Norton charges forward, undefeated

Senior running back helps inspire season

Sean Ryan (left), suiting up last week, has ''taken his game to the next level,'' says Norton coach Robb McCoy. (Evan Richman/Globe Staff)

Week after week, the name of Norton High senior Sean Ryan frequently appears in the small print of the box score. From a pile of touchdowns to a single, but key, 2-point conversion, the running back is making the most of his last season with the Lancers.

Ryan is averaging three touchdowns per game and 11 yards per carry for 4-0 Norton, figures that impress even his coach, Robb McCoy.

"He's always been a very good football player, but now he's great," McCoy said. "He's really taken his game to the next level this year. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball."

The 6-foot, 175-pound Ryan is in his third season on varsity but has emerged as a senior. He has rushed for 610 yards on 55 carries and added 13 touchdowns and a 2-point conversion, which was the difference in an 8-7 win against Masconomet Regional in the season's opening game.

Ryan has been a welcome complement to the Norton offense that also boasts junior quarterback Brendan St. Germain, who has completed 20 of 28 passes for 407 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Toward the end of last season, Ryan said, he picked up more and more carries and gained confidence. He worked in the off-season to improve his strength and speed, and turned heads with his ability to make smart decisions, according to his coach. Ryan, who also plays shortstop for Norton's baseball team, says he is unsure whether to focus on baseball or football in college. Ivy League schools have expressed interest in him for both sports.

"He's a very humble kid," McCoy said. "He's a soft-spoken kid. He more leads by example. He's very disciplined in everything he does."

The entire Norton team is finding ways to contribute to the undefeated record. The defense is led by defensive end Darren Doucette, who has four of the unit's 12 sacks so far. Linebacker Ricky Robichaud has nine tackles.

Last week, Norton's 35-7 win against Dover-Sherborn was the featured game of the week for a local television station. The excitement around the team only makes the players work harder, Ryan said.

"People have started talking about us," Ryan said. "It's nice to see the school gathering around all of us."

Norton, of four teams unbeaten in the Tri-Valley League, along with Holliston, Medway, and Westwood, plays at Hopkinton tomorrow night.

A family tradition

If North Quincy High coach Jim Connor III ever needs a little advice, his dad is just a phone call away. Jim Connor is the defensive coordinator at Strath Haven High in Wallingford, Pa. Connor and his two brothers all played for Strath Haven, which won state championships in 1999 and 2000.

Connor said he uses many of his experiences from his high school days, along with time as an offensive lineman at Boston College (1999-2002), to motivate his North Quincy players.

He took over the program three years ago and each year has been a little better for the Red Raiders, who are off to a 3-1 start this fall. Last season, the Red Raiders also had a 3-1 start and finished the season 6-5, delivering the program's first winning season in more than 10 years, Connor said.

Connor said he talks strategy with his father and brothers, but most of the time he is looking for ideas to help the players take pride in the program.

"No matter what offense or defense you use, they're just tools to accomplish the goal of how well you can get high school football players to execute and play mistake-free football," Connor said. "We've been fortunate enough to accomplish that, and kids have caught on and done a great job."

Connor's BC teammate Paul Cook is one of the coaches helping North Quincy this season.

Connor said the leadership of players like halfbacks Joe Vialtando and Pat Watkins, linemen R.J. Darden and Joe Benoit, split end Paul Reamer, fullback Brian Donaghey, and quarterback Mike Stanton help keep the team focused. All of the players have two-way responsibilities and have been provided key contributions to the team's success, he said.

Hull team gathering steam with wins

The fourth quarter wasn't kind to Hull last season. Five of Hull's nine losses were games decided in the fourth quarter. After a 2-9 record last year, this fall's 3-2 start is sparking celebration in Hull.

The team has back-to-back wins, against Greater Lowell and East Bridgewater, as it prepares for Norwell on Oct. 17.

Hull coach Jerry McGrath said his team is gaining confidence. He also has made adjustments by moving Triant Xypteras, a 6-foot-3 tight end, to offensive guard. Xypteras and offensive guard David Townsend provide speed and strength to the line, McGrath said.

Tailback Dan Shea, who has 8 touchdowns, and quarterback Tyler Pari, a four-year starter, have benefited from the change.

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.