Independent School League football capsules
BB&N
Coach: John Papas (fifth year, 23-11).
Last year's record: 9-1.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: BBNS.org/athletics.htm.
Top returners (9): Nico Papas, 6-0, 227, FB/LB-NT, Sr.; Nick Halloran, 6-5, 261, OT/DE, Sr.; Steve Grassa, 6-0, 181, RB/SS, Jr.; Mike Dichiara, 6-3, 195, QB, Jr.; Derek Papagianopoulos, 5-10, 225, RB/LB, Soph.; Ian Mahoney, 6-3, 272, OT, Sr.; Xander Frantz, 6-3, 261, OG, Jr.; Jimmy McCaffrey, 5-10, 170, WR, Soph.; Grant Covington, 6-0, 200, OLB, Sr.
Strengths: Strong veteran group.
Concerns: Over-confidence, injuries.
Outlook: BB&N returns 18 starters from last year's NEPSAC Super Bowl championship team. If the Knights can keep healthy and focused, Papas feels they should be in the thick of the ISL race and a return visit to the postseason. John's son, Nico, (Columbia) and Nick Halloran (Boston College) have verbally committed and tackle Ian Mahoney is on every Ivy list. Steve Grassa, Mike Dichiara, and Xander Frantz are the same caliber of players and will heavily recruited next year according to Papas. Papagianopoulos and Covington are solid run defenders and McCaffrey can flat out fly (4.49 at the Ohio State Football Camp). Papas looks at Lawrence, Thayer, Milton, and Nobles as strong contenders. Belmont Hill and Governors are always tough. Brooks has great skill. The coach's sleeper? "Rivers."
BELMONT HILL
Coach: Kevin Fleming (19th year, 108-35-2).
Last year's record: 9-0.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Belmont-Hill.org.
Returning starters (7): Alex Englert, QB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Pat DeJesus, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Michael DiSanto, DT, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Michael Kinnealey, C, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Oliver Hurd, G, 5-11, 185, 12; Tyler Dziama, DE, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Brendan Goyette, G, 6-0, 220, Jr.
Strengths: Attitude and tradition.
Concerns: A young, inexperienced team.
Outlook: Belmont Hill graduated an excellent senior class, but excitement is high as 66 players are out for the team. With captains Pat DeJesus at linebacker and Alex Englert at quarterback, Belmont Hill has two outstanding leaders on each side of the ball. Last fall, Belmont Hill was the highest scoring team in the conference at 30.0 ppg and also was the only ISL team to hold opponents under 10 points a game (8.1). In addition, captains Mike DiSanto and Mike Kinnealey are key performers on the line of scrimmage. BB&N and Milton Academy appear to be the two strongest teams with a wealth of returning potential starters.
BROOKS
Coach: John Quirk (fourth year, 6-17).
Last Year: 1-7.
Football website: Brooksschool.org.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters (10): Frank Conway, Sr., TE/DE, 6-0, 190; Brad Forgetta, Sr., QB/OLB, 5-11, 170; Guy Landers, Sr., G/LB, 5-10, 230; Patrick Lahey, Sr., T/DT, 6-3, 285; Robert Perryman, Sr., RB/OLB, 6-1, 190; Aaron Stanley, Sr., C/DT, 6-0, 250; Luis Berroa, Jr., OL/DT, 5-10, 205; Joe Napolitano, Jr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 185; Brian
Returning Lettermen (6): Jason Adames, Sr. SE/DB, 5-10, 155; Nick Comrie, Sr., T/DT, 6-2, 295; Zach Goldthwaite, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 160; Mike Nickerson, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 202; Brendon Emery, Jr., G/DE, 5-11, 182; Jason Buco, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 155.
Strength: Running game.
Concerns: Challenging early schedule.
Outlook: Brooks looks to build on the experience of last year, a core of solid returning players, and strong senior leadership to turn around its recent struggles. On offense, quick and explosive backs (Jordan Johnson, Robert Perryman and Joe Napolitano) should find plenty of running room behind a strong and physical line featuring four seniors (Patrick Lahey, Guy Landers, Frank Conway and Aaron Stanley). An anticipated strong running attack should open up some opportunities for sophomore quarterback Jason Buco to make plays on the corner and down the field; senior Brad Forgetta is challenging Buco for the starting job and will add depth and experience at that key position. The athleticism on the offensive side of the ball should translate well to defense. A defensive front that was undersized last year is bigger and stronger, and an aggressive linebacker corps and secondary should make it tough for opposing offenses to make big plays. A tough early schedule for Brooks against three of the premier teams in the ISL (BB&N, Belmont Hill and Governor's Academy) will let the squad know where it stands quickly.
