Hometeam 2010 Football Preview - Worcester Telegram & Gazette

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PAGE CENTRAL MASS. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE WWW.TELEGRAM.COM/HOMETEAM 22 DIVISION 2A Nipmuc Warriors 2009: 3-8 (1-5 Division 2A) By Jim Wilson Home field: Miscoe Hill Elementary Field. Grass field, 148 North Ave., Mendon. Brain trust: Coach: Phil Shiloski (fourth season, 16-15 career). Assistants: Scott Glassman, Ed Buckley, Tom Tancrede, Chuck Moore, Mike Bradley. Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense). Captains: Sr. LB Nick Bertuzzi, Sr. C Joe Bergstrom, Sr. RB Nick Muscente. Top players: Sr. WR Chris Reifarth, So. WR Derek Moore, Jr. CB/WR Dillon Braile, So. RB/LB James Shwederman, Jr. OL/DL Mike Sewel. Out with the old: The Warriors graduated two of their three Division 2A all-stars, WR Erich Slagal and DL Kevin Roche. In with the new: Jr. QB Mike Smith, So. WR Dan Diaz. When the Warriors have the ball: Spread offense. … Scored 227 points. … Reifarth, a returning Division 2A all-star, and Derec Moore lead a talented group of receivers. … Shwederman should handle the carries. When their opponents have the ball: 4-4 defensive alignment. … Allowed 262 points. … Shwederman and Bertuzzi return at linebacker. … Junior Darren Moore and Sewel shore up the defensive line. … Braile and Wood are in the defensive backfield. In the trenches: Darren Moore leads the unit at guard. … Bergstrom and Sewel also return. One to watch: Derek Moore is primed for a breakout season at WR, as Shiloski is pleased with his hands and speed. Moore started as a freshman last year and Shiloski plans on using the 6-foot-3, 185-pound standout to give the offense a big boost. What you should know: Five of Nipmuc’s eight losses last year came by a touchdown or less. The quote: “We hope to compete every week,” Shiloski said. “I think Auburn and Northbridge are still the top two in our league, with the rest of us battling it out for the other playoff spots.” Schedule: Sept. 11.........................................................Grafton, 1 Sept. 17.............................................at David Prouty, 7 Sept. 25......................................................Uxbridge, 1 Oct. 1..................................................at Northbridge, 7 Oct. 9 ..........................................................Quabbin, 1 Oct. 15..............................................at Shepherd Hill, 7 Oct. 23 .....................................................Tantasqua, 1 Oct. 29................................................at Keefe Tech, 6 Nov. 5.......................................................at Bartlett, 7 Nov. 13 .........................................................Auburn, 1 Nov. 25.................................................Valley Tech, 10 Key game: Sept. 11 vs. Grafton. The Warriors defeated the Indians in a close one in last year’s season opener, and Nipmuc is out to show it wasn’t a fluke. Look for players like Derek Moore and Reifarth to shine against a tough Grafton defense. 2009 results: Nipmuc 28 ...................................................Grafton 26 David Prouty 34............................................Nipmuc 18 Uxbridge 22.................................................Nipmuc 20 Northbridge 28 .............................................Nipmuc 21 Quabbin 19...................................................Nipmuc 14 Shepherd Hill 20 ...........................................Nipmuc 14 Nipmuc 36 ...............................................Tantasqua 14 Nipmuc 35 ...............................................Keefe Tech 7 Bartlett 28 ...................................................Nipmuc 14 Auburn 37 .....................................................Nipmuc 7 Valley Tech 27.............................................Nipmuc 20 Jim’s take: The Warriors need to show they can win those close games this year, as they were much better than the three wins they put on the board in 2009. The fact Nipmuc could have finished 9-2 rather than 3-8 last year has haunted the Warriors all offseason in the weight room, so expect a different outlook in <strong>2010</strong>. 