The Boston Globe from Boston, Massachusetts • 67

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 The Boston Globe Df5 SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW DIVISION 4 Patriot League Duxbury wants more DUXBURY By Sherlon Christie GLOBE CORRESPONDENT much for the element of surprise. Duxbury coach Don DeLorco can scratch that theme off the drawing 1 Coach: Don Delor co (20th year, 124-68-7). Last year's record: 10-0. Returning starters (7): Harold Anderson, 0G, 6-1, 210, Ben Camobreco, QB, 6-0, 180, Ben Fuchs, RBS, 5-10, 185, Clayton Cianelli, OTDT, 6-2, 220, Matt Lanuto, FBAB, 5-11, 190, Chris Sherman, TEDE, 6-2, 190, Andrew Teneglia, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr. Returning lettermen: Pat Gram, DT, Doug Imbrogna, OC, Drew Malone, Mike Maloof, SE, Chris Mehrmann, TEDE, Don Perry, TE, Greg Pila-chowski, OT, Tom Protasewich, SEDB, Mike Sopyla, OGNG, Jake Beers, FlDB, Chris Confer, RBDE, Mike Flanagan, CB, Joe Frascotti, Mike Gannon, OTDT, 6-0, 200, Jr.

Strength: Skill positions, linebacker. Weakness: Inexperience on lines. Outlook: Duxbury is coming off its first Patriot League title. "The team went way above expectations," said Delorco. His goal this year is to once again "fight for a league championship." Fuchs, Lanuto, Teneglia, and Sherman will again make up Dux-bury's offensive core.

Fuchs was the Globe's Division 4 Player of the Year last fall. In the spring he led the Green Dragons to the state lacrosse championship. The defense should be solid, with Lanuto, Anderson, and Sherman. Bishop Feehan knocked off Duxbury in last year's playoffs on the strength of Joe Riley's four field goals, including one in overtime. 1 EAST BRIDGEWATER Coach: Ron St.

George (23d year, 153-68-4). Last year's record: 9-1 Returning starters (10): Dan Bombardier, RB, 5-9, 170; Bret Dungan, TE, 5-11, 210, Gordie Lawson, 6-1, 210, Mike Knight, RB, 6-0, 215, Matt Zimmerman, QB, 5-7, 165, Jim Gambee, RB, 5-11, 180, Rich McLaughlin, LB, 5-10, 175, Geoff Smith, 5-10, 225, Dave Begley, DL, 6-0, 200, Brian Morrill, OLDL, 6-3 310, Jr. Returning lettermen: Matt Mauger, DB, Nick Rotondo, FB, Mike O'Sullivan, RB, Jr. Strength: Tradition. Weakness: Depth.

Outlook: East Bridgewater is no stranger to success, and last season was no exception. The Vikings finished second behind Duxbury. The Vikings have an experienced coach and 10 starters returning. St. George said last year's team went "above and beyond" his expectations, and expects the Vikings "to be competitive" in 2002.

Mark Sept. 27 on your calendar. That's the day the Vikings get another shot at Duxbury. HINGHAM board as the Green Dragons begin their 2002 season. Why? Duxbury moved from the Atlantic Coast League to the Patriot League last season and were the unruly new kids on the block.

Not only did Duxbury win the league but the Green Dragons outscored opponents, 278-82, and went undefeated for the first time in school history. That type of season will create a few enemies next time around. "No. I can honestly say no coach could ever predict that type of year we had," said DeLorco. "Everything fell into place for us.

Now we have something to build upon." And that means getting to the playoffs, where the Green Dragons lost in overtime to Bishop Feehan, 19-16, last December. One of the main reasons Duxbury made it that far was running back Ben Fuchs. Fuchs was the Globe's Division 4 Player of the Year after setting school records for touchdowns (28), rushing yards and points (174) in a season. Fuchs, now a senior, is out to prove his performance was no fluke. "It took teams four or five games or so to realize that we were a running team last year," Fuchs said.

"This year there are no surprises as we know we are a marked team and we are ready for that challenge. We have some new kids on the line like Harold Anderson, Clayton Cianelli, and Chris Sherman and I am pretty confident that they are going to step up and play well for us." Even DeLorco was amazed at Fuchs's production last year. "Ben is one of those players you get once in a while," DeLorco said. "He is not only physically tough but he is also mentally tough. He is a winner and he wants the ball when the game is on the line.