GOVERNOR'S ACADEMY
Coach: Mark Gerry (15th season, 79-36-1)
Last year's record: 6-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: thegovernorsacademy.org.
Returning starters (6): Kurt Berthiaume, Sr., DT, 5-10, 220; Herbie Kent, Sr., WR, 5-11, 185; Jimmy King, Jr., C, 5-11, 190; Andrew Somerville, Sr., RB, 6-0, 205; George Tsakirgis, Jr., RB, 5-9, 220; Sumner Webster, Jr., LB, 6-4, 220.
Returning lettermen (17): Greg Allis, Sr., DB, 5-11, 180; Steve Barton, Sr., RB, 5-8, 165; Ray Boghos, Jr., DB, 5-7, 155; Joe Brislin, Sr., RB, 5-10, 190; Will Bryson, Sr., QB, 5-11, 185; Colin Canty, Jr., DE, 5-10, 190; Max Caron, Jr., RB, 5-9, 185; Chad Darcy, Jr., OL, 6-4, 215; Colin Doggett, Sr., OL, 5-11, 185; David Doggett, Sr., LB, 5-11, 185; Patrick Harper, Jr., DE, 5-10, 195; Ryan Moores, Jr., OL, 6-5, 220; Jeff Muscatello, Sr., WR, 6-0, 185; Mike Orloff, So., QB, 6-1, 185; Remington Pope, So., RB, 5-11, 175; Blake Riley, Jr., DB, 5-9, 170; Chris Webster, Jr., OL, 6-4, 250.
Strengths: Skill positions.
Concerns: Inexperienced lines.
Outlook: Governor's Academy is solid at the skill positions - good experience at RB with senior Andy Somerville and junior George Tsakirgis, and at flanker with senior Herbie Kent. Captains are Kurt Berthiaume, Kent, Somerville, and Sumner Webster. Senior Will Bryson and sophomore Mike Orloff are competing for the quarterback spot. Up front, junior Jimmy King is leader of an offensive line that will have to mature quickly. Defensively, the Govs will be lead by senior Sumner Webster at linebacker and senior Kurt Berthiaume at tackle as well as seniors Colin Doggett and David Doggett. Defense should be the strength of the team. The Govs will not be able to take anything for granted this season; every game should be competitive for us.
GROTON
Coach: Jeff Moore (first year).
Last year's record: 2-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Groton.org.
Returning starters (10): Colby Mattheson, TE-DL, 6-1, 215, Sr. Captain, Brendan Fogarty, G-NG, 5-11, 189, Sr., Captain, Sander Scott RB-LB, 5-11, 190, So., Hunter Treacy, DB-WR, 5-10, 178, Sr., Andy Surinach, WR-DB, 5-10, 167, Sr., Billy Larkin, RB-LB, 5-10, 168, Jr. ; Tyler Rodriguez, WR-LB, 5-11, 175, Sr, Samuel Minifie, OG-DL, 6-3, 235 Sr.
Returning lettermen (7): James Anderson, TE-LB, Kyle Goodwin, OT-DE, Jr.; Michael Phillips, OT-DE, Sr.; Evans Grenier, WR-LB, Jr.; Peter Taylor OT- LB, Jr. Samuel Minifie ,OG -DE, Sr. , Matt Midon, WR-DB, Sr..
Other returning players: Rodney Strong, G-NG, Sr.; Cooper Warner, OT-DE, Sr.; Will Stemberg, WR-DB, So.; Reed Simmons, WR-DB Jr.; Hugh Harwood WR-LB, Jr..; Seppi Colleredo- Mansfeield, WR-LB-P, Jr.; Ben Lamont ,TE-LB, K Jr..; Michael Shin, OG-DE, So. Eugene Chong OG-NG, So.
