Patriot League football capsules

KEENAN DIVISION

DUXBURY
Coach: Dave Maimaron (fourth year at Duxbury, 38-17 overall).
Last year's record: 9-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: duxburyfootball.com.
Returning starters (14): Quinn Cully, WR/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Shane DiBona, RB/DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; JB Marsten, P, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Sean Cross, RB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Ben Startzell, K, 6-2, 160, So.; Ian Whitney, WR/DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Steve Ripley, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Matt Savard, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Tyler Gennereux, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Will Shields, OT/DT, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Ben Urann, OG/DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Alex Peterson, OT/DT, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Bob Murphy, RB/DB, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Kyle Gavoni, FB/NG, 5-11, 200, Sr.
Returning letter winners (11): Pat McWilliam, TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Liam Bevins, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Chris Norling, LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Bob Kates, DB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Danny Buonagurio, LB, 5-8, 200, Jr.; Tom Bacey, C/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; James Roumacher, OT/DE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jake Pierce, OG/DT, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Nick Johnson, OT/DT, 6-4, 220, Jr.; Mike Elias, OT/DT, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Mike Gilbody, OG/DT, 6-4, 235, Sr.
Strengths: Offensive skill positions and defensive line.
Concern: Offensive line and depth.
Outlook: The Dragons look to follow a 9-2 season with one that wins them the league title. The skill positions and defensive line are the strengths of this team. Shane DiBona returns at running back. He has size and speed and should improve upon his 15 touchdowns from last season. Duxbury has a lot of big kids on defense. The line is comprised of kids who should be good at stopping the run. Unfortunately for the Dragons, their offensive line could be a problem. The Keenan Division should provide stiff competition and Maimaron knows that his team has to compete and play hard.

HINGHAM
Coach: Paul Killinger (12th year, 47-28).
Last year's record: 11-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: hinghamschools.com.
Returning starters (6): Pat Crehan, TE/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Casey Murphy, OG/DT, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Kyle Weller, RB/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Liam O'Neill, OT, 6-3, 285, Sr.; Anthony Cappella, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Ben Lincoln, DB/RB, 5-8, 175, Sr.
Returning letter winners (7): Curt Colley, OG/DT, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Tommy Fiascone, OL, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Brett Hartnept, WR, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Connor Murphy, OB/DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Oisim O'Donnelly, OT/DE, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Tommy Rogg, OLB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Luke White, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.
Strength: Senior Class.
Concerns: Loss of senior leadership from last season.
Outlook: As always, Hingham expects to contend for a league title. Last season, the Harbormen made it to the Division 2A Super Bowl, but suffered a lopsided loss to Gloucester at Gillette Stadium. To compound the problems, Hingham lost All-Scholastic running back Chris Constantine to graduation. Constantine led Division 2A in scoring with 178 points. Even with the loss of such production, Killinger expects the running game to be a strength again. "We expect Kyle Weller to step up," said Killinger. Hingham has to contend with a lot of talent in the Keenan Division, especially from Duxbury.

QUINCY
Coach: Bill Reardon (first year).
Last year's record: 3-7.
Playing surface: Turf.
Football website: http://qhsfbclub.tripod.com.
Returning starters (9): Lance Peterson, QB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Anthony Raddatz, WR, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Sean Gray, TE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Bryan McGee, DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Mark Gilbody, WR, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Zack Manning, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; EJ Louis, DL, 6-0, 210, Sr. Pat Fernandez, DB, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Kenny Nguyen, DB, 5-6, 165, Jr.
Returning letter winners (4): Taylor Radcliff, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Max Devoe, RB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Stephan Davis, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Adams Jean-Baptiste, WR/DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.
Strength: Quarterback and receivers.
Concern: Offensive line inexperience.
Outlook: Reardon is joining a program that hasn't seen much success recently. His main goal is to be competitive, but he realizes that the division the team is in is stocked with talent. He is happy that he no longer needs to travel to Cape Cod to play because they moved from the ACL to the Patriot League. Reardon believes that if the team is going to have a solid season, he needs strong performances from wide receiver Anthony Raddatz, tight end Sean Gray, and quarterback Lance Peterson. Peterson has some targets to throw to, like Gray, Raddatz and Mark Gilbody. "Lance is more of a thrower," said Reardon. "He is mentally good and understands what needs to be done to succeed.

