Independent football capsules
MYSTIC VALLEY
Coach: Rollie Hinckley (first season).
Last year's record: 1-10.
Playing surface: Artificial turf (home games at Malden Catholic).
Returning starters (7): Andrew Brown, T/T, 6-2, 260, Sr.; T.J. Teal, OE/DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; David O'Connor, OG/DT, 5-6, 230, Sr.; Brendan Howard, QB/DB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Nick Martorana, RB/DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Stanley Marsan, OT/LB, 6-0, 170, So.; Bobby Brown, C/DE, 5-10, 165, So.
Strengths: Offensive line.
Concern: Depth, youth.
Outlook: Former Ipswich and Georgetown head coach Rollie Hinckley takes over the helm for Chris Balbassano and has big changes in order at Mystic. Hinckley, who last coached in Ipswich during the 2004 season, carries the strategies he implemented at Ipswich and Georgetown. On offense, Mystic will switch from a double slot, spread set to a Wing-T this season. The defense will be a gap stack, multiple type designed to be more aggressive than the 3-5 arrangement used in the past. "The offensive line has had a strong showing so far," said Hinckley. "And we have a couple good running backs who we can hand off and throw to." "I want us to be a more consistent blocking and tackling football team, to the level of our opponents." Hinckley projects this team to have good upside.
RANDOLPH
Coach: Vernon Crawford (second year, 3-17).
Last year's record: 3-8.
Playing surface: Grass.
School website: randolph.mec.edu/schools/rhs_fall_04/athletic_fall_04/index.htm
Returning starters (6): Marvin Auguste, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Jr.; David Desir, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Andre Edberg, LB/FB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Mike Irby, OL/DL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Chris Samuels, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, So.; Kyle Spearin, QB/DB, 6-1, 170, Jr.
Returning letter winners (11): All starters and Yemi Ajao, TE/LB, So.; Lee Huynh, LB/TE, Jr.; Ricky Igeani, RB/DB, Jr.; Christian Lopez, WR/QB, So.; Mike Miranda, DB, So.
Strength: Offensive line.
Concerns: Inexperience, size.
Outlook: The Blue Devils will play as an independent in the second year of former New England Patriots linebacker Vernon Crawford's tenure. He's lined up some tough challenges to make sure his squad is ready to return to the Patriot League soon. "It's not a cake schedule. If we come out of it 5-5, I'll be happy," he said. Senior David Desir and Marvin Auguste will lead a small, but savvy offensive line. "We're not as big as we've been, but it's one of the smarter lines we've had. If you have a good offensive line, you can do a lot of things," said Crawford, whose aim is to help turn things around at Randolph, which recently cut all freshman sports. "We're trying to get kids to stay at home, instead of losing kids to Xaverian, Catholic Memorial, BC High," said Crawford. "He's given a lot of life to the program. We're really looking forward to a good year," said Robert Wargo, athletic director.
WESTON
Coach: Bob Desaulniers (second year, returning after six years, seventh year overall, 108-73).
Last year's record: 5-6.
Playing surface: Grass.
Returning starters (6): Michael Jackson-Diggs, RB/WR/CB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Nate Lipkin, OT, 5-11, 180, Sr.; DJ Constantinides, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Joe Dell'erario, LB/RB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Jeff Gilschrist, 5-10, 160, LB, Jr.; Jake Taylor, CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.
Strength: Athleticism, team speed.
Concerns: Inexperience, depth, size.
Outlook: Weston went 5-6 last year, the program's first season following a six-year absence. It will take more time for Weston to rebuild and draw greater numbers of football players (39 this year up from 31 in 2006). Still, Desaulniers said that "barring injuries, we should improve on 5-6 and we are hoping to get some good fortune." Eddie Blum has emerged as the starting quarterback and Jackson-Diggs and Dell'erario will make up a duo at running back that Desaulniers said "should be outstanding. They are two very important players for us this year." With talented backs and team speed all over the field, Weston's spread offense could open up and expose slower defenses. The Wildcats will use multiple defenses again this season and will need to improve on the 26.7 points allowed per game last season. Desaulniers was very happy with the way things went in the preseason and is "impressed with our approach to the game and overcome the challenges." There is plenty of youth and speed here but injuries could plague this trim roster.
Compiled by Ricky Popolizio, Matt Porter.
