Tri-Valley League football capsules
ASHLAND
Coach: David DiGirolomo (third year, 9-13).
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: athletics.ashland.k12.ma.us
Returning starters (7): Justin Karrat, TE/OLB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Dave Britton, TE/LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Kyle Smith, OG/DT, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Moises Lima, LB, 5-10, 225, Sr.; John Slein, OT/DT, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Tom Featherstone, OT/DE, 6-10, 190, Sr.; Jose Gutierrez, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Returning lettermen (7): Chris Nealon, QB, Sr.; Jeff Nealon, DB, Sr.; Joseph Piccioli, FB, Sr.; Derek Santasky, DB, Sr.; Mike Shahood, OG, Sr.; Andy Berardi, DE, Sr.; Sam Topliffe, C/LB, Sr.
Strengths: returning experience on defense.
Concerns: lack of depth, especially offensive skills positions.
Outlook: After years of a string of zero- and one-win seasons, Ashland appears headed in the right direction under third-year head coach David DiGirolomo. A tight, 20-13, loss to Thanksgiving rival Hopkinton kept the Clockers from posting an above-.500 record in 2006. Ashland's experience in the trenches, led by senior tri-captain Kyle Smith and classmates John Slein and Tom Featherstone, will need to be the catalyst for success in 2007. Tri-captains Justin Karrat and Dave Britton will also provide senior leadership at the tight end and linebacker positions. "We want to build on the last two years where we've had some level of success," DiGirolomo said. "We're looking for experienced players to serve as leaders and get us over the hump. By now, they know what to expect." The departure of 2006 graduates such as QB Andrew Babb, WR/DB Mike Capobianco and WR/DB Jeff Borgeshi leaves the Clockers a little weak at the skill positions, but senior Chris Nealon looks to take over as signal-caller in 2007. As far as important games on the 2007 schedule go, no one is bigger than the other for DiGirolomo. "Every game we feel is big for us; it's just a super-competitive league," the coach said. "We can't afford to look over anybody. We feel every week there's a specific challenge put before us."
BELLINGHAM
Coach: Ted Rigney (fifth year, 23-21)
Last year's record: 6-5
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (8): Richard Barche, OL/LB, 6-2, 201, Sr.; Chris Haddad, QB/S, 5-9, 187, Sr.; Mike Lamothe, RB/LB, 6-0, 198, Sr.; Chris Cuomo, WR/DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Norman Landry, RB/DB, 5-9, 178, Sr.; Shawn Lamothe, WR/DB, 5-9, 167, Sr.; Ryan Marino, OL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Pat Maloney, K, 6-0, 191, Jr.
Returning lettermen (4): Tyler Metcalf, RB, Sr.; Ryan Myrphy, DE, Sr.; Jesse Guillet, OL, Sr.; Robbie Provost, DL, Sr.
Strengths: Speed and experience at skill positions, size up front.
Concerns: Inexperience on both lines.
Outlook: With a handful of three-year starters that weathered 4-7 and 6-5 seasons in 2005 and '06, respectively, the hope in Bellingham is that coach Ted Rigney's team is ready to rediscover its place among the TVL elite. Senior tri-captain QB/S Chris Haddad leads a balanced offensive skill position lineup. Among his targets will be senior tri-caprain RB/LB Mike Lamothe and classmates WR/DB Shawn Lamothe, RB Ryler Metcalf, RB/DB Norman Landry and WR/DB Chris Cuomo. Although it lost a significant portion of its offensive line, versatile senior tri-captain Richard Barche, who has generated interest from Div. I-AA programs, moves from running back to offensive line to provide some leadership in the trenches. "[Barche] has played tight end, defensive end, running back and linebacker," Rigney said. "There's really nothing the kid can't do. If I needed a quarterback, he'd probably be the guy." A new addition to the Bellingham varsity will be sophomore Vinnie Costanzo, a weak-side linebacker that turned heads in the freshman and junior varsity program last fall. Many members of the Class of '08 are three-years starters at Bellingham, so the 2007 will mark the end of a long run.
DOVER-SHERBORN
Coach: David Bunton (third year, 2-20).
Last year's record: 0-11.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Highschoolsports.net.
Returning starters (8): Peter Bain, TE/LB, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Pat Clancy, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Tim Giblin, G/DE, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Rafael Ortega, FB/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Ted Ouellet, OT/DT, 6-4, 240, Jr.; Andrew Perlmutter, QB/FS, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Tim Torijian, WR/SS, 6-0, 170, So.; Henry Whalen, C/NT, 5-9, 205, Jr.
Returning lettermen: None.
Strengths: Returning receiving corps and defensive secondary.
Concerns: Depth.