SCITUATE
Coach: Herb Devine (first year).
Last year's record: 2-9.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: scituate.k12.ma.us/shs/athletics.htm.
Returning starters (4): Rob Carlezon, TE/DE, 6-1, 210, Sr.; George Russo, LB/DE, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Sam Buckley, OL/DL, 6-5, 290, Sr.; Kyle Crowley, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Returning letter winners (2): Dan Kennedy, QB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Martin Noenickx, RB/DB, 5-7, 175, Sr.
Strengths: Athleticism and senior leadership.
Concern: Depth and time.
Outlook: The off-season was tumultuous for the Sailors. Steve Castle left unexpectedly, and the new coach, Herb Devine, has only had a few weeks to prepare for the season. Because of the late start for Devine, the players haven't had a lot of time to get a grasp on the type of play that Devine wants them to play. Even though the development has been rushed, Devine believes his team is in good shape. "We are going to rely on [Dan] Kennedy and [Sam] Buckley to lead by example," said Devine. Devine hopes that Buckley can anchor the defensive line and provide great blocking to open up holes for the running backs. Devine's goal is to improve upon the past season. He knows his players are enthusiastic and take pride and playing and hopes that he can "clean the culture" of football in Scituate.

SILVER LAKE
Coach: Dana Battista (eighth year, 47-29-2).
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: silverlakefootball.org
Returning starters (17): Rob Struble, RB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Andrew Thomas, NG, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Alex Trask, OLB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Josh Tomasello, LB, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Kevin Reed, DT, 6-4, 340, Sr.; Ken White, LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Sean Doherty, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Greg Gosselin, OG/DE, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Jake Luque, FB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Marc Devine, OT, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Marcus Mendes, OG, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Matt Balaschi, C, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Ryan Kennedy, TE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Greg Hanson, TE, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Dee Smith, RB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Joe Ignagni, SE, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Jaryd Rudolph, OT, 6-4, 275, Jr.
Returning letter winners (3): All Jerry Sass, DE, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Jake Stevens, RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Steven Gay, LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.
Strengths: Experience.
Concern: Depth in the secondary.
Outlook: Battista envisions a successful campaign for his football team. He knows it won't be easy, but believes his team will be there in the end if they avoid turning the ball over and if they stay healthy. There will be a new quarterback at the helm this year in junior Mitch Graziano. "Mitch is a special player," said Battista. "He has a strong arm, good vision and makes good decisions." This move allows Rob Struble to move to running back where he can showcase his skills more. Last year Struble played quarterback and Silver Lake was primarily a running team. "Struble was great at running the ball, but teams started to catch on to him because we lacked a passing game," said Battista. The Lakers now have a true quarterback and will look to open up the offense.

WHITMAN-HANSON
Coach: Sean Clifford (seventh year, 41-31).
Last year's record: 2-9.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: miaa.net/
Returning starters (8): Wayne Molinari, C/DL, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Noel James, WR/S, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Chris Newsome, TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Rick Burke, QB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Matt Colclough, FB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; James Hunter, CB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Greg Souza, ILB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Adam Belmore, 6-2, 185, Jr.
Returning letter winners (5): Kyle Dagnault, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Josh Burnett, RB/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Matt Warren, DB/RB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Kyle Erickson, ILB/RB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Will Forbes, OL/DL, 5-10, 195, Sr..
Strength: Defensive backs and depth on offense.
Concern: Offensive Line.
Outlook: Sean Clifford knows that he has a good mix of players. "My team came into the season in excellent condition," said Clifford. The team is stocked with leaders, especially Chris Newsome and Wayne Molinari. Along with the leadership, many skill players return, including wide out Noel James. "He does everything," said Clifford. "He looks like a scholarship-type player." The offensive line must continue to develop for W-H to have a chance to compete for the league. The Panthers have tough opponents scheduled for the beginning of the season, especially Marshfield, Sandwich, and Rockland. Clifford is confident that his hard-working playmakers can make a difference this year and help the team improve.

