shortstop on the baseball team since his freshman year, is 11-4 as a starter, two of those losses coming last season to Dartmouth and Wareham - two playoff teams. "He will hurt teams with his arm and his legs," Lomp said of his junior captain. "He's played in some tough games already. He's the whole package." Bullock, unfortunately for his sake, may have to scramble to avoid having his head knocked off as Mike Bois is the only returning offensive lineman. Apponequet, which was stacked on the defensive line last season, will be led defensively by returning linebackers Bois, Jack Gaynor and Mark Stapleton. Lomp, who said he has talent at his skill positions, needs his offensive line to come together if Apponequet hopes to make a run at the SCC title. "I have a few lettermen who I think I can plug in on the line and fill the void," Lomp said. "But we'll have to wait and see. We'll only go as far as [the offensive line] takes us."
BOURNE
Coach: Matthew Stuck (third year, 16-5).
Last year's record: 8-2.
Website: www.bourne.k12.ma.us.
Surface: Grass.
Returning starters (6): Jon Cawley, 6-0, 180, LB, Sr.; Joe France, 5-10, 172, HB, Sr.; Bobby LaMarche, 5-10, 180, FB, Sr.; Chris Robbins, 6-2, 196, TE, Sr.; Ricky Silverberg, 5-10, 206, C/DT, Sr.; Rich Walling, 5-8, 186, LB, Sr.
Returning lettermen (2): Bobby Songer, G/DE, Sr.; Jesse White, G/DE, Sr.
Strengths: Strength, dedication.
Concerns: Inexperience.
Outlook: Bourne has been blessed with depth and experience the past two seasons. This year, according to Stuck, that is not the case. Stuck lost his three-year starting running back (Nick Martin) and three offensive linemen (Peter Avitable, Patrick Fitzsimmons, Mike Trant), all who are currently at Mass Maritime. "There were a lot of holes left open going into this year," Stuck said. "We have our work cut out for us." Bourne has run a triple-option offense for the past eight years, according to Stuck. Joe France and Bobby LaMarche will be the main options with two inexperienced quarterbacks (one sophomore and one junior). "We run a very complicated system," Stuck said. "We are getting better with each scrimmage but we have our work cut out for us."
CASE
Coach: David Gibeau (17th year, 80-77-3).
Last year's record: 2-8.
Website: MIAA.net.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters (7): Zack Cordiero, RB/DB, 5-4, 130, Jr.; Jared Cusick, 6-2, 160, WR/S, Sr.; Zack Decof, OG/DT, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Matt Kershaw, RB/DB, 5-6, 140, Jr.; Larry Machado, RB/DB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; David Martelly, 6-0, 190, C, Sr.; Matt Telland, 5-10, 195, RB/LB, Sr.
Returning lettermen: Too many to list.
Strength: Running backs and wide receivers.
Concern: Lack of size.
Outlook: Gibeau will look to his undersized yet effective backfield to take the load of two inexperienced quarterbacks. It all starts with Zack Cordiero, who Gibeau said, will get the bulk of the carries. "Zack is very quick and very shifty," said Gibeau, who is looking to fill the void after running back Nick Monte graduated. "But I can't give the ball twenty times to a 130-pound back." That means Larry Machado and Matt Kershaw also will get some carries. "They will both be in the mix," Gibeau said. "Neither is head and shoulders above the other." Jared Cusick is the No. 1 receiver. The 6-2, 160-pound senior competes in the high jump (he can clear six feet) and has the ability to stretch the field. The lack of size, however, could create problems on both sides of the ball. "We're not going to tear anyone's helmet off, that's for sure," Gibeau said.
DIGHTON-REHOBOTH
Coach: Dave Driscoll (27th year, 175-88-6).
Last year's record: 4-6.
Website: drregional.org/regional/.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters (9): Matt Alburn, 5-9, 195, C/NG, Sr.; Chris Alves, 5-9, 200, QB/CB, Sr.; Ryan Haynes, 5-10, 210, OG/LB, Sr.; Brian Landry, 5-9, 165, LB, Jr.; Matt MacLagan, 6-1, 270, OT/DT, Sr.; Kyle McCarthy, 5-9, 180, DE, Jr.; Matt Regan, 6-0, 200, TE, Sr.; John Simmons, 5-9 160, WR/CB, Jr.; Josh Wakefield, 5-10, 200, LB, Jr.
Returning letterman (2): Kyle Jackson, HB, Sr.; Chris Whitmore OT/DT, Jr.
Strength: Depth at running back, work ethic.
Concerns: Youth, inexperience.