Outlook: After last year's winless campaign, there's only one direction coach David Bunton's Raiders can go. Junior QB Andrew Perlmutter returns to take the snaps at Dover-Sherborn and will have a variety of targets to look to in 2007. Senior TE Peter Bain, senior WR Pat Clancy and sophomore WR Tim Torijian compose a receiving corps that should break some big players for the Raiders this fall. Clancy will also be looked to shut down opposing receivers at defensive back with Perlmutter and Torijian, at free and strong safety, rounding out a strong returning secondary. Torijian, who started as a freshman, was one of few bright spots at Dover-Sherborn in '07. "[Torijian is] one of those kids with great football instinct," Bunton said. "He flies to the ball on defense." The Raiders only have six seniors on the roster this fall, but their junior class is significantly larger, so the future appears brighter for Bunton, who has managed only two wins in his first two years at the helm. With last year's bagel still a memory, the team is ready to kick off a new season. "It's been a long preseason with school starting so late," Bunton said. "But the kids are working hard."
HOLLISTON
Coach: Todd Kiley (fifth year, 31-13).
Last year's record: 8-3.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: Eteamz.com/hollistonfootball.
Returning starters (7): Matt Bellomo, RB/DB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Matt Edwards, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Grady Capobianco, QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Rob Bowles, OL/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mike Lamarque, OL/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mike Stone, TE/DE, 6-6, 230, Sr.; Nick Collilouri, OL/DL, 5-11, 260, Sr.
Returning lettermen (3): Dave Brumber, WR/DB, Sr.; John Moussavou, WR/DB, Sr.; Mike Bove, WR/DB, Sr.
Strengths: Senior leadership, athleticism.
Concerns: Depth, inexperience.
Outlook: With 23 seniors on the roster and following an 8-3 campaign in '06, coach Todd Kiley and Holliston are in position to remain among the TVL elite this fall. With RB/LB Matt Edwards and TE/DE Mike Stone having already landed Div. 1 scholarships (UConn and Boston College, respectively) and RB/DB Matt Bellomo possibly next, there is definitely skill at the top, but there is more to Holliston than those three. Senior linebackers Rob Bowles and Mike Lamarque return to the lineup in 2007 and will lead a linebacking corps that lost HB/LB Mark Petercuskie to graduation. Also returning for Holliston is senior QB Grady Capobianco, a converted defensive back who lined up under center for the final six games of 2006. "[Capobianco] has really matured into a great leader for us," Kiley said. "He's an extremely bright kid who runs our offense really well." Beyond Stone, Edwards and Bellomo, Capobianco's main targets on offense will be the brand new receiving trio of seniors Mike Bove, Dave Brumber and John Moussavou, all of whom will also see time at defensive back alongside Bellomo. While numbers are a little lower beneath the Holliston senior class, the Class of '08 alone could lead it to the promised land this fall. "We feel good about the guys that are replacing our graduating seniors," Kiley said. "And hopefully that'll translate into some good performances on Friday night."
HOPKINTON
Coach: Dave Hughes (30th year, 207-88-4).
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Hopkinton.k12.ma.us/high/athletics.
Returning starters (11): Paul Ostrander, WR/S, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Kevin Cassata, WR/CB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Mark Sanborn, WR, 6-5, 205, Sr.; Cory Thalheimer, OT/DT, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Will Morningstar, OG/NT, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Dan Donahue, C, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Kyle Rudden, OT/DT, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Kelly Cook, TB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Mark Masucci, DE, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Chase Berry, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr; Luke Warren, CB, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Returning lettermen (12): Justin Marchessault, Sr.; Chris Mills, Sr.; Jack Nealon, Sr.; Dylan Marsland, Sr.; Dylan Hayes, Sr.; Sean Clark, Sr.; Matt Schultz, Sr.; Brian Prescott, Sr.; Greg Kane, Sr.; Scott Coumoyer, Sr.; Stephen Hrusovsky, Jr.; Jon Atkinson, Jr.
Strengths: Receiving corps, height.
Concerns: Inexperienced offensive backfield.
Outlook: Hughes enters his milestone 30th year at the helm in Hopkinton looking to help the Hillers, who managed only a 5-6 mark in 2006, return to TVL prominence. Hopkinton's offense has the potential to be very exciting, as it features three senior wideouts that are at least 6-foot-3 including co-captain Paul Ostrander, Kevin Cassata and Mark Sanborn. The big question mark for the Hillers is exactly who will be trying to get those three the ball. Early in training camp, it was a three-way race between senior Conor Mahon, junior Jeff Doyle (brother of 2006 graduate QB Brian Doyle) and sophomore Alex Agnosteras. While Hopkinton's signal-caller is uncertain, whoever it is will be well-protected, as senior co-captain Kyle Rudden leads a veteran offensive line that returns four starters. Among the Hillers' 2006 graduates were Brian Doyle, FB/LB Anthony Tomasz and WR Matt Potenza, but it was a relatively young team last fall that returns over 20 lettermen in 2007. It's safe to predict that it won't be a second consecutive sub-.500 season in Hopkinton. "Our goal is to get more experience early so that hopefully we'll be there at the end fighting for the league title," Hughes said.
