Boston South football capsules
BRIGHTON
Coach: James Philip (11th year, 20-68-2).
Last year's record: 8-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: boston.k12.ma.us/brighton/athletics.asp. Returning starters (8): Kameel Lashley, QB, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Kariyn Azeez, LB-DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Kareem James, OL-DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Renel Jean, RB, 5-6, 250, Sr.; Manny Boria, WR-DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Alan Williams, DE-LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Carl Williams, RB-LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Miguel Pena, OL-DL, 5-8, 230, Jr. Returning letter winners (2): Barnes Louis, DB, Sr.; Kevin Fanon, RB-LB, Sr.
Strengths: Experienced players with four years in the system.
Concern: Difficulty of repeating as league champs.
Outlook: Brighton will be looking to defend as champions of Boston South, and has plenty of experience to guide them. Kameel Lashley, Kariym Azeez, Kareem James, Renel Jean and Carl Williams are all four-year starters for coach Philip. The team will be looking to throw the football this year, primarily out of the double wing formation. "All of the ends and backs are targets," said coach Philip. Lashley will be doing more than just throwing the ball for Brighton. He is also penciled in as the team's punter and can handle kickoff duties. Coach Philip is looking for Lashley to provide leadership on the field and have a better year statistically throwing the football.
BURKE
Coach: John Rice (seventh year, 26-42).
Last year's record: 2-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: boston.k12.ma.us/burke/football.htm. Returning starters (9): Keon Pinkney, QB-DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Randy Browne, OT-DT, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Ed Jeanmary, LB-OL, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Brandon Cook, WR-QB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Raymond Kirkland, DB-RB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Antoine Pierre-Louis, LB-RB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Wilfred Pierre, OL-DL, 6-0, 270, So.; Dwayne White, OL-DL, 5-9, 250, Jr.; Jovan Caldwell, OL-DL, 6-1, 300, Jr. Returning letter winners (4): Danielson Goncalves, WR-DB, Jr.; Elson Tavares, WR-DB, So.; Riccardo Johnson, LB-RB, Jr.; Marquis Henderson, LB-TE, Sr.
Strength: Line play and skill positions.
Concern: Depth.
Outlook: Burke returns most of their skill players from a year ago, including two quarterbacks. Coach Rice said the team will use both, but was reluctant to give out any further information about the team's plans. "It is what it is," he said, channeling his inner Bill Bellicheck. "I want the team to come out as a team and be fearless and confident," he added. Despite recent struggles, Burke has had success in developing college-level talent, with seven athletes that have gone on to play college football in the last seven years. Rice said that there could be three or four of those types of athletes on the team this year. Burke returns five starters on the offensive line, which could be the team's strongest element going into the season.
DORCHESTER
Coach: Rich Moran (third year, 3-15).
Last year's record: 1-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: boston.k12.ma.us/Dorchester/athletics.htm. Returning starters (9): Ely Paul, DB-WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Eric Lott, RB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Omar Washington, OT-DT, 6-3, 220; Charlie Hollins, RB-LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Lorenzo Malthis, LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Cole Tulien, C, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Halrey Denis, G, 5-8, 210, Sr; Steven Jarrett, QB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Evan Montero, G-LB, 6-0, 195, Jr. Returning letter winners (9): Bethovan Lagurre, OT, So.; Jasmer Augustin, TE, So.; Omar Cepeda, TE, Sr.; Xavier Borrero, LB, Jr.; Kemar Biscette, DE, Sr.; Ilias Maillis, DB, Sr.; Gurby Laguerre, G, Jr.; Justin Mack, DT, So.; Anthony Bennett, WR, So.
Strength: Running backs and skill positions.
Concern: Offensive line.
Outlook: Last year Dorchester was bit by the injury bug, and Moran has confidence in his team this time around assuming they can avoid the same fate. "If we stay away from the injury bug we should be OK. We should be able to hold our own," he said. Dorchester plays a game in Wayne, Pennsylvania against Valley Forge this year, and are the first city league team to tleave the state for a football game. Eric Lott, who missed all of last year with an injury, will lead a strong running attack for the Bears and will run behind standout lineman Omar Washington. Ely Paul will pose a deep threat for defenses that crowd the box. Quarterback Steven Jarrett got plenty of experience last year and Moran likes his potential. "He has a lot of ability and just needs to develop leadership," the coach said.
HYDE PARK
Coach: Larry L. Merritt (second year).
Last year's record: 1-8.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (7): Ronnie Simmons, RB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Gustavo Henderson, QB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Etser Edouard, FB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Tyrelle Grant, TE, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Treavon Treadway, OG, 6-2, 290, Jr.; Dahrius Fields, OT, 5-11, 230, So.; Viarding Mathieu, LB, 5-8, 160m Sr.; Melson Floroval, S, 5-8, 150, Sr.
Strength: Work ethic, senior leadership.
Concerns: Game experience.
Outlook:
LATIN ACADEMY
Coach: James Williams (first year).
Last year's
record: 5-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: boston.k12.ma.us/BLA/football.htm Returning starters (7): Nicholas Gaeta, C, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Dan Bladgette, OT, 6-1, 310, Sr.; Anthony Halloway, OG-DT, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Joshua Griffin, WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Jeremy Lastier, RB-S, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Pierre Doriscat, CB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Paul Adamson, RB, 5-8, 210, Sr. Returning letter winners (5): Ricardo Valles, TE, Jr.; Steve charles, WB, Jr.; Charles Clemens, RB, Jr.; Denzel Duncan, FB, Jr.; Luke Grabowski, QB, Jr.
Strengths: Very smart team.
Concern: Can the offense put points on the board?
Outlook: Coach Williams takes over the realm at Latin Academy after two years of Darrell Ramsey. Williams was the JV coach last year for Latin Academy, and was an assistant coach at Brighton for ten years before that. "We have a brand new program," Williams said. "I couldn't say it was a program before." "I changed the whole offense and defense," he continued. In addition, Williams has instituted shorter practices because his "get to the point, we don't waste time." Pierre Doriscat is the player to watch out for on the Dragons. "He's one of the fastest guys you'll ever see," said Williams. Doriscat will anchor the defense at CB and will play a role in special teams as one of the kick returners. "He's a big hitter and has excellent size at cornerback," said Williams, who sees the senior as a Division II or possibly Division I talent. Williams is confident in his quarterback, junior Luke Grabowski, because he helped develop him in JV last season. His biggest worry is whether or not the team will be able to execute his new offense in enough time to begin the season.
O'BRYANT
Coach: Jeff Venter (fourth year, 17-15).
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: MIAA.net. Returning starters (2): John Carrington, QB-FS, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Emmanuel Louis, OT-DT, 5-10, 250, Sr.
Strength: Good attitude and character.
Weaknesses: So much inexperience.
Outlook: O'Bryant is going through the definition of a rebuilding year, with only two returning starters and no other returning letterman. Compare that with last year's team, which returned 13 starters, and you have two entirely different teams. Emmanuel Louis is a four-year returning starter, but unless his young teammates surprise everyone his senior year will not be a dream season. Coach Venter is most excited about his duo of newcomers in the backfield, tailbacks Chris Parkins (junior) and Menwon Brisbane (freshman). Parkins is a lighter-footed back while Brisbande is a stronger back. Coach Venter was adamant that his players maintain respectable grades while playing football. His goal this season is for his younger players to step up on the field and in their education. He will also be looking to maintain strength in the program during an obvious rebuilding year.
Compiled by James Schneider