He delivered for us last season." One ingredient to a successful running game is having a good fullback opening holes, and senior Matt Lanuto will fulfill that role again. I. i ii mimii inii' Bllllf Coach: Paul Killinger (sixth year, 20-40). Last Year's Record: 3-7. Returning Starters (4): Matt Kiernan, FB, 6-0, 185, Greg Paul, HB, 5-7, 160, Bill McKim, 6-0, 210, Ken Trencholm, HB, 5-9, 170, Sr.

Returning Lettermen: None. Strengths: Running backs. Weaknesses: Lack of size, inexperience up front. Outlook: Although Killinger thinks his team had more potential than its record last season indicated, he is optimistic about this season. "We hope to improve step by step." The Harbormen are a young team, so expect the program to experience a rebuilding year.

Hingham opens the season at Rockland Friday night. HANOVER Duxbury High standout running back Ben Fuchs fills up during a iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiinii Playoff lineup Duxbury is fortunate enough to make the playoffs, they'll get to host the first-round game, Tuesday, Dec 3. Here's the playoff lineup. Cape Ann champ at Patriot EAC at South Coast we are preuy mucn Desi friends," Lanuto said. "We've been playing together in the same back-field since youth football.

In addition to Ben and myself, we had a good solid line last year and there were a lot of doubts and we proved them wrong." Anderson, a senior, will be one of those guys Fuchs will be count GLOBE PHOTO AMY NEWMAN recent practice. cruited to play that sport in college. However, that has not affected his determination to bring Duxbury one step further to the Super Bowl. The senior tricaptains (Fuchs, Lanuto, and Anderson) have come up with a slogan tley think will get them there: "Doni Blink." Says Fuchs, "The reason we chose it is because you never know when your season is going to end and we do not want it to end early again." Sounds like an encore is on the horizon. Coach: Paul Costello (first year).

Last Year's Record: 5-5. Returning Starters (8): John O'Brien, TELB, 6-0, 205, Adam Pardo, QBDB, 6-0, 185, Mark Riordan, HBDB, 5-8, 165, Mike Sirignano, 6-0, 245, Dan Co-trone, 6-4, 270, Dana Hansen, CDE, 5-11, 185, Dave Henry, DB, 5-8, 165, Dan Reidy, DE, 6-2, 188, Nick Riordan, FBAB, 5-8, 185, Pat Dwyer, HBS, 5-11, 180, Jr. Returning Lettermen: Kevin McLaughlin, QBDB, Dave Greene, WRDB, Greg Fell, John Franklin, DE, Matt Crimmins, Sr. Strengths: Both lines, experience. Weaknesses: Depth.

Outlook: Last season was Hanover's first in the Patriot League. Costello thinks this year's team can improve on last year's .500 mark. "I hope we can be more competitive. Our defense has looked very strong," he said. Hanover will need big seasons from Pardo and Sirignano to compete for the league title.

"Sirignano is a really good player; he makes thinks happen," said Costello. "Our quarterback Pardo has been throwing the ball well." This is Costello's first year at Hanover, after three decades at Bostin Latin. He had a record of 168-175-11 with the Wolfpack. IIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ing on to block well again this season, and our job is to remain focused. I "Last year was a great year be- believe everyone's best game will cause everyone was focused," An- be against us this season." derson said.

"I am sure everyone Remarkably, Fuchs is a better will be gunning for us this year lacrosse player and is being re- South Coast Conference MIDDLEBORO DIGHTON-REHOBOTH OLD ROCHESTER Coach: David Driscoll (22d year, 138-71-6). Last year's record: 8-2-1. Returning starters (6): Ricky Dias, RBCB, 5-9, 175, Zane Fyfe, RBSS, 5-10, 175, Jesse Strickland, 0GDE, 5-11, 205, David Mahoney, 6-1, 205, Chris Messier, LB, 6-1, 200, Kolby Boff, QB, 5-11, 165, Jr. Returning lettermen: Nate Guay, OTDT, Paul Fisher, FBSS, Zac Roakes, OTDT, Milton Gomes, SE, Chris Andrade, CB, Josh Darwell, TE, Sr. Strengths: Veteran backfield.