Outlook: Driscoll said Matt MacLagan may be the best two-way lineman in the league, adding that coaches and scouts were salivating over MacLagan at a camp at the University of Rhode Island. "He's quick for his size and has great technique," Driscoll said. Senior Chris Alves, who became the starting quarterback two-thirds of the way into the season, will have the reins for a full season. Alves is a good all-around athlete who is also a catcher on the baseball team. He has appeared in just six games as quarterback, but Driscoll is optimistic. "He's a double threat," Driscoll said. "He was able to move the offense last season when he got the nod as starter."
FAIRHAVEN
Coach: Scott Francis (first year).
Last year's record: 4-7.
Website: fairhavenps.org/.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters (10): Marcus Barros, 5-11, 160, WR/DB, Jr.; Matt Georgianna, DL, 6-1, 335, Sr.; Josh McLaughlin, 6-1, 195, OT, Sr.; Tom Moorhead, 5-10, 200, LB, Sr.; Brady Murphy, 6-2, 160, DB/QB, Jr.; Spencer Perron-Sovik, 5-11, 250, OG/DL, Sr.; Armand Pimentel, 5-10, 195, FB/LB, Sr.; Greg Piona, 5-10, 175, TE, Sr.; Bryan Sweeney, 6-1, 165, WR/DB, Jr.; David Wilson, 5-11, 210, OT, Sr.
Returning lettermen (1): Sean Flynn, HB/LB, Sr.
Strength: Running backs and experienced offensive and defensive lines.
Concern: Inexperience at QB.
Outlook: Francis is the second new coach in as many years for Fairhaven; Phil Harding, last year's coach, remains on board as a defensive coordinator. Fairhaven improved upon a 1-10 season in 2005 and looks to continue the upswing. Junior Brady Murphy takes over the quarterback duties for three-year starter Nick Motta (Bridgewater St.). Murphy should have plenty of time in the pocket as David Wilson, Josh McLaughlin, Spencer Perron-Sovik, and Greg Piona return up front. "I expect their experience to take over the team," said Francis who was the defensive coordinator last year. "We're hoping for good blocking up front." Francis said the offense will not revolve around the quarterback as much this year. Francis will look to his backfield, led by senior fullback Armand Pimentel, to move the chains. Fairhaven, which has some size this year, will look to Matt Georgianna (6-1, 335 pounds) to anchor the defensive line.
GREATER NEW BEDFORD
Coach: Chuck Allare (first year).
Last year's record: 1-10.
Playing surface: Field Turf.
Website: www.gnbvt.edu/.
Returning starters (8): Tyler Andrade, 6-0, 180, RB, Sr.; Jaryd Conceicao, QB/FS, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Jon Cox, 6-0, 190, OL/DL, Sr.; Nate Martin, 5-9, 165, WR, Sr.; Sean Medeiros, 5-9, 180, C, Sr.; Kevin Mulroy, 6-1, 200, OL/DL, Sr.; Derek Newton, 6-0 170, LB, Sr.; Jared Perry, 5-9, 160, WR, Sr.
Returning lettermen (3): Ryan Langlois, LB, Jr.; Brad Mello, C, Jr.; Mark Vieira, LB, Jr.
Strength: Team speed.
Concern: Team size very small, not very strong.
Outlook: Senior quarterback and safety Jaryd Conceicao separated his right shoulder -- his throwing arm -- during the first day of full-pad practice. Allare, who spent 17 years as an assistant coach at UMass-Dartmouth, now in an emergency situation, is trying to convert running backs Tyler Andrade and Nate Martin into quarterbacks. "They are both good athletes, but at times are so far from being a quarterback," said Allare, who hopes to have Conceicao back by Week 4 (Sept. 28 at Wareham). Allare added that Andrade and Martin will likely alternate snaps against Cape Cod Tech Sept. 8. Allare, against his nature, has stepped up the hitting in practice in hopes of increasing physical play and tackling ability. He said the lack of team size will force him to throw different defensive looks at the opposition. "We will use a very aggressive style defense," Allare said. We'll be very active with a lot of movement."
OLD ROCHESTER
Coach: Henry Quinlan (fourth year, 17-16).
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Website: oldrochester.org/hs.
Returning starters (6): Cody Butler, 6-2, 215, OT/DT, Sr.; Tom Cole, 6-0, 195, OT/DE, Jr.; Travis Lowery, 5-9, 170, RB/SS, Jr.; Sam Masciantonio, 6-0, 195, LB, Sr.; Graham O'Dowd, 6-0, 230, C/DT, Sr.; Franck Teabu, 6-0, 205, RB/LB, Sr.