FISHER DIVISION

HANOVER
Coach: Brian King, (first year).
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: hanoverschools.org/highschool/index.htm.
Returning starters (6): Nick Hocking, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Matt Page, HB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Mike Masse, FB/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Brett Wheeler, HB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Dave Leitch, OG/DE, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Luke Lohan, OG/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.
Returning letter winners: None.
Strengths: Team speed.
Concern: Depth.
Outlook: As a first-year head coach, Brian King hopes to be competitive in a tough Patriot League. The Indians scored a lot of points last year, and their team speed should contribute to their offensive explosiveness. Coach King is looking for seniors Luke Lohan, Mike Masse and Matt Page to provide leadership for the team. Also, King hopes that they can perform well and lead the team statistically. Hanover does have depth issues with only 6 returning starters. For any chance at a successful season, some of the underclassmen must step up for the Indians.

MIDDLEBORO
Coach: John Shea (first year).
Last year's record: 4-7.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: middleborofootball.com.
Returning starters (6): Don Bailey, RB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Kyle Empey, NT/OL, 6-1, 300, Sr.; Vinny Henry, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Mark Jackson, WR/DB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Cody Carvalho, FB/LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; James Muirhead, FB/LB, 5-11, 250, Sr.
Returning letter winners (4): Zack Botelho, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, So.; Dylan Gabriel, OL/DL, 6-0, 240, Jr.; Cody Barbado, OL/LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Tim Theriault, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.
Strengths: Skill and senior leadership.
Concerns: Offensive and defensive line depth.
Outlook: As always, the goal for the Sachems is to compete for a league title. John Shea is cautiously optimistic when it comes to the upcoming season. "We have some good players and they all work really hard," said Shea. Middleboro has some good players, but Shea acknowledged that even with the talent, there isn't much depth. "We have some good players, but we have a sophomore quarterback and center," said Shea. Don Bailey is the centerpiece of the offense. At running back, he is smart and fast. According to Shea, Bailey's best attributes are his football sense, athletic ability and size. Spearheading the defense is senior linebacker James Muirhead. He has great size and strength and looks to shore up the middle of the Sachem defense.

NORTH QUINCY
Coach: Jim Connor (third year, 7-15).
Last year's record: 6-5.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: http://nqrr.tripod.com.
Returning starters (9): AJ Morphe, LT, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Joe Benoit, LG/ILB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Chris Bergeron, C, 5-10, 230, Sr.; RJ Barden, RG/ILB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Mike Benoit, RT, 5-10, 250, Jr.; Pat Watkins, HB/SS, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Joe Valpando, HB/CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Tim Stille, OLB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Terrell Staley, S, 5-8, 160, Sr.
Returning letter winners (3): Matt Jay, HB/CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Terrance Staley, LB/FB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Paul Reamer, SE, 5-9, 165, Jr.
Strength: Experienced returning starters
Concerns: System Cohesion.
Outlook: North Quincy joins that Patriot league after playing in the ACL. Jim Connor posted a 6-5 record as head coach last year. That was an improvement on the 1-10 record he had in his first season. This year, Connor expects his team to best the win total from last year. "This is the third year and the players we have get better each year," said Connor. Running backs Joe Valpando and Pat Watkins look to carry the load for the Red Raiders this year. They will run behind a veteran offensive line that is anchored by senior captain RJ Barden. Even though the Red Raiders are in a new league, Connor expects his team to compete. "If the team plays the way that they are capable of, we have a chance to be real good," said Connor.