Weaknesses: Inexperienced offensive line. Outlook: The Falcons hope to duplicate the success of last year's campaign on the legs of Dias. The offensive line is young and will have to get acclimated quickly to the varsity level in order to open holes for Dias and Fyfe. Fisher will see some carries at fullback. Boff will mix in an aerial attack to keep defenses honest.

Coach: Craig Sherman (17th year, 92-66-5). Last year's record: 7-1-2. Returning starters (10): Chase Wingate, TEDE, 220, Tommy Dawicki, QBFS, 6-2, 200, Pat -O'Connor, RBCB, 5-10, 200, Steven Boardman, -RBSS, 5-11, 185, Jason Sadeck, CAB, 5-11, 210, John Lopes, OTDT, 6-0, 240, Mike Raposo, TELB, 6-1, 220, Andy Whalen, 0TDE, 6-1, 210, Brian. Tonelli, OGDT, 6-1, 280, Andy Laboa, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr. Returning lettermen: Chris Bobola, WR, Tim Schuyler, WR, Rich Sevigny, WR, Steve Alves.u'' WR, Keith O'Connell, FBDE, Dan Mattar, FBNG, Sean McPhee, TEDE, Brad Siscoe, OLAB, Smith, FBNG, Jason Davies, OLDL, Sr.

Strength: Skill positions. Weakness: Playing without home field. Outlook: Despite having to deal with the unique problem of playing every game on the road, Sherman's squad is coming off a successful campaign. And al- 11 though they face the same prospect this year, Sher-man's players seem up to the task. They return a solid1 offensive line that should open a few holes for O'Connor and quarterback Dawicki, and figure to be near the top, of the league at year's end.

FAIRHAVEN SEEKONK Coach: David DeFelice (first year). Last year's record: 0-10. Returning starters: (13): Kevin Avitable, RBDB, 6-0, 185, A.J. McMahon, RBAB, 5-10, 210, Kahn Chace, OLDL, 6-0, 285, Dave Emmons, CDL, 6-2, 225, John Cacciatore, QBDB, 5-10, 170, Josh Hargrove, WRDB, 6-2, 175, Derek Munroe, TEDL, 6-0, 225, Joe Coffin, OLDL, 6-0, 275, Glen Everette, RBLB, 5-9, 150, Francis Massey, RBLB, 5-10, 175, Randy Townsend, OLDL, 6-0, 175, Bruce Ballard, WRDB, 6-0, 160, John Van Deusen, RBLB, 5-9, 165, Jr. Returning Lettermen: Too many to list.

Strength: Senior leadership. Weakness: Depth. Outlook: Middleboro had nosedive last season, but DeFelice is extremely optimistic he can turn the program around. "We will be very competitive with every team we face this season," he said. Look for Avitable and Hargrove to have strong seasons.

"Avitable is a strong, aggresive runner who racked up over 1,000 yards last season," said DeFelice. "Hargrove is a very athletic wide receiver with good hands and good speed." ROCKLAND Coach: Tom Bailey (first year). Last year's record: 5-5-1. Returning starters (9): Justin Smith, QBLB, 6-3, 185, Mark Killinger, RBLB, 5-11, 195, Kevin O'Connell, DTAB, 5-10, 250, Joe Esposito, TAB, 6-11, 210, Greg Waltrip, CLB, 5-7, 180, Kyle Lynch, LB, 6-11, 205, Rob Affleck, 0L, 5-7, 160, Eric Mahoney, LB, 5-10, 160, Mike Roy, DE, 5-10, 180, Sr. Returning lettermen: Matt Schneider, RB, Joe Coppens, SE, PJ.

Welch, FB, Chris Taylor, Thai Nguyen, Joe Coulstrino, Sr. Strength: Skill positions, speed. Weakness: Lack of size, inexperienced offensive line. Outlook: The Bulldogs entered last season as the defending Super Bowl champions, and expectations were high. But injuries hindered their performance.