Returning lettermen: Too many to list.
Strength: Offensive line and linebackers.
Concern: Leadership and depth.
Outlook: Old Rochester finished 5-6 after returning just two starters last season. They return six this year, but there's a problem, according to Quinlan: there are only six seniors on the team. Old Rochester lost quarterback Reed Bacchiochi, a Division 2A All-Star who threw for over 2,000 yards in '06. Quinlan will run a spread offense for the fourth year, using three of four receivers each play. John Whorisky (5-10, 170-pound senior) and Alex Goodman (5-8, 160-pound junior) are vying for the quarterback position. "Both are real good," Quinlan said. "We are alternating by series right now, but we are lucky to have two quarterbacks of their caliber." Quinlan also has three returning offensive lineman, so the protection should be solid. Quinlan said his defense should be a lot better this year, adding that Franck Teabu and Sam Masciantonio played real well in a scrimmage against New Bedford.
SEEKONK
Coach: Dave Morgado (sixth year, 13-41).
Last year's record: 5-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (11): Cody Callahan, 5-11, 170, RB, Sr.; Chris Hanoian, 5-11, 220, FB, Sr.; Chris Howard, 6-0, 250, OT, Sr.; John Hurst, 5-10, 225, OT, Sr.; Bobby Jeannotle, 5-6, 160, OLB, Jr.; Shawn Kelly, 5-9, 200, OG, Sr.; Alex Lyman, 5-8, 165, HB, Sr.; Alex Miller, 5-11, 165, TE, Jr.; Jeff Olson, 5-6, 165, S, Sr; Dylan Rose, 6-1, 230, OG, Sr.; Josh Roza, 6-2, 170, QB, Sr.
Returning lettermen (4): Colby Andrade, WR, Sr.; Ronny Case, LB, Sr.; Jacob Najas, LB, Sr.; Tom Letourneau, C, Sr.
Strength: Senior-laden.
Concern: Depth.
Outlook: Seekonk returns the most starters (11) of any team in the league, including its entire starting backfield from last season. Morgado, however, says there is a significant drop-off between the first and second unit. With two scrimmages left in the preseason, there is an ongoing battle at the quarterback position between senior Josh Roza (6-2, 170 pounds) and junior Matt Quinn (6-2, 180 pounds). "Quinn is a better passer but Roza is a better runner," Morgado said. "It's a good problem to have as a coach." The defensive line might be shaky with the loss of Bobby Archambault (6-1, 220) and Brenton Medeiros (6-1, 225). Morgado said his defensive players just aren't that big. "If you're small, teams are just going to jam it down your throat," he said. Or they make you put eight or nine guys in the box and they will just pick you apart with the pass."
WAREHAM
Coach: Dan Nault (ninth year, 53-37).
Last year's record: 11-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: warehamfootball.org.
Returning starters (5): Nick Brogioli, LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Larenzo Grosso, OT, 6-2, 220, Sr.; David Johnson, DL, 5-7, 230, Sr.; Dan Maglio, C, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Patrick Murphy, DB, 6-1, 175, So.
Returning lettermen (7): John Capachione, TE, Sr.; Erik Gall, DB, Sr.; Simone Kvilhaug, OT, Sr.; Lucas Packard, OT, Sr.; Jeff Souza, RB, Sr.; David Tuell, S, Sr.; Michael Zatek, OT, Sr.
Strengths: Senior leadership and team speed.
Concern: Inexperience, only five starters returning.
Outlook: The two-time defending SCC champion Vikings look a lot different in '07: Gone are 6-5, 265-pound OL/DL Shea Allard (Delaware) and 6-4, 230-pound QB/LB Michael Laperriere (Northeastern). Allard was one of the premier linemen in Eastern Massachusetts, and Laperriere, a three-year starting quarterback who threw for 12 touchdowns and over 1,200 yards in a run-oriented offense, also averaged 15 tackles per game. "You can't replace those type of players," Nault said of Allard and Laperriere. "You enjoy them while they're here and remember what they were like when they're gone. Those type of players come around so infrequently." Nault, who said he has never had just five returning starters (two offensive lineman, a linebacker, defensive back and nose guard), will rely heavily on junior running back Jared Vasconselos. Vasconselos has been clocked at running a 4.5 40-yard dash and will be backed up by twins Jacob and Michael Hyland, also juniors. "Jared is the real deal," Nault said. "He's faster than anyone I've ever had{hellip}but this isn't like last year where I only had to replace five spots. This year is a lot different.
Compiled by Steve Crowe