Newcomers: Brett Frongillo, QB-DB, So.; Ross Julian, RB-LB, Fr.; Tanner Keefe, WR-DB, Soph.; Luke Deary, QB-DB, Jr.; Dale Adams, OG-NG, So.; Alex Machikas, QB-DB; Will Seidler, C-NG, Jr.; Andrew Daigneault, WR-LB; Nathaniel Cutler, WR-DB, Sr.; Henry Maguire, WR-DB, So.; Charles Bouitet, OT-DE, Jr.; Alexander Gregoire, TE-LB, So.; Robert Black, OG-DE, So.; Nicholas Seidler, RB-DB, Jr.; Mike Cassidy, C-LB, So.; Jonathan Rodriguez, OG-NG, So.; Connor Baharozian, OT-DE, So.; Ike Okarofor WR-DB, So.; Bubba Scott, TE-LB Fr.; Zachary Baharozian, OG-DL, Fr.
Strengths: Experience at skill positions.
Concerns: Depth on both sides of ball.
Outlook: Groton School showed great improvement from scrimmage to scrimmage, but are still getting comfortable with new offensive and defensive schemes and overall philosophy. Still, with the infusion of new talent expected to contribute this season, Moore's goal is to have the Zebras be competitive in every game and sneak up on some opponents. The Zebras are playing with excitement and enthusiasm. Moore welcomed 49 players to preseason practices, with 10 of those players being new to Groton. There is some talent among the newcomers, some of whom will have an instant impact, others in the future. Returning two-way standout and captain Brendan Fogarty (honorable mention All-ISL), WR-DB Andy Surinach, RB-LB Sander Scott and Utility DB/WR/kick and punt returner Hunter Treacy (4.6 speed), give the Groton School a well-rounded attack. "We are very deep in the skills positions and have two decent QBs," said Moore. "I hope to return to the upper half of the league and possibly obtain a NE Prep Bowl berth."
LAWRENCE ACADEMY
Coach: Brian Carroll (second year).
Last season: 4-4.
Football website: lacademy.edu.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters: Andrew Belmonte, Sr., 6-3, 220, TE/LB; Victor Howell, Sr. 6-1, 270, OL/DL; Jonathan Schultz, Sr., 6-0; 215, OL/LB; Brendan Gallagher, Sr., 6-0; 210, OL/DL; Joe Demoura, Sr., 6-2, 255, OL/DL; Chris Lane, Sr., 5-11, 215, RB/LB; Ollie Taylor, Jr., 5-11, 185, WR/DB; Charley Loeb, Jr., 6-4, 215, QB/DE; Darryl
Strengths: Big-play threats on offense.
Concerns: Much of roster is inexperienced.
Outlook: Lawrence Academy has an explosive offense with several different weapons according to Carroll, entering his second year at Lawrence. Charley Loeb will lead a no-huddle attack at quaterback in which every player will touch the football. LA is an experienced team that has two big-play threats on offense (Darryl Cato-Bishop and Chris Lane) There are four senior starters on the offensive line who have played together for two seasons. This is an extremely fast defensive football team that will attack every opponent from start to finish. Defensive leaders include Ollie Taylor, Andrew Belmonte, and Jonathan Schultz. Team depth is always a question. LA's roster has increased from 43 to 64 players this season. However, many of these players are lacking experience. LA plays two of the top teams in the ISL during the first 3 weeks (Thayer and BB&N) of the season. This will be an exciting team to watch and with a couple of early wins could finish in the upper tier of the league.
MIDDLESEX
Coach: Joe Lang (12th year, 58-29-1).
Last year's record: 4-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Middlesex.edu.
Returning starters (13): Peter Carroll, Sr., WR, 6-0, 170; John Dehm, Sr., DB, 5-10, 180; Jason Hardy, Sr., WR, 6-2, 185; Jim Hughes, Sr., RB, 5-9, 185; Eric Olshaw, Sr., DE, 6-2, 185; Scott Rehnert, Sr., G, 5-10, 220; Jesse Reinherz, Sr., G, 6-2, 210; Nick Toth, Sr., LB, 5-11, 170; Scott Anderson, Jr., DE, 6-4, 215; Mike Hurynowicz, Jr., TE, 6-1, 225; David Lawson, Jr, RB/S, 6-1, 195; Michael Pallotta, Jr., WR, 5-11, 175; Alessio Tropeano, Jr., FB/LB, 5-11, 235.
Returning lettermen (6): Mike Cimino, Sr., LB; Chris Littauer, Sr., T; Zach Roy, Sr., T; Peter Given, Jr., DT; Chris Lawrence, Jr., S; Diego Maquieira, Jr., LB.
