South Shore League football capsules
ABINGTON
Coach: Jim Kelliher (34th year, 166-162-7)
Last year's record: 10-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters (9): Steve Perakslis, QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Kristian LaPointe, RB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Pat Iacobucci, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Sean Martin, OT, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Steve Foster, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Keith Faxon, RB-LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Chris Dion, TE-DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Tim O'Brien, OG-DL, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Kalonji Kabongo, DE-OG, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Returning lettermen (10): Joe Theodore, OT-DL, Sr.; Tyler Hitchcock, SE-DB, Sr.; Pat Kupska, DT-OT, Jr.; Shawn McCue, OT-DT, Jr.; Steve Foster, TE-LB, Sr.; Aaron Parsons, WR-DB, Sr.; Pat Gabriele, RB-DB, Sr.; Ian Campbell, RB-DB, Jr.; Andrew Crosta, QB-WR-DB, Jr.; Jack Feeney, RB, Jr.
Strengths: Backfield.
Concerns: Depth.
Outlook: Abington will look to return to the post season on the backs of lineman (and co-captains) Tim O'Brien and Kalonji Kabongo. The two are expected to pave the way for a very deep and talented backfield, spearheaded by running backs Kristian LaPointe and Pat Iacobucci. "We've got a revolving door in the backfield," said long-time coach Jim Kelliher. "In the long run during the season it will benefit us." Abington will have a target on its back after winning a very competitive league in which five out of seven teams finished above .500. Kelliher welcomes the competition, remaining optimistic about his team's chances to once again be crowned South Shore League champions. "We fully expect to contend for the league title. Our main objective every year is to win the league, then we get a piece of the pie."
CARVER
Coach: Mike Fraccalossi (11th year, 53-46-3)
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: highschoolsports.net.
Returning starters (9): Shane Costley, TE-LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Michael Frazier, RB-LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Brandon Holbrook, RB-CB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Taylor LeClair, RB-LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Sean Mulready, OT-DT, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Scott O'Brien, OT-DT, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Cory Wood, OT-DT, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Derek Saddler, QB-DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Brandon Zamora, OT-DT, 5-9, 185, Sr.
Returning letter winners (10): Cam Terio, OT-DT, Sr.; Mike Babbin, OT-LB, Jr.; Mike Cabral, OT-LB, Jr.; Tom Coyne, RB-CB, Jr.; Dave Lake, RB-LB, Jr.; Sean Mahoney, OT-DT, Jr.; Devin Rudolph, RB-S, Jr.; Pat Tighe, SE-S, Jr.; Brandon Kingston, TE-DE, Jr.; Owen Moore, RB-LB, So.
Strength: Senior leadership, running game.
Concern: Inexperience at quarterback, depth of offensive line.
Outlook: Carver will rely on a strong running game and its mobile, first-year quarterback. Senior Derek Saddler will take the snaps after being converted from the running back position. Carver has improved consistently over the last few seasons, and Fraccalossi believes that, barring injury, going 8-2 is not out of the question. "We've been climbing the ladder each year and this year could be one of the better ones for Carver," predicted Fraccalossi. Carver looks to be in good position to jockey with several other teams for the top spot in the league.
COHASSET
Coach: Pete Afanasiw (third year, 11-7-2).
Last year's record: 8-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: cohassetk12.org/hschool/CohassetAthletics/index.html.
Returning starters (4): Anderson Lynner, OT-DT, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Dana Valentine, LB-RB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; John Maher, QB-DB, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Nick Lieberman, OT-DT, 6-1, 220, Jr.
Returning lettermen (10): Brendan Doonan, WR-DB, Jr.; Dean Driscoll, WR-DB, Jr.; Mike Froio, LB-RB, Sr.; Alec Livingstone, RB-DB, Sr.; Will Lynner, OT-DT, Jr.; Nick Savage, TE-DE, Sr.; Derek Schwantner, TE-DB, Sr.; Dan Sullivan, OT-DT, Jr.; Matt Wasel, OT-LB, Sr.; Jake Wheelwright, RB-LB, Jr.
Strengths: Team speed, athleticism, skill positions
Concerns: Depth, inexperienced offensive line.
Outlook: Following a surprising 8-2 campaign, Cohasset will be fighting an uphill battle to repeat that success. Only one starter, senior lineman Anderson Lynner, returns to Cohasset's unseasoned offense. Peter Afanasiw believes that the team's intangibles that propelled it last season will make a difference. "The kids work really hard, they don't take anything for granted," said Afanasiw. "(We will) try to stay competitive and win the league championship."
EAST BRIDGEWATER
Coach: Shawn Tarpey (fourth year, 12-18-1).
