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Source: Boston Globe
September 1, 2007
CANTON
Coach: Jim Goff (third year, 1-19 overall)
Last year's record: 1-9
Playing surface: Artificial turf
Football website: cantonma.org/chs/athletics
Returning starters (7): Dan Pendergast, QB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Izzy Abraham, RB/DB, 5-8, 165,
Sr.; Henry Krueger, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Peter Defisto, OL/DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Nuna Waynee, OL/DL, 6-0,
225, Jr.; Sean Burrows, TE/DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Joe Klapman, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Jr.
Returning letter winners (12): Ray Bass, QB/DB, Jr.; Mike Bates, WR/DB, Jr.; Stephon
Jarvis, RB/DB, Sr.; Tim Hughes, RB/LB, Jr.; Mike Barrera, RB/LB, Sr.; Ralph Finis, OL/DL, Sr.; Bobby
Brown, OL/DL, Jr.; Hardy Zephririn, OL/DL, Sr.; Brian Brooks, OL/DL, Sr.; Josh Sarnowitz, OL/DL, Sr.; Sean
O'Sullivan, WR/DB, Sr.; Chris Lane, OL/DL, Jr.
Strengths: Physical conditioning
Concerns: Youth, size
Outlook: They may not boast the daunting size and speed of their league cohorts, but Goff
raves about his team's attitude and conditioning coming into the 2007 campaign, saying his Bulldogs are
the "best prepared" team he's had entering what is his third season in charge. Pendergast returns as the
starter, and will look to incorporate big, albeit untested receivers Mike Bates, a 6-3 junior, and A.J.
Nichols, a 6-3 sophomore tight end, both of whom have impressed in preseason training. Abraham returns as
arguably the team's top defender, and will try to anchor an inexperienced secondary. Goff praises his team
for having "met every challenge put in front of them" in preseason. Those challenges will take a
considerable hike when, after nonleague games against Quincy and Pembroke to start the season, the
Bulldogs travel to Mansfield and host Foxboro to open Hockomock league play. It will mean trial by fire
for a sophomore class that Goff expects to make significant strides this season, including running back
Jordan Grayton, who will carry some of the load in the backfield this season.
FOXBORO
Coach: Jack Martinelli (26th year, 200-59-5)
Last year's record: 10-2
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: foxborough.k12.ma.us/fpsweb/FHS/FHSindex.html
Returning starters (6): Brian Woolard, OT/DT, 6-5, 305, Sr.; Tim Morgan, RB/LB, 5-9, 180,
Sr.; Stephan Neville, CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Ali Mourtada, K, 5-10, 160, Sr.
Returning letter winners (12): Alex Price, TE, Sr.; Brian Bosoardet, LB, Sr.; Pete
Dalton, C, Sr.; Tim Driscoll, LB, Jr.; Jim Kominsky, G, Sr.; Brendan Sweed, DE, Sr.; Nick Thrasher, FB,
Jr.; Aaron Taylor, FB, Jr.; Joe Nixon, SE/S, Sr.; Brian Swanton, QB, Jr.; Garrett Simons, RB, Jr.; John
Walsh, G, Jr.
Strengths: Size on offensive/defensive lines, team defense
Concerns: Inexperience, filling roles left by key contributors
Outlook: A caution to any and all detractors who may rush to overlook the Warriors on the
heels of their Super Bowl championship, considering the Warriors return only four starters from their 2006
campaign. But Martinelli is quick to remind any doubters that his team returned only four starters from
the 2005 season, and look what happened then. The question marks thus remain the same however, if Foxboro
hope to reclaim their Hockomock title, or a share of it as they did in 2006, and challenge for a Super
Bowl again: getting underclassmen to step into vacant positions and make significant contributions. "We've
tried to impress upon them how to step into playing roles and following in people's footsteps," said
Martinelli. Last year's league Defensive MVP Ryan Moreshead, now at UMass, will be impossible to replace,
but the Warriors do return Neville, a "game-breaking" threat on both sides of the ball. "Super Bowl hero"
Morgan will feature in the backfield, and the 6-5, 305 lb. frame of Woolard will anchor a physically
imposing front line. Once again, the Warriors face Mansfield in the final regular season game, so the fate
of the league title may have to wait until then, but Martinelli's squad will find out what they're made of
early, with a brutal nonleague schedule to open 2007, hosting Concord (N.H.), Dartmouth and Central
Catholic.