Strength:
Concerns:
Outlook: "We were very young last year, starting eight juniors and five sophomores," said Lang. "We will depend heavily on this nucleus of returning players to lead our team, with the experience they gained last year." All the other battles for staring positions have been intense and Lang is excited about the effort, dedication and talent he has seen. Captains this year are John Dehm, Jim Hughes, Scott Rehnert and Alessio Tropeano. According to Lang, the top teams to watch are Milton, Thayer, BBN, Governors Academy, Belmont Hill, and Nobles.
MILTON ACADEMY
Coach: Kevin Macdonald (26th year, 158-64-4; 12th year at Milton Academy, 59-22-3).
Last year's record: 6-2
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Milton.edu.
Returning starters (8): Walter McCarthy, OT/DT, 6-6, 236, Sr.; Steve Aborn, TE/LB, 6-4, 226, Sr.; Tim McHugh, OG/LB, 5-10, 222, Sr.; Gordon Thorpe, OG/DE 6-2; 205, Sr.; Ivan Yeung, DT, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Spencer Gaffney, OG/DT 6-0, 225, Sr.; Kyle Roy, RB/CB 5-9; 181, Jr.; Josh Scott RB/LB 6-2, 196, Jr.
Returning lettermen (6): Chris Kuppens, OC/DT 6-0, 210, Sr., Matt O'Sullivan, WR/S, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Andrew Hresko, FB/LB 5-11, 180, Sr.; Henry Litman, TE/DE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; George Haydock, OG/DT, 5-11, 215, Jr.; Alex Harris, TE/DE, 6-4, 200, Jr.
Strengths: Size, experience on the line.
Concerns: Experience at quarterback.
Outlook: Led by seniors, Steve Aborn, Walter McCarthy and junior, Josh Scott, all legitimate Division 1 recruits, Milton Academy hopes to once again contend for an ISL title. Milton finished tied for fourth last fall with Governor's Academy and Thayer and statistically the three schools were amazingly even, Thayer scoring 24.4 ppg, Milton 24.3. Phil Keefe has graduated, leaving quarterback and unproved position.
NOBLE AND GREENOUGH
Coach: Bob Moore (fourth year, 16-8-1).
Last year's record: 7-1-1.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Nobles.edu.
Returning starters (12): Nick Resor, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 214; McCallum Foote, Jr., QB, 6-5, 187; Bobby Kelly, Jr., LB, 6-2, 202; Jonah Fay, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 165; Patrick Noone, Sr., TB/DB, 5-10, 185; Jeff Leach, Sr., TE/DE, 6-0, 203; Rob Schlesinger, Sr., FB/LB, 6-0, 205; Matt Bezreh, Sr., OL, 6-0, 185; TJ Weyl, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 195; Mike Turcotte, Sr., OL/DE, 6-0, 201; Elike Kumahia, Sr., 6-1, 303, OT/DT; Ryan Strehlke, Sr., OT/DT, 6-1, 245.
Returning lettermen (14): Spencer Omuemu, Jr., TE/LB; 5-11, 170; Devan Luster, Jr., WR/DB, 6-1, 195; Peter Owen, Jr., LB/FB, 5-10, 195; Will Murphy, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 176; Emmett Mercer, Jr., OL/LB, 5-11, 175; Austin Tuttle, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 170; Gordie McIntire, Jr., LB/OL, 5-6, 170; Matt Grape, Sr., OL/DE, 5-11, 165; Andrew Bishop, Jr., OL/DE, 6-3, 205; Zac Allen, Jr., OL/DL, 5-9, 230; Ben Norment, Sr., 6-0, 165, C/DL; Andrew LoRusso, Jr., TE/LB, 6-0, 188; Andrew Leonard, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Ryan Ederle, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 160.
Strengths: Returning starters.
Concerns: Keeping opponents off the board.
Outlook: A strong group of returning starters will help us with the great challenges each week in our schedule. This year's senior class has been the core of the 13-3-1 record over the past two years. They are excited to have one more season together and make a run at the ISL title. Many underclassmen will find opportunities to compete for spots on the field as adding depth is always a key to a team's success. Of the top six teams last fall, Nobles gave up the most number of points (16.3 ppg), more than twice what Belmont Hill allowed.
RIVERS
Coach: Darren Sullivan (third year, 6-10).
Last year's record: 2-5.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: Rivers.org/athletics.