Now Rockland must fight to get back to the top. Bailey said the Bulldogs have good team leaders, including Smith, Coppens, Lynch, Killinger, Affleck, Mahoney, and Schneider. Smith "figures to be one of the top passers in EMass," says to Bailey. "We hope to add experience and depth before meeting a powerful Duxbury team on Oct. 11," he said.

SCITUATE Coach: Steve Maguire (second year). Last year's record: 5-4-1. Returning starters (8): Brad Barnard, QB, 6-1, 170, Tom McCarthy, WR, 5-11, 180, Jarrett Dawson, WRAB, 6-1, 175, Keith Pollard, FBAB, 5-9, 170, James Mendes, FBAU, 5-10, 245, Austin O'Brien, 0LAB, 5-10, 170, Peter Garland, 0LAB, 5-9, 170, Bob Ferriter, OLDL, 5-10, 215, Jr. Returning lettermen: Chris Liberty, FBAB, Mike Garland, DBRB, Matt Sampson, DBRB, Jack Burt, OLDL, Dan Sullivan, TEDB, 6-2, 185, Jr. Strength: Txamwork.

Weakness: Inexperience. Outlook: Maguire entered his first season at Scituate with high expectations, with good reason. In 2000, the Sailors finished 8-2 under Phil Pisano. But the squad had to settle for mediocrity in 2001. "We sold ourselves short and had a terrible middle of the season," Maguire said.

"We started 3-1 and then fell apart." Maguire says this year's will do better. "I think we will be competitive," he said. "We have some solid senior leadership and a group of tremendously telented younger kids. We will surprise some people. I am proud of the effort some of our kids put in this summer." The Sailors will use some quality nonleague matchups to prepare for league competition, facing Marshfield (Division 1), Oliver Ames (Division 3), and Stoughton (Division 3).

Maguire said, "Barnard will be one of the best quarterbacks in Division 4." Leading the Sailor attack will be Barnard, Clinton, O'Brien, Pollard, Ferriter, and McCarthy. APPONEQUET Coach: Bob Lomp (second year). Last year's record: 9-L Returning starters (9): Raynor Roszcowicz, QB, 6-3, 188, Jon Stapleton, 5-8, 190, TEDB, Andy Amaral, 5-8 220, GAB; Eric Bernacchio, 6-2, 255, OTDT; Adam Bellavance, 5-8, 170, HBDB; Ben Harris, 6-2, 240, CDT; Jacob Corbett, 5-11, 190, HBA5E; Evan Gagnier, 5-8, 170, RBAB; Bryan Blair, 5-10, 238, FBDE. Returning lettermen: Jim Blackburn, GDE, Jr. Strength: Skill positions.

Weakness: Depth on offensive line. Outlook: Coming off a successful regular season and a trip to the Division 4 playoffs, Apponequet brings back an experienced group of starters, eight of whom play on both sides of the ball. The offense is led for the third straight year by Roszcowicz, who is one of the best signal-callers in the state. The defense is led by linebackers Amaral and Gagnier, who will once again be the heart and soul of the team. While they do have a number of three-year starters returning at the offensive line, depth is a concern on that unit.

BOURNE Coach: Barry Wood (third year, 5-15). Last year's record: 4-6. Returning starters (6): Josh Miksh, FBDE, 6-1, 183, Tarik Andrade, QB0LB, 5-6, 150, Matt Jones, 0GDT, 6-2, 295, Dave Boone, 0TAB, 5-10, 210, Pat Bergin, GA)E, 6-2, 225, Regan Paras, CDT, 5-7, 225, Sr. Returning lettermen: Sean Hooke, QBCB, Jr. Strength: Offensive and defensive lines.

Weakness: Numbers. Outlook: The Canalmen will employ a wishbone offense, and junior fullback Miksh will be the focal point of that system. With a strong offensive line that can match up against anyone, Bourne should have good success moving the ball on the ground. Defensively, the Canalmen are led by Bergin. "His motor never stops running," said Wood of the 6-2 senior.

Boone at linebacker also figures to be a big factor. CASE Coach: Dave Gibeau (12th year, 69-37-3). Last year's record: 5-5. Returning starters (5): Josh Robinson, 5-8, 165, RB, Adam Larue, 5-8, 180, RB, Dylan Zygmont, 6-0 192, TE; Noah Ashley, 5-8, 180, OL, Tom Ferreira, 6-0, 195, OL, Sr. Returning lettermen: None.