5 Follow the Warriors’ every game this fall at www.telegram.com/hometeam. Northbridge assistant coach Al Richards talks to the Rams’ offensive linemen during a recent practice. Home field: Lasell Field. Grass field, 171 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. Brain trust: Coach: Ken LaChapelle (35th season, 278-85-6 career). Assistants: Matt Gauthier (defensive coordinator), Jeff LaChapelle, Steve Falconer; John Demagian, Al Richards, Dave Mills, Mitch Krouner. Returning starters: 7 (4 offense, 3 defense). Captains: Sr. DE Matt Rice, Sr. QB Thomas Murphy, Sr. FB/LB Greg O’Donnell. Top players: Sr. WR/DB Evan Mackintosh, Sr. G/DT Joe Orphin, Sr. G Zack Henneman, Sr. LT Logan Bernard, Sr. C John O’Brien, RT Nate Calfa, Sr. RB Colby Brochu. Out with the old: The Rams graduated five of their six Division 2A all-stars — TE Casey Hippert, WR Ben Richards, DL John Perro, LB Sean Clarke and DB Matt Consigli. In with the new: Sr. WR/DB Corey Pryor, Sr. WR-DB Sean Kinahan, Jr. TE/DE Harrison Murphy, So. RB/SS Jake Ryan, So. CB Matt Phelan, So. SE/LB Danny Clasby. When the Rams have the ball: Spread offense. … Scored 368 points, second-most in Division 2A. … Look for returning all-star Murphy (nearly 2,000 passing yards) to excel again in his senior year after emerging as one of the top QBs in a storied Northbridge history. … Mackintosh should be his top target. When their opponents have the ball: 4-3 defensive look. … Allowed 139 points last year, second- Northbridge Rams 2009: 10-3 (5-1 Division 2A); Division 2A Super Bowl runners-up By Jim Wilson fewest in Division 2A. … O’Donnell should pick up the slack left by the departure of Hippert. … Orphin will solidify the defensive line. In the trenches: LaChapelle is a big fan of his hulking offensive line, with Orphin and Henneman at guard, Bernard and Calfa at tackle and O’Brien at center. “It’s one of the bigger lines we’ve had,” LaChapelle said. “It’s one of those areas we can do really well in.” One to watch: The success of the Rams will depend on Murphy — “We have to feel pretty good about our offense when we have that threat coming back,” LaChapelle said — but watch out for Brochu, who could surprise a few people at running back this season. “He’s one of those players that we’re anxious to see how he’s going to respond, but there’s a lot of potential,” LaChapelle said. The quote: “We have some potential, but we’re inexperienced,” LaChapelle said. “We have seven juniors, so we’re counting on our 15 seniors. If we can win two or three games early, it would boost us tremendously.” Schedule: Sept. 9 ....................................Millbury, 7 Sept. 17 .............................at Leicester, 7 Sept. 24...............................Lunenburg, 7 Oct. 1.......................................Nipmuc, 7 Oct. 8...................................at Auburn, 7 Oct. 15.................................Tantasqua, 7 Oct. 22...................................Burncoat, 7 TOM RETTIG Oct. 29................................at Quabbin, 7 Nov. 5 .........................at Shepherd Hill, 7 Nov. 12 ....................................Bartlett, 7 Nov. 25 ............................Uxbridge, 10:15 Key game: Oct. 8 at Auburn. It’s pretty simple. This game pits the two best teams in Division 2A against one another. The winner of this game most likely will wind up with the league title. 2009 results: Northbridge 34 ..........................Millbury 0 Northbridge 35.........................Leicester 7 Northbridge 28 ......................Lunenburg 0 Northbridge 28 .........................Nipmuc 21 Auburn 16 ...........................Northbridge 7 Northbridge 42.......................Tantasqua 3 Burncoat 26 .......................Northbridge 19 Northbridge 34..........................Quabbin 0 Northbridge 35 ..................Shepherd Hill 7 Northbridge 36..........................Bartlett 14 Northbridge 33 .......................Uxbridge 27 Northbridge 30.........................Uxbridge 7 David Prouty 11....................Northbridge 7 Jim’s take: The Rams should have no problem filling the holes left by graduation, and they’ll be fighting with Auburn for the league title. Murphy should be among the top slingers in Central Mass., and Brochu could find time to shine behind a strong offensive line. 5 Follow the Rams’ every game this fall at www.telegram.com/hometeam.