MEDFIELD
Coach: Mike Slasson (third year, 21-3).
Last year's record: 12-1.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: Highschoolsports.net.
Returning starters (7): Max Zuccarini, HB/CB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Patrick McClay, SE/S, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Drew Donnelly, QB/DE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Chris Ripp, TE/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Andrew Collins, OL/LB, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Drey Lucchesi, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Michael Welch, OL/LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.
Returning lettermen (12): Harry Bodozian, HB/CB, Sr.; Luke Swain, QB/S, Sr.; Andrew Rianhard, HB/CB, Sr.; Jake Kramer, FB/LB, Jr.; Nick Iverson, CB/SE, Sr.; Marc Hostovsky, HB/CB, Sr.; Peter Gumas, FB/LB, Jr.; Riley Beath, OL/DE, Jr.; Adam Opiela, OL/DL, Jr.; James Thomas, OL/LB, Sr.; Bill Stanton, SE/CB, Sr.; Andre Abouhala, TE/DE, Jr.
Strengths: Returning defense, athleticism.
Concerns: Inexperience on offense, depth in trenches.
Outlook: Coming off a TVL title and Division 3 Super Bowl victory against Whittier in 2006, matching last season's accomplishments will be no small task for coach Mike Slasson's squad. Although Medfield graduated over 20 seniors from last year's team, this fall's senior class is over 20-strong as well, led by quad-captains OL/LB Michael Welch, TE/DE Chris Ripp, OL/LB Andrew Collins and SE/S Patrick McClay. While the team might have some depth issues on offense, especially on the offensive line, Welch, who has generated interest from Div. I-AA schools, will provide some senior leadership. Junior Drew Donnelly will step in to play quarterback in 2007, replacing Matt Schairer who moved and will play as a senior at King Philip. Also lost from the Medfield offense is RB Mike Lane, last year's TVL MVP who also played in the Shriners' game. Senior running backs Max Zuccarini and Harry Bodozian are the players Medfield hopes will carry the load in Lane's absence. While it will be a tall task, there are dreams in Medfield of going back-to-back this fall. "Talking to the kids, the certainly would love to repeat," Slasson said. "Our goal is to be competitive. We certainly need breaks to fall our way and to take care of the little things."
MEDWAY
Coach: Michael Regan (10th year, 44-51).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (6): Alan Hodgdon, WR/DB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; John Claffey, RB/DL, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Bobby Jones, OL/DE, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Pat Cuff, TE/DE, 6-6, 210, Sr.; Kevin Chapin, QB/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Returning lettermen (5): Dan Nyren, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick DeJoie, WR/DB, Sr.; John Lynch, WR/DB, Sr.; Tyler Iarussi, RB/DB, Jr.; Phil Cassidy, WR/DB, Jr.
Strengths: Athleticism, offensive skill positions.
Concerns: Youth, inexperience on offensive and defense line.
Outlook: Although it graduated 17 seniors last spring, coach Michael Regan and Medway are looking to improve on their 7-4 '06 mark. The Mustangs return a handful of playmakers on offense, including senior QB Kevin Chapin (1,400 yards passing, 14 touchdowns in '06), WR Alan Hodgdon (600 yards receiving) and 6-foot-6-inch TE Pat Cuff, a basketball star who could have an Antonio Gates-like presence over the middle. Medway has some work to do in the trenches, however, as it graduated its entire offensive line and six of it's front seven on defense. Senior captain Bobby Jones will anchor the retooled defensive line this fall, and classmate Dan Nyren, who was a spot-starter last season, will be one of many that needs to step up on the Medway O-line. In a season where Hopkinton coach Dave Hughes celebrates his 30th season, Regan, the league's second-longest tenured coach, marks his 10th year in Medway. Regan is one of four former Medway High players on the Mustang coaching staff, and all four played for former head coach and current OL/DB coach Kevin Clark. "We all know each other and what we want to do," Regan said. "We're very comfortable with each other. And we're all friends too, which is a plus.
MILLIS
Coach: Dale Olmsted (second year, 3-8).
Last year's record: 3-8.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Millisfootball.com
Returning starters (8): Jason Gonzalez, OL/DL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Joe Dellacamera, FB/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Craig Farrell, OL/LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Ryne Tangney, TB/LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Kevin Treseler, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Phil Gioia, WR/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Tim Evans, QB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Kenny Pennini, TB/LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.
Returning lettermen (2): Jimmy Whitlow, OL/DL, Jr.; David Baker, OL/DL, Jr.
