South Shore League football capsules
ABINGTON
Coach: Jim Kelliher (33d year, 156-160-7)
Last year's record: 11-0
Returning starters: Ryan Walsh, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jared Dunn, DL/OT, 5-11, 260, Sr.; Tony Giannini RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Josh Miggins, DB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Kalongi Kabongo DE/G, 5-11, 175, Jr.
Returning lettermen: Too many to list
Strengths: Depth at running back.
Concerns: Experience.
Outlook: Abington may have lost many seniors but with Kalongi Kabongo still playing defense for the Green Wave there will not be as big of a drop-off as people expect. "He's the most intelligent football player I've ever coached," head coach Jim Kelliher said. "He always seems to be at the right place at the right time." After running through the league last year and going 11-0 in the regular season, Abington will have a younger team as junior Steve Parakaslis becomes the team's new quarterback. Kelliher will institute a running back-by-committee because of the amount of quality athletes on this team. "There could be as many as six running backs carrying the ball regularly for us," he said.
CARVER
Coach: Mike Fraccalossi (10th year, 48-40-3)
Last year's record: 3-8.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: carver.org/athletics.athletics.htm.
Returning starters (14): Eric Collins G-LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Nathan Day, DT-OT, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Brendan Holbrook, RB-DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Kevin Jellison, QB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Wilson Wadlow, FB-LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Steve Eldridge, TE-DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Wayne Glaneuski, FB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Taylor Leclair, LB/FB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Mike Frazier, RB/LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Corey Wood, OT/DT, 6-3, 245, Jr.; Scott O'Brien OT/DT, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Derek Saddler, QB/CB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Shane Costley, TE/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Sean Mulready, OT/DT, 6-0, 255, Jr.
Returning letter winners (): Too many to list
Strength: Defensive experience.
Concern: Offensive and defensive line depth.
Outlook: After taking its lumps last year while winning only three games, the rebuilding process is over for Carver. The team will look to rebound in a big way due to the core players that are returning. Quarterback Kevin Jellison threw 11 touchdowns last year and is poised for an even bigger year in '07. All-purpose running back Brendan Holbrook had more than 500 yards on the ground and seven receiving touchdowns last year. The Crusaders will retain 10 of 11 starters defensive starters from a team that generally held teams under three scores per game last year, including tackles-leader Taylor Leclair. "This is easily the best team we've had since we went to the Super Bowl in 2000," Fraccalossi said. "I look for us to be very competitive in what will be a difficult conference."
COHASSET
Coach: Pete Afanasiw (second year).
Last year's record: 3-5-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: cohassetk12.org/hschool/CohassetAthletics/index.html.
Returning starters: Jake Cunio, OL/DL, 6-5, 270, Sr.; Cliff Musto, OL/DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Anderson Lynner, OL, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Pat Doonan, WR, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Dave Snowdale, QB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; PJ McCaw, FB/DE, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Kyle Pinkus, RB/LB, 6-2, 205, , Sr.; Sam DeGiacomo, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Mark Slibotte, CB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Dana Valentine, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Returning lettermen: Tyler Kelly, OL, Sr.; Jordan Sargent, OL/DL, Sr.; Alec Livingstone, LB, Jr.; Mike Froio, RB/LB, Jr.; Ken Muri, TE/DE, Sr.
Strengths: Athleticism, skill positions
Concerns: Depth at offensive and defensive line
Outlook: Cohasset will be counting on his experienced offensive line and athletic offensive players to pave the way this season. Dave Snowdale is still improving as a passer but when he gets in trouble he has no problem picking up yardage on the ground. Sam DiGiacomo, Kyle Pinkus and Dana Valentine will all get carries at running back for an offense that seems to have plenty of options. "We're going to get the ball into the hands of the guys that can make the big plays," head coach Pete Afanasiw said.
EAST BRIDGEWATER
Coach: Shawn Tarpey (third year, 4-16-1).
Last year's record: 2-8-1.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: ebps.net/highschool/ebhs2.index.html.
Returning starters (11): Greg Baggett, TE/DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Nathan Brown, FB-LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Brian Phillips, 5-9, 175, TB/S, Sr.; Matthew Cepero, OL/LB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Mike Curtin, DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Justin Dodge, RB/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Daniel Fairburn, TE/DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Steve Hacker, OL/DL, 5-10, 295, Sr.; Joe Irvine, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Jonathan Yerkes, DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Nick Harmer, DE/OL, 6-1, 210, Jr.
Returning letter winners (): Too many to list
Strength: Skill Positions.