Returning starters: Greg Clifford, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 210; Brendon Donahue, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 190; Tim Jackson, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 205; Derek Kelliher, Sr. RB/DB; Peter Litvack, Sr. OL/LB, 6-1, 210; Sean McGahan, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 165; Matt McGuinness, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Kyle Shute, Sr., RB/LB, 6-0, 190; Lenny Bautista, Jr., TE/DE 6-3, 165; Justin Holmes, Jr., 5-9, 158, WR/DB; Ben Patrick, So. RB/DB 5-10, 150.
Returning Lettermen: Domenic Del Favero, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 258; Andrew Navoni, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 150; Matt Robinson, Jr, OL/DL, 6-0, 205; Marc Torrice, Jr. OL/DL 6-7, 310; Brian Belichick, QB/DB, 5-8, 150; Joe Rockland, So., TE/LB, 5-11, 165.
Strengths: Skill positions.
Concerns: Depth.
Outlook: Senior captains Greg Clifford, Tim Jackson, and Kyle Shute will lead the team. According to Sullivan, returning players to watch include All-ISL selection Sean McGahan at QB, Matt McGuinness at receiver, and Justin Holmes on defense. Other players to watch include Drew Papas and Steve Manning who are new to the team. "The great senior leadership of this team combined with their solid work ethic should keep us competitive in the league this season," said Sullivan. Rivers needs to improve its defense to make a move up the standings. Rivers was 15th out of 16 teams in points allowed, giving up 29.1 ppg.
ROXBURY LATIN
Coach: Michael Turner (second year).
Last year's record: 1-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: roxburylatin.org
Returning starters (14): Tom Campanella, LB/RB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; John Collins, DT/OT, 6-4, 265, Jr.; Mark Danso, LB/RB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Rich Iskra, WR/KR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Jordan Leites, CB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Zach Markell, SS, 5-10, 175, So.; Chris Muto, OG, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Vinnie Napoleon, LB/RB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Brian Nwachukwu, LB, 6-1, 203, Sr.; Steve Pope, DT, 6-0, 204, Jr.; Sean Spellman, WR, 6-4, 189, Sr.; Joe Tagliente, DT/OG, 6-1, 250, Jr.; Michael Wharton, C, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Ryan Whooley, FS/P, 6-3, 177, Sr.
Returning letter winners (in addition to returning starters): Sam August, SS/WR, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Jorind Beqari, DE/OG, 6-1, 187, Sr.; Andrew Berry, CB/WR, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Mike Ciommo, CB/WR, 5-9, 152, Jr.; Mike Feeney, DT/OT, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Thad Kull, FS/WR, 6-5, 173, Jr.; Kyle Layne-Allen, LB/WR, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Scott Martin, LB/WR, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Chris Martin, FS/WR, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Alex Raffol, QB, 6-4, 190, Jr.; Ethan Settel, DT/OG, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Eric Sheehan, LB/OG, 5-8, 185, Sr.
Strengths: Experience and athleticism.
Concerns: Depth. Tough schedule.
Outlook: The Foxes look to capitalize on a wealth of experience on the field and full year under a new system. Offensively, the line returns four starters and the skill positions are deep. Quarterback is the only position as yet unclear, with senior Richie Iskra and junior Alex Raffol currently splitting time. Whoever is at the helm will have a host of play-makers to whom he will need to get the ball. The backfield offers a range of power and speed from Napoleon, Campanella, Danso, Markell and Leites. The talented receiver corps of Spellman, Whooley, Iskra (pulling double duty) will stretch and spread defenses. Defensively and on special teams, RL will look to exploit its athleticism to run down opponents, with Danso, Napoleon, Nwachukwu leading the linebacking crew. Collins and Tagliente will anchor the defensive line.
ST. GEORGE'S
Coach: John Mackay (21 years, 68-114-6 overall).
Last year's record: 0-8.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Stgeorges.edu.