FRANKLIN
Coach: Brad Sidwell (12th year, 69-59-3)
Last year's record: 6-5
Playing surface: Artificial turf
Football Website: Franklin.k12ma.US
Returning starters (18): Pat Polomski, RB/LB, 5-11, 211, Sr.; Kyle Cybulski, RB/DB, 6-0,
185, Sr.; Dave Brunelli, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Andrew Leenhouts, WR/DB, 6-3, 186, Sr.; Tyler Dow, QB/DB,
6-2, 169, Sr.; Eloma Johnson, RB/LB, 5-10, 201, Sr.; Jack Flynn, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Matt Carini, RB/DB,
5-10, 173, Jr; Jake Evers, RB/DB, 5-10, 173, Sr.; Jason Dellorco, TE/LB, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Kyle Kaufman,
OL/LB, 5-7, 189, Sr.; Mike Pritchard, OL/LB, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Mike Casali, OL/LB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Mike
Santangelo, OL/DL, 6-1, 226, Sr.; Drew McNiece, OL/DL, 6-5, 279, Sr.; Jim Vizakis, OL/DL, 5-9, 283, Sr.;
Tim Tassinari, OL/DL, 6-3, 294, Sr.; Peter Gill, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, Sr.
Returning letter winners (7): Gordon Champlain, WR/DB, Sr.; Brian Collatos, WR/DB, Sr.;
Adam Morrell, LB, Sr.; Marcus Morrell, LB, Sr.; Joe Weston, WR/DB, Sr.; Dante Drew, WR, Sr.; D.J. Tedesco,
RB, Sr.
Strengths: Experience, depth at skill positions
Concerns: Depth at line
Outlook: The numbers say it all for the Panthers heading into 2007. 18 returning starters
and a seemingly endless supply of receivers and running backs have Sidwell's team expecting to improve
upon a 6-5 2006 season. Most important for Franklin is its performance against the league's big four. The
Panthers were winless against Stoughton, North Attleboro, Mansfield and Foxboro last season, and were
outscored 112-14 in those games. There's enough depth and talent to meet that challenge in 2007, and
achieve the team's goal of entering the "upper echelon" of the league.
KING PHILIP
Coach: Brian Lee (third year, 6-15)
Last year's record: 3-8
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: kingphilip.org/kphigh/sports/sporthome
Returning starters (7): Brian Toney, WR/S, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Eddie Jones, T, 6-2, 270, Sr.;
Eddie Lewicki, OL/DL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Mike Stewart, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Ryan Connolly, LB/RB, 5-10, 185,
Jr.; Eric Solberg, DT, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Andrew Chipman, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Returning letter winners (6): Jeremy Franklin, LB/RB, Jr.; Chris O'Neil, CB, Sr.; Mike
Yousiff, OT/DT, Sr.; Nate Wilderson, C, Sr.; Matt Monahan, WR, Jr.; Matt Schairer, QB, Sr.
Strengths: Team chemistry, physical conditioning
Concerns: Youth, inexperience
Outlook: Lee is entering his third season and can't say enough about the physical
conditioning and positive attitude his team has taken to preseason training. "They're getting the
message," Lee said. "They're the hardest working team I've had and they all have real strong character."
The Warriors won two leagues games last season and Lee sees no reason why his team cannot improve upon
that mark. One reason for such optimism is the arrival of quarterback Schairer, who transferred to King
Philip after leading Medfield to a Division 3 Super Bowl win in 2006, and according to Lee has made a
seamless transition. Doug Dyke's absence in the backfield will be felt, and Lee will look to Franklin,
Chipman, and Connolly to anchor the Warriors' running game. Lee's team hopes to make strides and play
itself into the middle of the league standings. If there is any hope of achieving such a result, the
Warriors must pick up a few wins in the beginning of the season, as their last four games see them
traveling to Mansfield, Foxboro and Franklin, with a home game against Stoughton.