PEMBROKE
Coach: John McIntyre (fourth year, 16-27)
Last year's record: 1-10.
Playing surface: Artificial turf.
Football website: Pembrokepublicschools.org.
Returning starters (7): Chris Lucas, RB/S, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Depindher Rhandawar, WR/CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Ryan Martin, TE/DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Paul Lowe, OL/DE, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Bobby Grantzer, OL/DE, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Luke Leavitt, QB, 6-2, 170, So.; Allan Nihill, DE/TE, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Returning letter winners: Too many to list.
Strength: Returning experience and coachability.
Concerns: Strength and overall size.
Outlook: John McIntyre is optimistic going into the season. His main goals for the team are to get off to a strong start and roll from there. "We want to win the first game and take it from there," said McIntyre. "Winning builds the expectation to win and that is what we need." McIntyre needs his underclassmen to step up if the team is going to win games. Tight end Ryan Martin is an imposing target at 6-3, 230 pounds and will need to use that frame to be a safety valve for sophomore quarterback Luke Leavitt. With limited numbers, McIntyre wants to be able to build up the program so it can be successful in the future.

RANDOLPH
Coach: Joe Cotton (first year).
Last year's record: 1-10.
Playing surface: Grass.
School website: http://www.randolph.k12.ma.us/pages/RandolphPS_Athletics/index
Returning starters (7): Ricky Igbani, RB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Kyle Spearin, TE, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Chris Samuel, DT, 6-0, 260, Jr.; Marvin Auguste, DT, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Kevin Aubry, OT, 6-5, 235, Sr.; Josue, Labranche, 5-11, 255, Sr.; Binyam Adhanom, CB, 6-0, 165, Sr.
Returning letter winners (0): None
Strength: Offense and ball control.
Concerns: Inexperience
Outlook: The Blue Devils lost a lot of senior leadership due to graduation. There are only 10 returning players. Also, nine first year players will be making their debuts for Randolph. Even with the lack of experience, Joe Cotton sees talent in his team. "In our scrimmages, we have been moving the ball really well on offense," said Cotton. The success of the offense will rely heavily on senior tailback Ricky Igbani. "Ricky is our feature back," said Cotton. "He is really quick and if he breaks the corner, he is hard to stop." Along with Igbani, offensive success will be centered on the play of junior quarterback Christian Lopez. He is able to throw the ball efficiently and handle the ball as well. One of Lopez's favorite targets this year will be Chrys Jackson. He is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. The main concern for Cotton is how his defense plays. He has two stout defensive tackles, who should be able to handle the inside run, but after that, Cotton needs players to really step up and stop the other team. Cotton's main goal is to put together a program that will be able to grow and succeed in the following years.

ROCKLAND
Coach: Ken Owen (26th year, 169-85-5).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: rocklandhighsports.net
Returning starters (6): Jeff Reardon, QB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Petros Hologitis, OG, 5-9, 210, Sr.; James Gonsalves, RB, 5-11, 180, So.; Bryan Nicholson, DT, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Chris Saucier, DE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Adam Straughn, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Returning letter winners (5): Brendan Moore, TE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Jeff Gardener, OLB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Michael Mallar, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Lincoln Faria, CB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Michael Shanahan, OT, 6-2, 250, Sr.
Strengths: Skill positions.
Concerns: Overall physical size.
Outlook: The Bulldogs need to find some underclassman to step up and fill the defensive holes for the team to be successful. Veteran coach Ken Owen knows his team needs to win the close games in order for them to compete for the league title. "We aren't going to blow out teams, but we aren't going to get blown out," said Owen. The roster is comprised of tough, competitive kids who may be a little undersized but really love to play the game. Rockland has four or five kids who can run the ball, and they have a special talent in sophomore running back James Gonsalves. He is quick and elusive and is a threat every time he touches the ball.

Compiled by Michael Grossi