WWW.TELEGRAM.COM/HOMETEAM CENTRAL MASS. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE PAGE 23 Home field: Carmignani Field. Grass field, at the high school, 68 Dudley-Oxford Rd., Dudley. Brain trust: Coach: Chris Lindstrom (10th season at SHRHS, 58-43; 62-50 career). Assistants: Ray Sullivan, Steve Ide, Ryan Dugan, Lance Gelb, Leo Biron, Mark Kelley. Returning starters: 6 (4 offense, 2 defense). Captains: Sr. FB/DL Tanner Ackley, Sr. OL/DL Tyler Anderson, Sr. OL/DL Ryan Dupell, Sr. OL/DL Tyler LeBlanc, Sr. RB/DB Craig Snow. Top players: Sr. QB/CB Anthony Brooks, Sr. RB/DB Sean Dunn, Sr. RB/DB Evan Jean-Guillaume, Sr. RB/DB Jonathan Preissler, Jr. OL/DL Kevin LeBlanc, Jr. RB/DB Cody Peck, Jr. TE/LB Anthony Wilga. Out with the old: The Rams graduated both Division 2A all-stars in DB Brett Anctil (1,082 rushing yards) and DE Anthony Preissler. In with the new: Sr. OL/DL Robert Briare, Sr. RB/CB Bryan Borezo, Sr. OL/DL Tim Courtois, Jr. OL/LB Sam Cooke, Jr. RB/LB Michael Cremonni, Jr. OL/DL John Grzyb, Jr. TE/DE Robert Polselli, Jr. OL/DL Zach Poirier, Jr. TE/DE Pat Scanlon, Jr. RB/CB Cody Amico, Jr. RB/DB Justen West, So. TE/LB Austin Bacigalupo, So. DIVISION 2A Shepherd Hill Rams RB/DB Brad Picard. When the Rams have the ball: Flex-bone offense. … Scored 189 points last year. … Wilga is the only returning skill position player for the Rams. … Brooks will slide under center. … Look for Ackley, Dunn, Jean-Guillaume, Preissler and Peck to see time in the backfield. When their opponents have the ball: 5-2 multiple defensive alignment. … Allowed 266 points. … Dunn is back at corner. … Ackley leads the defensive line. In the trenches: Three of the four returning starters are on the line. … Tyler and Kevin LeBlanc will suit up at guard. … Anderson returns at tackle. Ones to watch: It seems every year Shepherd Hill graduates one 1,000-yard rusher and just plugs in another. The Rams had a handful of talented backs competing for the bulk of the carries in camp this year, so it could be Snow, Dunn, Jean-Guillaume, Preissler, Ackley or Peck getting their numbers called the most this year. In fact, there’s a very good chance that with three returning starters on the offensive line, Shepherd Hill could have two running backs in the 1,000-yard neighborhood. 2009: 4-7 (3-3 Division 2A) By Jim Wilson The quote: “The <strong>2010</strong> Shepherd Hill football team will feature strong competition for playing time amongst a group of talented young student-athletes,” Lindstrom said. “The outcome of this competition should make the team competitive in our league as they develop confidence and experience.” Schedule: Sept. 10...........................at Groton-Dunstable, 6 Sept. 17...........................................Gardner, 7 Sept. 24....................................St. Bernard’s, 7 Oct. 2................................at St. Peter-Marian, 1 Oct. 8...............................................Bartlett, 7 Oct. 15.............................................Nipmuc, 7 Oct. 22............................................Quabbin, 7 Oct. 29..........................................at Auburn, 7 Nov. 5 ........................................Northbridge, 7 Nov. 12 ........................................at Doherty, 7 Nov. 25...............................at Tantasqua, 10:15 Key game: Oct. 8 vs. Bartlett. The Rams need to make a statement against the other rebuilding teams, and this will be a good test. Shepherd Hill’s defense was decimated by graduation, and the Indians will come in with a solid offense that will be tough to contain. The Rams will learn a lot about themselves in this game. 2009 results: Groton-Dunstable 26 ..................Shepherd Hill 19 Shepherd Hill 26...............................Gardner 21 St. Bernard’s 34 .........................Shepherd Hill 7 St. Peter-Marian 28 .....................Shepherd Hill 6 Bartlett 25 ...............................Shepherd Hill 20 Shepherd Hill 20 ...............................Nipmuc 14 Shepherd Hill 27................................Quabbin 6 Auburn 42 ...............................Shepherd Hill 29 Northbridge 35 ...........................Shepherd Hill 7 Doherty 28 ................................Shepherd Hill 7 Shepherd Hill 21.............................Tantasqua 7 Jim’s take: The Rams may have lost many players from last year, but expect Shepherd Hill to fill in the holes with some talent. Shepherd Hill boasts a solid offensive line, and that should pave the way for a strong running game. Last year was one of rebuilding for the Rams, who have proven it doesn’t take them long to get back in the fight for the playoffs. 