MANSFIELD
Coach: Mike Redding (20th year, 148-51-3)
Last year's record: 10-1
Playing surface: Artificial turf
Football website: Mansfieldfootball.org
Returning starters (11): Mark Gilson, QB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Mike Morrill, RB, 5-10, 175,
Sr.; Billy Goodale, TE, 6-5, 260, Jr.; Dan Glavin, T, 6-2, 255, Jr.; Will Gasson, G, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Jeff
Cataloni, C, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Andrew Bourget, G, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Mike McPherson, T, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Chris
Ingolia, DT, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Mike Abany, FB/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Dave Westhaver, CB, 6-1, 180, Sr.
Returning letter winners (5): Powell Simpson, RB, Sr.; Curtis Graham, K, Sr.; Jeff
Malett, FS, Jr.; Sean Whiting, CB, Sr.; Greg DiPietrantonio, LB/P, Jr.
Strengths: Strong offensive line, team speed, experience on offensive end
Concerns: Experience on defensive side
Outlook: There are two sides of the coin for Redding's team heading into 2007. The
Hornets return eight of 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball, including three-year starter
Gilson. Gasson and Bourget, also three-year starters, feature in a fearsome offensive line that remains
wholly intact from 2006. However, Mansfield lost eight of 11 starters on the defensive side, including DE
Corey Eason, now at BC. Westhaver will anchor an inexperienced secondary and the linebacker corps, though
a talented and speedy unit, is untested at the varsity level aside from Abany, who will also lead the way
at the fullback position. Simpson and Morrill are the most experienced returning running backs, but junior
backup J.D. Chalifoux holds the school record in the 55 meters, and will see some carries. The Hornets
will hope to rid themselves of the bitter taste from last season, which saw them steamroll through the
regular season before losing the final game against Foxboro. Redding's crew never failed to score less
than 20 points until that 16-6 loss, and with so many returning players on the offensive side, look for
the Hornets to do much of the same in 2007.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Coach: Kurt Kummer (fourth year, 24-6)
Last year's record: 8-2
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: RedRocketeers.com
Returning starters (9): Kyle Kummer, C, Sr., 6-2, 210, Sr.; Mike Hart, G/DT, 6-0, 210,
Sr.; Brett Catarius, TE/DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Dan Rayburg, HB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Elijah Harris, HB/LB, 5-9,
185, Sr.; Kevin Connolly, FB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Greg Elkins, SE, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Greg Dusel, QB, 5-11, 170,
Sr.; Chris Chretien, DE/TE, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Returning letter winners (9): Jordan Laythe, T/DT, Sr.; Josh Keane, DE, Jr.; Zak Achim,
DE/TE, Sr.; Dave Courtois, T/DT, Sr.; Ryan Gould, LB/RB, Sr.; Mike Marchand, C/DE, Jr.; Mike Mitry, G/DE,
Jr.; Kyle Bainton, LB/FB, Sr.; Nick Horton, G, Sr.
Strengths: Senior leadership, front line
Concerns: Replacing Anthony Sherman's contribution
Outlook: Anthony Sherman isn't walking back through the North Attleboro front door
anytime soon. Now at UConn, Sherman changed the game on both sides of the ball, and Kummer knows there
won't be any one player to make up for the 20 touchdowns Sherman registered last season. But with 20
seniors back from 2006, Kummer is confident his team has the necessary leadership to navigate his team
back into contention for a league title. "It's not going to be any one guy," said Kummer. "We've got a lot
of guys who understand the tradition and what we want to do here." The Red Rocketeers do boast experience
at their skill positions, with Dusel returning at quarterback, and Harris may be poised for a breakout
year in the backfield. Don't forget, Kummer's team were the only Hockomock member to beat Super Bowl
champs Foxboro, and if not for a midseason loss to Stoughton, North Attleboro may have grabbed a piece of
the league title for themselves in 2006. A Hockomock league opener at Franklin will be a good early test
for the Red Rocketeers.
OLIVER AMES
Coach: Jim Artz (second year)
Last year's record: 5-6
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: oliverames.org/sports/
Returning starters (9): Nick Barrows, DE, 5-10, 224, Sr.; Brandon Cox, RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.;
Chris DeRosa, OL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Sean Gobey, OL, Sr., 5-10, 225; Steve Ivanoski, OL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Tim
Luoko, DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Rick McCole, LB/RB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Yianni Ravanis, DB/WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Alex
Kershaw, QB/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Returning letter winners (4): Danny Ford, TE/DE, Jr.; James Hurley, RB/LB, Jr.; Paul
Atallah, G/LB, Sr.; Eddie Christofono, RB/LB, Sr.