Strengths: Toughness.
Concerns: Depth and inexperience.
Outlook: In his second year at the helm, Olmsted is giving Millis a new look, moving 2006 quarterback Phil Gioia from quarterback to wide receiver in an attempt to exploit his athleticism. Taking over under center this fall is junior Tim Evans. Senior tri-captains OL/DL Jason Gonzalez, FB/LB Joe Dellacamera and TB/LB Ryne Tangney lead a Millis team that looks to its toughness to take the next step forward in its development. Olmsted also expects big things out of senior G/ILB Craig Farrell. Lining Gioia up a receiver could be the key to sparking an offense whose 10.5 points per game was worst in the TVL in 2006. "[Gioia is] probably our best athlete," Olmsted said. "At 6-foot-2, 185, he's our fastest and most athletic kid on the team. We want to see if we can get him the ball out in space." Olmsted and his staff are confident that Evans is the player to do the job under center. "We like Tim's toughness and the way he's matured from his sophomore year to his junior year," the coach said. Along with the changes on offense, Olmsted points to defense as a point of focus in 2007. "Definitely the defense will be the key to our success this season. We're going to use our toughness and strength to keep our opponents out of the end zone."
NORTON
Coach: Robert McCoy (second year).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (8): Corey Hatch, RB/FS, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Jeff Moore, DB/K/P, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Mike Glassman, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Pat Hannon, G/DE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Mark Ledbetter, OT/DE, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Josh Archer, C/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Ricky Robichaud, OLB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Sean Ryan, RB/DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.
Returning lettermen: Too many to list.
Strengths: Team speed, skill positions.
Concerns: Depth, especially in trenches.
Outlook: After graduating all-time leading rusher John Norcott (1,700 yards in '06; 3,000 for career), coach Rob McCoy's offense will be considerably less one-dimensional in 2007. All five Lancer senior captains (G/DE Pat Hannon, OT/DE Mark Ledbetter, RB/FS Corey Hatch, RB/LB Mike Glassman and DB/K/P Jeff Moore) were either TVL all-starts or honorable mention last fall and return to lead a team looking to build on last season's 7-4 mark. Helping to fill the hole on offense left by Norcott along with running backs Hatch, Glassman and junior Sean Ryan will be a passing attack let by a pair of quarterbacks: senior Dave Billotte and sophomore Brendan St. Germaine. "[The two quarterbacks] both do different things, so they'll be used in different situations during the year," McCoy said. "We'll play to their strengths." With such a strong quintet of seniors leading the way and riding the confidence of a productive 2006 season, the sky is the limit for the Lancers in 2007. "Out offseason program was unbelievable," McCoy said. "We're ready to go."
WESTWOOD
Coach: Paul Hallion.
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (7): J.J. Ahigian, OL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Sean Grandfield, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Matt Shanahan, OL/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Connor Walsh, RB/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jay Whalen, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Matt White, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mike Fafara, OL/DL, 5-11, 245, Jr.
Returning lettermen (9): Brian Bart, RB/LB, Sr.; Ryan Bowler, TE/DE, Sr.; Russ Travers, TE/DE, Sr.; Matt Springer, OL/LB, Sr.; James Berluti, QB/DB, Sr.; Tyler Shock, WR/DB, Jr.; Brian O'Connor, TE/LB, Jr.; Max Smith, RB/DB, Jr.; Ryan Walsh, DE/TE, Jr.
Strengths: athleticism.
Concerns: Inexperience at skill positions.
Outlook: After an uncharacteristic sub-.500 mark in 2005, back-to-back Super Bowl champ Westwood showed signs of its old form in 2006 with a 7-4 showing. This year's team hopes to rely upon a preponderance of three-sport athletes to out-hustle TVL competition and build on last year's showing. Fourth-year head coach Paul Hallion's squad looks to be led by senior co-captains RB/DC Connon Walsh and WB/DB Sean Grandfield along with classmate RB/LB Matt White and junior OL/DL Mike Fafara. Senior James Berluti takes over an offense that lost is top three receivers and all-league quarterback Kevin Brooks, who will play at Stonehill this fall, to graduation. "Quarterback is a work in progress," Hallion said. "[Berluti is] very athletic and a very hard worker on and off the field." Although it went 7-4 last year, Westwood was a failed two-point conversion against Norton and a botched pass coverage against Hopkinton away from being among the TVL's best at 9-2. Hallion believes his coaching staff is poised to improve the team's execution in 2007. "Our staff is very well-prepared," the coach said. "We've been together for three years, and I think that's really going to help us, especially with some of these younger kids." Westwood's season will be delayed after Oliver Ames had to cancel this weekend's opener after tragic death of one of their players at a pre-season camp.
Compiled by Andrew Silver