Returning starters (10): Devin O'Rourke, TE-DL, 6-3, 218, Sr. (16 recpts, 180 yds.; 29 tackles, 7 for losses); Bennett Byrd, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr. (597 yds. passing, 4 TDs, 10 int., 2 TDs rushing); Whit Curtin, DB, 5-7, 175, Sr. (25 tackles, 3 pass breakups); Kyle Corkery, RB-DB, 6-0, 170, Sr. (injured); Brian Lowry, WR, 6-3, 175, Sr. (15 recpts, 277 yds., 3 TDs, 1 PAT; 1 TD rushing); Drew Miller, DB-PK, 5-11, 165, Jr. (1 XP; 69 tackles, 4 caused fumbles, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups); Doyle Stack, DB, 6-0, 175, Jr. (47 tackles, 1 interception); Thomas Evans, LB, 5-11, 185, Jr. (31 tackles, 1 caused fumble, 1 sack); Galimah Baysah, RB, 5-9, 175, Jr. (162 yds. rushing, 1 TD, 2 PATs; 63 yds. kickoff returns); Pat Guerriero, RB-CB, 5-9, 175, Jr. (30 yds. rushing, 20 yds. receiving; 18 tackles, 2 pass breakups).
Returning lettermen (7): Peter Hahn, RB-LB, Sr.; George Gebelein, RB-DB, Sr.; Teddy Swift, RB-DB, Soph.; Chris McCormack,QB, Jr.; Angus Anderson, TE-DB, Sr.; Teddy Collins, RB-LB, Jr.; Stockton Bullitt, C-LB, Sr.
Other returners: William Bruce, G-DL, Sr.; Chris Cooke, OT-DL, Sr.; Ethan Ayres, DB, Jr.; Vic Bogachev, OG-DL, Sr; Nate Pearson, OT-DL, Jr.; Rusty Aldrich, OT-DL, Soph.; Sam Kinney, RB-LB, Jr.; Ben Lewis, C-DL, Soph.; John Harris, OG-LB, Jr.;
Top newcomers: Andree Jenmert, QB-DB, Soph.; Streeter Warren, RB-LB, Soph.; Kevin Shelton, RB-DB, Jr.; Luke Erder, OL-DL, Soph.; Nick Biedron, WR-DB, Jr.
Strengths: Devin O'Rourke and addition of 23 newcomers.
Concerns: Graduation losses on both lines.
Outlook: St. George's showed great improvement in '05 but took a big step backward last fall. Still, with the infusion of new talent expected to contribute this season, Mackay's goal is to have SG return to the upper half of the league and obtain a NE Prep Bowl berth. Mackay welcomed 54 players to preseason practices, with 23 of those players being new to St. George's. There is some talent among the newcomers, some of whom will have an instant impact, others in the future. Returning two-way stalwart O'Rourke (honorable mention All-ISL), QB Byrd, the safety tandem of Stack and Miller, the return from injuries of Corkery and Swift, and the much improved play of youngsters Evans, Geurriero, and Baysah, and St. George's has the makings of a solid attack. Once again, the Dragons are thin. They can ill-afford to suffer any injuries (like they did in '06), as lack of depth will be a weakness. The Dragons lost almost all their starters from both lines as well as much of their starting linebacking corps. Mackay will need some of the JV linemen to make the jump to varsity competition.
ST. MARK'S
Coach: Bob Brennan (fourth year, 10-22).
Last year's record: 3-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Stmarksschool.org.
Returning starters (6): Captain Matt Drew, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Captain Mike Marinella, TE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Captain Andy Ensor, LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Alex Jung, OG, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Paul Staley, OT, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Captain Max Metcalfe, RB, 5-8, 155, Sr.
Contributing veterans: Jon Arone, LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Ryan Smith, Sr., LB/G, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Russell Braithwaite, RB/LB, 205, Jr.; Jay Dickenson, LB/RB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Chris Cyr, RB/DB, Jr., 5-5, 170; Tim Kast, 6-5, 235, OT/DT, So.; Jeremey Constable, 6-4, 215, FB/DL, So.
Strengths: Captains' leadership.
Concerns: Skill positions.
Outlook: St. Mark's lost 13 seniors to graduation and that loss especially hurts at the skill positions where Brennan's team lacks the speed and strength it had in '06. Brennan says he is, "hoping our underclass personnel will improve quickly." St. Mark's struggled offensively last fall, scoring just 14.1 ppg. Defensively, the team gave up 21 ppg. St. Mark's will be challenged to improve on those numbers this fall.
ST. PAUL'S
Coach: Matt Winslow (fourth year, 6-17).
Last year's record: 4-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Sps.edu.