Strengths: Senior leadership
Concerns: Depth, inexperience
Outlook: Football has been the last thing on the Tigers' minds following the tragic death
of sophomore teammate Aaron Ortiz at preseason camp. Artz's squad only resumed practice Thursday, and will
not play their scheduled opener against Westwood. But with a few weeks training under their belts, the
Tigers have a chance to perhaps improve upon their results from 2006. Oliver Ames have distanced
themselves from the lower half of the league, and now face the challenge of breaking the logjam at the
top, occupied by the familiar perennial powers. The Tigers will rely on arguably their best athlete,
Kershaw, who steps into the starting QB role, to lead them on the offensive end. "If he can get
comfortable in the QB position early, we can be pretty good," said Artz. A brutal three-game home stretch
midseason against Stoughton, Mansfield, and Franklin will be a tough test for the Tigers
SHARON
Coach: Brian Chamberlain (first year)
Last year's record: 1-10
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: sharon.k12.ma.us/school/shs/shsmain.html
Returning starters (8): Dan Godlin, LB/G, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Jesse Anderson, C, 6-1, 220,
G/DE, Sr.; Jamie McCue, FB/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Kevin Pollard, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Austin Gomes, WR/DB,
6-4, 180, Jr.; Joe Rosenbaum, C/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Luke Ding, CB/K, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Therim Zaide, WR/DB,
5-9, 165, Sr.
Returning letter winners (0):
Strengths: Youth and experience at skill positions
Concerns: Size on offensive/defensive lines
Outlook: It's indicative of the mentality new coach Chamberlain is trying to bring to
Sharon when he cites the team's youth as a strength rather than a weakness. Chamberlain comes to Sharon
after spending three years as an assistant at Norwood, and hopes to change the mentality of a team that
lost its final ten games in 2006 after an opening day win over Matignon. "We're trying to change the
atmosphere here and start building a foundation," he said. "Hopefully we can surprise a team or two." If
the Eagles are to record a win league play they'll have to start by putting points on the board, having
failed to score at least ten points in a Hockomock game, as well as being shutout four times. Chamberlain
expects contributions from a promising sophomore class, especially TE/LB Mike Barbosa, WR/DB Brett
Shenkel, and LB Lucas Higgins.
STOUGHTON
Coach: Greg Burke (16th year, 94-61-4)
Last year's record: 9-2
Playing surface: Grass
Football website: stoughtonschools.org
Returning starters (3): Mark Panciocco, DT/OT, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Joe Jeudy, RB/LB, 5-11,
195, Sr.; Ryan Johnson, LB, 5-10, 205, Sr..
Returning letter winners (7): Richie Morris, LB/FB, Sr.; Sean Byron, QB, Sr.; Chris Hill,
G/DE, Sr.; Vin Connors, C, Sr.; Barry Braconi, WR/DB, Sr.; Anthony Ferzoco, LB/FB, Jr.; Evan Taylor,
DE/TE, Jr.
Strengths: Team speed, strength
Concerns: Inexperience
Outlook: The Knights are hoping to build off a highly successful 2006 campaign which saw
Burke's squad finish third in the league, the only two losses coming to Mansfield and Foxboro. A repeat in
2007 won't be easy with 25 graduated seniors, but the Knights do return one of the league and area's most
dangerous offensive weapons in Jeudy (1,984 yard, 25 touchdowns last two seasons). One reason for optimism
for the Knights is that they face the big four of the league (Mansfield, Foxboro, Franklin, North
Attleboro) at home, where Stoughton went undefeated in 2006. "Teams know its going to be a tough game
every time they play Stoughton, and we're proud of that," said Burke. An added bonus for the Knights will
be the return of senior wide receiver John Reardon, who missed 2006 due to injury and, at 6-5, 220, will
give Byron a big target to throw to. Also joining the Knights will be senior Baldwin Inachoa, a 6-2, 225,
OT/DT, who moved back to Stoughton after spending his first three high school years at Vermont Academy.
The Knights will be tested right away, as they are paid a visit by perennial power Longmeadow, winners of
28 in a row.
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