5 Follow the Rams’ every game this fall at www.telegram.com/hometeam. Tantasqua Warriors Home field: Tantasqua Regional Field. Grass field, 319 Brookfield Rd., Sturbridge. Brain trust: Coach: Aaron Powell (seventh season, 30-35 career). Assistants: Dave Green, Andy Caswell, Phil Desroches, Jack Cooper, Joe Sloan, Joe Beveridge, Kevin Young, John Bilodeau, Rich Mantyla. Returning starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense). Captain: Sr. LB Chris Spinney. Top players: Sr. OL/DL Ben Boltz, Sr. OL Brandon Kozlowski, Sr. WR Tim Santilli, Sr. RB/LB Tommy Lynds, Sr. OL/DL Will Sanders, Sr. QB/CB David Dumas, Sr. WR/CB Alex Beaudoin, Sr. WR/CB Kyle Lavallee, Sr. RB/LB Joe Green, Sr. OL/LB D.J. Henn, Jr. QB/S Alex Lucas, Jr. WR/CB Jaylen Dottin, Sr. RB/DL Eric Wilson. Out with the old: The Warriors did not graduate any Division 2A all-stars. In with the new: Jr. WR-FS Joe Sciaraffa, Jr. LB-WR Steve Fitzgerald, Jr. DT Justin Gustafson. When the Warriors have the ball: Multiple offensive formations. … Scored 117 points last year. … The Warriors return seven starters, including three receivers and their QB. … Lavallee, Santilli and Beaudoin will be the top targets for Dumas, who took over at QB late last season. …. Sanders led the team in receptions. When their opponents have the ball: 3-5 defensive alignment. … Allowed 334 points last year. … Tantasqua returns five linebackers and three defensive backs. … Spinney leads the linebackers, but Lynds, Green, Henn and Wilson will be relied on to help. … Dottin, Lucas and Beaudoin return at defensive back. In the trenches: Boltz and Kozlowski are two-year starters for the Warriors. One to watch: At first glance you’d never know Spinney is about to lead the Tantasqua defense for the third straight season. Spinney was named to the Division 2A and T&G Division 2 all-star teams after leading the team in tackles the past two seasons. Spinney was a major contributor to Tantasqua’s undefeated Super Bowl team as a sophomore, and Powell calls him the Warriors’ “coach on the field.” 2009: 2-9 (0-6 Division 2A) By Jim Wilson The quote: “We look to improve upon last year’s record due to greater strength and experience,” Powell said. “The conference is strong with three teams making the playoffs last year, and although we will still be a young team, we expect to be competitive, physical and athletic.” Schedule: Sept. 10.................................at Southbridge, 7 Sept. 17 ........................................Oakmont, 7 Sept. 25...............................at David Prouty, 7 Oct. 1............................................Leicester, 7 Oct. 8 ................................Groton-Dunstable, 7 Oct. 15...................................at Northbridge, 7 Oct. 23 ........................................at Nipmuc, 1 Oct. 29............................................Bartlett, 7 Nov. 5 .........................................at Auburn, 7 Nov. 12.......................................at Quabbin, 7 Nov. 25 .............................Shepherd Hill, 10:15 Key game: Oct. 1 vs. Leicester. This will be a good test for a pair of rebuilding programs. Last year, Tantasqua eked out a seven-point win that eventually hurt Leicester’s postseason hopes. 2009 results: Tantasqua 14 ............................Southbridge 13 Oakmont 49................................Tantasqua 14 David Prouty 43...........................Tantasqua 12 Tantasqua 21................................Leicester 14 Groton-Dunstable 30 ......................Tantasqua 8 Northbridge 42..............................Tantasqua 3 Nipmuc 36..................................Tantasqua 14 Bartlett 32 ..................................Tantasqua 14 Auburn 41....................................Tantasqua 0 Quabbin 13 .................................Tantasqua 10 Shepherd Hill 21............................Tantasqua 7 Jim’s take: With 15 returning starters look for the Warriors to improve on last year’s mark. Tantasqua’s young players took their lumps, but are coming back game-tested and could surprise some people. 