Top returning players: Fred Vennat, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Tom Hearne, OL/DL, 6-3, 195, Sr. (captain); John Stuckey, OL/DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Eric Jones, OL/DL, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Justin Higgins, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Peter Winterhof, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr. (captain); Victor Haug, QB/RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr. (captain); James Barker, OL/LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Andrew Fenstermaker, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Jordan Buxton-Punch, RB/LB, 6-2, 195, Jr.
Strengths: Veteran offensive and defensive lines.
Concerns: Better results away from home.
Outlooks: After scoring better than 25 ppg last fall, Winslow feels he should have a balanced attack in '07. St. Paul's will have strong personnel at running back and wide receiver, a veteran line, and linebackers and defensive backs who hope to improve on last year's 22.0 ppg defensive numbers. Another stat Winslow would like to turn around is the road record, where St. Paul's was 1-3.
ST. SEBASTIAN'S
Coach: Bob Souza (30th year, 122-87-9)
Last
year's record: 3-5.
Playing surface: Artifical turf.
Football website: stsebs.org
Returning starters (11): Tom Stratton, LB/FB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Sean Flaherty, RB/DB 5-9, 170, Sr.; Chris Homsy, DE/TE, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Charley Jacob, OL/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Rob Brooks, 5-8, 160, SE/DB, Sr.; Brendan McPartland, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Brendan Murray, OL/DE 6-3, 215, Sr.; Ted Downs, TB/LB 6-0, 200, Jr.; Sean O'Malley RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Joe McNamara, 6-0, 210, QB, Jr.; Luke Regan, TE/DT, 6-3, 240, Jr.
Returning lettermen (5): Matt Murphy, TE/DE, 6-5, 240, Jr.; Nick Gallagher, 6-0, 190, OL/LB, Jr.; Greg Mateo 5-10, 180, RB/DB, Sr.; Steve Feeley, 6-0, 200, RB/LB, Sr.; Pat Stanton, 5-10, 180, SE/LB, Sr.
Strengths: Experienced defense.
Concerns: Point production.
Outlook: Chris Homsy was an all-league defensive end last season will lead a defense that returns seven starters, so we feel that will be our strength. Four offensive starters return from a team that averaged an ISL-low 7.1 ppg. Both McNamara and Downs finished the season strong last fall so they will have to carry the offense. We play one of the toughest schedules in the ISL and our first four games (Milton, GA, Middlesex, and Belmont Hill) will be critical in deciding who will be the leader in our league. Thayer Academy, Milton Academy, and Governor's Academy, all return a significant number of starters and seem to be the favorites going into the season. BB&N and Nobles will also return a solid group from last year's teams that should make them contenders.
THAYER
Coach: Jeff Toussaint (fourth year, 18-6-1).
Last Year: 6-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: thayer.org.
Returning starters (13): Alex Shulman, LB/TE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Matt Evans, LB/RB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Ian Vieira, RB/DB, 5-10, 192, Sr.; Ryan Urso, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Nick Celli, LB/OL, 6-0, 190, Sr;. Miniard Culpepper, Jr. WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Evan Murray, OL/DL, 6-7, 295, Sr.; Anthony Melchionda, QB/DB, 6-0, 177, Sr.; Brian Magner, 5-8, 185, DL/OL, Sr.; Michael Signorelli, OL/DE 6-1, 175, Sr.; Michael Gooding, FB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Nathanael Sugarbaker, TE/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Dan Kent, OL/DE, 5-11, 200, Jr.
Returning lettermen (5): Jonathan Culpepper, 5-9, 150, QB/DB, Jr.; Dagmawi Dougherty, 5-7, 150, RB/DB/K/P, Jr.; Sean Rodgers, DB/RB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Robert Geary, LS/OL/DL, 5-11, 150, Soph.; Zachary Clayton, DE/OL, 5-11, 170, Sr.
Strengths: Senior leadership, speed, skill positions.
Concerns: Staying healthy.
Outlook: Toussaint is most encouraged by his strong senior class. "Evans, Vieira, Shulman, Urso, Murray, Melchionda, and Culpepper lead a group that has been quite successful during its time at Thayer." The group has attracted considerable attention from colleges with Shulman (Dartmouth) and Evans (UNH) already receiving offers. If Thayer stays healthy, which was not the case last year, it should be in the hunt for the league title. Toussaint feels Milton, Nobles, BB&N, Governor's Academy, and Belmont Hill all return solid squads and will be contenders.
Compiled by Globe high school editor Bob Holmes. Information supplied by ISL coaches.