Weakness: Offensive Line.
Outlook: If East Bridgewater is to improve on its four wins the past two years, it will start with its backfield tandem of Nathan Brown and Brian Phillips. Nick Harmer, and Steve Hacker will be the strength of each side of the team's line. Head coach Shawn Tarpey is optimistic about his team's chances at improvement this year. "Our overall team strength and speed have improved, so we hope to win the close games we lost last year and maybe surprise some of the tougher teams," Tarpey said.
HULL
Coach: Jerry McGrath (third year, 4-15).
Last year's record: 2-8.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: town.hull.ma.us.
Returning starters (13): Alex Chase, LB/OL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Eugene McGowan, FL/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Brendan McCarthy, DL/OL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Steve O'Neill, DB, 5-9,165, Sr.; Mike Bilodeau, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Derek Cochlin, DL, 6-6, 285, Sr.; Jake Shea, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Triant Xypteras, RB/DL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Dave Townsend, C, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Tyler Pari, QB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; John Caparrotta, K, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Chuck Marcinkewich, SS, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jake Bennett, TE/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.
Returning letter winners (4): Clark Berger, LB; Mike Larsen, WR/S; Chris Basler, OL/DL; Sean Blackall, DB.
Strength: Experience, only lost two starters.
Concern: Depth at both defensive and offensive line.
Outlook: After going winless in its first eight games last year, Hull won its final two games and will look to carry that momentum over to this season. A reason for hope is quarterback Tyler Pari, a third-year starter who threw for close to 1,000 yards last year and added a pair of rushing touchdowns. The offensive line is also in its third year together and will keep Pari upright and create holes for newly converted running back Triant Xypteras. Defensive tackle Derek Cochlin is a certified run-stopper and inside linebackers Mike Biladeau and Alex Chase will fill in the gaps for head coach Jerry McGrath's defense. "I want this team to get off to a good start and gain confidence early on," McGrath said. "We should be competitive in every game."
MASHPEE
Coach: Matt Triveiri (third year, 14-7).
Last year's record: 8-3.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: mashpee.k12.ma.us.
Returning starters (10): David Baubain, G-DT, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jimmy Skane, TE-OL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Joe Ruo, QB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Kenny DeBrarros, 5-10. 175, Sr.; Mike Martini, C, 6-3, 195, Jr.; Kevin Burn, DE/OT, 6-4, 230, Jr.; Chris Dintino, DT/G, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Devin Cronin, DE/G, 6-3, 225, So.; Zack Zefzas, CB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Tade Dias, LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.
Returning letter winners (3): Matt Ball, Ryan Welch, Alex McGee.
Strength: Offensive line, linebackers and defensive backs.
Concern: Just seven seniors.
Outlook: Mashpee had an unexpectedly impressive season in '06 but with only seven returning seniors, success might be harder to come by this year for the Falcons. Among the seven returning players is all-league running back Kenny DeBarros, who rushed for over 1,100 yards last season. DeBarros could have even more running room this season as the offensive line looks to be one of the strong point of the team. Linebacker (and tight end) Jimmy Skane and defensive end Kevin Burn also earned all-league honors last year in helping the Falcon defense record four shutouts. Head coach Matt Triveiri said Nantucket transfer Andriquez Farmer, a junior wide receiver, will help two-year starting quarterback Joe Ruo greatly. "Andriquez is an athletic receiver who always seems to make plays," he said.
NORWELL
Coach: Jim Sullivan (19th year, 125-62-6).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website:
Returning starters (8): James Long, T-DT, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Tom Finkenstaedt, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Sean Good, G, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Tom Quinn, TE/DE, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Nick Scott, DT/OT, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Cam Evans, RB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Corey Himberg, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kevin Helm, FB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Returning letter winners (): Too many to list
Strength: Senior leadership from returning players, depth.
Concern: Inexperienced in backup roles.
Outlook: Norwell will field a relatively young team in '07 but head coach Jim Sullivan still wants to improve on last year's performance. Fullback Cam Evans will be a key player on offense and has a knack for playing well in big games, as evidenced by his pair of touchdowns on Thanksgiving last year against Hanover. The biggest storyline in the preseason for the Clippers has been the transition to quarterback from defensive back for Tom Finkenstaedt. Finkenstaedt was thrown into the role last year when the Norwell starter suffered a concussion. Head coach Jim Sullivan has confidence in him despite his lack of experience. "He's getting better with more reps....he has played some quarterback before for us as a backup," he said. "A guy like him as a lot of natural ability so he'll be fine."
Compiled by Pat Ouellette