5 Follow the Warriors’ every game this fall at www.telegram.com/hometeam. Quabbin Panthers Home field: Quabbin Regional Field. Grass field, 800 South St., Barre. Brain trust: Coach: Tab Bassett (second season, 3-8 career). Assistants: Tom Comer, Dennis Reed, Gregg Ackerman, Jim Power, John Page. Returning starters: 13 (4 offense, 9 defense). Captains: Sr. FB/LB Curtis Butkiewicz, Sr. WR/CB Joe Chick, Sr. OT/DT Quinn Darcy. Top players: Sr. OT Josh Doyle, Jr. QB Kenny Goodnow, Jr. RB Joe Reed, WR/DE Dylan Pond, Sr. RB Anthony Brooks. Out with the old: The Panthers graduated two Division 2A all-stars in DB Tyler Przypek and WR Jon Kenyon. In with the new: Jr. C Emmit Zalneraitis, Jr. OL M.J. Briggs, Jr. OL Nick Miller, Sr. OL Cody McEwen, Jr. OL Kane Hardaker, Sr. OL Devin Gryszowka, Jr. OL Marcello Curci, Jr. OL Brian Gendron, Jr. OL Mike Kierman, Jr. OL Clayton Lohr, Sr. WR Jon Coppolino, Jr. WR Nick Holland, Jr. WR Dylan Stimson. When the Panthers have the ball: Spread offense. … Scored 79 points last year, fewest in Central Mass. … The Panthers return just four offensive starters, but among them are QB Goodnow and WR Chick, which should help. … Pond will see time at WR. … Brooks and Reed will pick up the running chores. When their opponents have the ball: Multiple defensive sets. … Allowed 233 points last year, third-fewest in Division 2A. … The Panthers lost just two starters on defense, so they should continue to be one of the league’s tougher teams to score on. In the trenches: Tackles Darcy and Doyle return, but the Panthers will be plugging in holes between them. Zalneraitis leads a crop of newcomers up to the task. One to watch: Goodnow threw for 634 yards as a sophomore starter, and things should improve this year. Quabbin looks to have a solid group of receivers in camp, and now that he has some weapons, the Panthers should find it easier to put points on the board — which was a huge problem last year. What you should know: With 25 freshmen, a handful of 2009: 3-8 (2-4 Division 2A) By Jim Wilson them could play key roles this season. The quote: “It should be a productive year on offense with key starters returning and a strong defense,” Basset said. Schedule: Sept. 10.......................................Leicester, 7 Sept. 17..........................................Oxford, 7 Sept. 23........................................at North, 7 Oct. 1.............................................Bartlett, 7 Oct. 9.........................................at Nipmuc, 1 Oct. 15 .......................................at Auburn, 7 Oct. 22...............................at Shepherd Hill, 7 Oct. 29 ....................................Northbridge, 7 Nov. 5.......................................at Assabet, 7 Nov. 12......................................Tantasqua, 7 Nov. 25...............................West Boylston, 11 Key game: Sept. 17 vs. Oxford. This game features a pair of rebuilding teams looking to see how things are going. Quabbin’s defense will be tested against a young and potentially explosive Pirates offense. 2009 results: Leicester 12 ...................................Quabbin 3 Oxford 21.......................................Quabbin 0 Quabbin 14.......................................North 12 Bartlett 35 .....................................Quabbin 6 Quabbin 19....................................Nipmuc 14 Auburn 35 .....................................Quabbin 6 Shepherd Hill 27 .............................Quabbin 6 Northbridge 34 ...............................Quabbin 0 Assabet 26 ....................................Quabbin 6 Quabbin 13 ................................Tantasqua 10 West Boylston 7 .............................Quabbin 6 Jim’s take: Bassett is optimistic that many of the younger players who saw action last year will play key roles as Quabbin looks to increase its win total. He may be right, as the Panthers have 34 upperclassmen, nine of them returning starters on defense. Quabbin should make some strides. 5 Follow the Panthers’ every game this fall at www.telegram.com/hometeam.
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