Last year's record: 8-2.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: ebps.net/highschool/ebhs2.index.html.
Returning starters (3): Nick Harmer, OL-LB, 6-1, 220,Sr.; Matt Begley, FB-LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Justin DeAndrade, QB-DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Returning letter winners: None beyond starters.
Strength: Linebackers.
Weakness: Small senior class, inexperience.
Outlook: Many of the players who led East Bridgewater to a sterling 8-2 record have graduated, leaving only three behind. Still, two of the three, Nick Harmer and Matt Begley, make up a very physical group of linebackers that will be the heart of the defense. Two-way quarterback/defensive back Justin DeAndrade rounds out the squad's "veterans" and should be an effective signal-caller for the Vikings. "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," said Tarpey.
HULL
Coach: Jake McGrath (sixth year, 18-34).
Last year's record: 2-9.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: MIAA.net.
Returning starters (13): Tyler Pari, QB, 6-3, 205, Sr.; John Caparrotta, RB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Clark Berger, LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Triant Xypteras, TE-DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Jake Bennet, TE-DE, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Mike Larsen, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; David Townsend, OT, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Sean Blackall, RB-DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Chuck Marcinkewich, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Chris Basler, OT-DT, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Dan Shea, LB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Ethan Hanks, LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Jarrett Duff, DB, 5-9, 185, Jr.
Returning letter winners: None beyond starters.
Strength: Player commitment and attitude, strong upperclassman.
Concern: Depth.
Outlook: Hull is a senior-led team showcasing fourth-year starter Tyler Pari at quarterback. While Hull has struggled the last couple of years, Pari has been a consistent bright spot for the squad with his arm and sometimes his legs. He will be handing off to former kicker John Caparotta at running back. Linebackers Clark Berger, Dan Shea, and Ethan Hanks are a seasoned trio who all started last season. McGrath believes his team has the potential to work its way out of the South Shore League cellar and compete in every game.
MASHPEE
Coach: Matt Triveri (fourth year, 21-11).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: mashpee.k12.ma.us.
Returning starters (11): Michael Martini, OT, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Kevin Byrne, OT, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Andriquez Farmer, WR-DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kurt Merrick, OL-DT, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Jeremy Carter, TE, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Taed Dias, FB-LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; David Cronin, OG-DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Matt Ball, LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Evan McGillicuddy, 5-8, 155, LB, Sr.; Larry Green, DB, 5-7, 155, So.; Kevin Bryne, DE, 6-3, 240, Sr.
Returning letter winners (10): Ryan Welch, WR-DB, Sr.; Carl Fiester, OG-DT, Sr.; Mike McLaughlin, OG, Sr.; Neil Dupont, OT, Sr.; Marcus Oulette, RB, Sr.; Alex McGee, DE, Sr.; Dwayne Johnson, DB, Jr.; Peter Cogswell, FB, Jr.; Robbie Raymond, WR, Jr.; Stone Koury, LB, Jr.
Strength: Offensive line, defensive ends, wide recievers, kicker.
Concern: Inexperienced quarterback, depth.
Outlook: The Mashpee defense should hold its own with top defensive end Kevin Byrne on the line. Running back Marcus Oulette could greatly benefit from running behind a big, experienced offensive line. Mashpee was decimated by injuries last season but still managed to end up 7-4, so with seven starters returning on offense and eight starters returning on defense, Mashpee thinks itself to be a force at the top of the league. "That's definitely our goal," said Triveri. "If we can avoid the injuries we had last year, we can make a run."
NORWELL
Coach: Jim Sullivan (20th year, 132-66-6).
Last year's record: 7-4.
Playing surface: Grass.
Football website: Highschoolsports.net.
Returning starters (2): Mike Lodigiani, QB-LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Dan Van Leuvan, OT-DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.
Returning letter winners (26): Too many to list.
Strength: Work ethic, energy.
Concern: Inexperience.
Outlook: Norwell lost a plethora of seniors to graduation, returning only two starters this season. Sullivan is hoping for senior offensive guard and linebacker Josh Adams (6-2, 210) to give his team a booast. Norwell hasn't won fewer than five games since 1992. Senior wide receiver Forrest Detwiler (6-0, 180) also figures to be a large part of Norwell's attack with his blazing speed. Sullivan believes that he has five capable backs to fill the void left by Cam Evans in the running game. He will focus on using less two-way players than last year, and getting the raw starters valuable minutes during the first four games of the season, all non-league. "It'll be a real learning experience at the beginning, which will hopefully translate into being very competitive in the league."
COMPILED BY MIKE CARRAGGI 