Strength: Offensive backfield. Weakness: Inexperienced defense. Outlook: Case hopes to improve on its .500 record on the strength of a returning veteran backfield, led by Robinson and Larue. The offensive line also figures to be a strong point for the Cardinals. Case will struggle defensively; they have no returning starters on that side of the ball.

Coach: Phillip Harding (first year). Last year's record: 3-7. Returning starters (10): Mark Ponte, RBDB, 5-10, 165, Adam Tyson, QBDB, 5-11, 170, Josh Char-pentier, FBAB, 5-10, 175, Dan Laferierre, FBLB, 6-0, 245, Paul Quintin, OLDL, 5-10, 230, Brendan Lee, OLDL, 6-5, 285, Kraig Long, OLAB, 6-5, 285, Brian Ribeiro, OLDL, 6-1, 295, Brian Tillett, OLDL, 6-0, 275, Myles Carroll, TEOLB, 6-2, 210, Sr. Returning lettermen: Nate Gamache, Gary Tur-melle, Jr. Strength: Offensive line.

Weakness: Inexperienced backfield. Outlook: The biggest weapon for Fairhaven is the offensive line, which has plenty of size and agility. This will allow Harding to run the wishbone offense he likes to employ. "This is the biggest offensive line we've ever had here in my 19 years as an assistant," said Harding. Tyson returns at quarterback, and Laferierre will take the handoffs and anchor the defense.

Coach: Dave Morgado (first year). io Last year's record: 3-7. Returning starters: Not available. Returning lettermen: Not available. Outlook: Although the Warriors sported few wins last season, the players viewed the year as a success be- cause Seekonk hadn't won a game in the previous two years at the varsity level.

Morgado inherits the task of turning around this hard-luck program. WAREHAM GREATER NEW BEDFORD Coach: Dan Nault (fourth year, 13-18). Last year's record: 6-5. Returning starters (8): Tim Lydon, QB, 5-10, 165, Matt Barros, RB, 165, 5-9, Josh Council, RB, 6-0, 175, Ken Smead, 6-L 250, Mike Cumlin, 6-4, 250, Mike Regan, 5-10, 195, Anthony Messiah OL, 5-10, 245, Robert Patterson, TE, 6-L 215, Jr. v-Returning lettermen: Tristan Humphries, QBDB, Jns' David Cowling, RBDB Jason Silva, HBDE; Nick" Cushing, Mike Murphy, Craig Davidson, DL, ki Max Poekel, TEAJE, Tim Rerriault, LB0L, Sr.

Strengths: Imposing front sevjn. Weaknesses: Unproven secondary. Outlook: Wareham has talent in virtually every spot. The front seven figures to stifle opposing offenses. Trip secondary is inexperienced, but is picked up ground during the preseason.

"They're unproven, but they make good football decisions," said Nault. "Hopefully they'll progress throughout the year." Offensively, Wa eham returns its whole backfield, including Lydon to handle the snaps. Coach: Steve Walker (first year). Last year's record: 0-10. Returning starters (10): Jordan Brittle, RBDB, 5-10, 180, Jason Fernandes, TE, 6-0, 200, Dan Flynn, RBAB, 5-6, 150, Christopher Gomes, LB, 5-11, 180, Michael Gomes, TEAB, 6-0, 200, Melvin Hernandez, LB, 6-1, 210, Jeff Isidoro, DT, 6-3, 280, Kevin Viveiros, OTDT, 5-11, 220, Raymond Amar-ante, LB, 5-7, 170, David Teeple, 5-11, 180, Jr.

Returning lettermen: Too many to list. Strength: Depth, enthusiasm. Weakness: Inexperience on both lines. Outlook: One would never think that Greater New Bedford was coming off a winless season by talking to Walker. "I can't stress enough the change in attitude these kids have had," said Walker.

"We went to camp, and our seniors took over the leadership role right away." That, combined with the ability to start 22 players should translate into more success. Compiled by Jason Dunbar Compiled by Dave Sanjino.