Coast Guard
(2-8, 0-6 FFC in 2000)
After winning just one Freedom Football Conference game in the past three seasons Coast Guard welcomes back 15 starters as they try to rebuild a program which made back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances in 1996 and 1997.

Head Coach Bill George in his third season, is excited about the past two recruiting classes, but knows he will have to replace D3football.com All-America return specialist Mike Benson, also a running back. "In my opinion, Mike is one of the best players I have ever seen in Division III and it will be impossible to replace him," said George.

The Bears do return seven starters on offense including the entire offensive line led by senior captains Josh Rose (RG) and Emile Cochet (LG). Senior
Kevin Hassleman (LT), an FFC second-team All-star for the past two seasons, and junior Brad Brunaugh (C) and junior Clayton Preble (RT) also return to the line.

"Our offensive linemen have worked hard in the offseason, they have gotten stronger and we are hoping they can lead the way for us this season," said George.

Coast Guard is very inexperienced at the skill positions. "We have a bunch
of new faces and they are all untested," said George. Junior Nic Porta (4 of 14, 58 yards) and sophomore Matt Gully will battle for the starting quarterback spot.

Junior Rob Bixler, who led the Bears with eight catches for 134 yards last season, is moving to running back. Bixler, junior Steve Tillery (15 carries, 42 yards) and sophomore Geritt Guillaume will battle for the starting running back spots. Senior Dave McCown and junior Anders Hammersborg will also be given a shot in the backfield. Sophomore Sean Lenahan and senior Matt Colebourn (28 carries, 108 yards, 4 TD) will battle for the starting fullback spot.

Sophomore Brian Whisler looks like the leading candidate at tight end after moving from linebacker. Senior Mike Wolfe, who started five games last year, junior Adam Bryant and sophomore Hugh Barr are going to all see time at reciever. The Bears are more experienced on defense than they are on offense as eight regular starters and two people who made at least one start last year are back.

The front three of senior defensive tackles Glenn Goetchius, who missed the final eight games of the season due to injury last year and Lyle Kessler (25 tackles, four for loss) along with junior nose guard Steve Myers (30 tackles, one for loss) give the Bears a solid defensive line.

The Bears have a talented group of linebackers led by FFC first-team All-star and senior captain Christian Hernaez (83 tackles, 4½ for loss, four fumble recoveries). Hernaez and senior Josh Empen (six tackles for loss, two sacks) will start at outside linebacker spots while junior Matt Schibler, who made a pair of starts last season will start at inside linebacker. Sophomore John Oscar and junior Sam Babbitt, who made six starts last year will battle for the other spot inside. Sophomores Tim Tilghmann and Kyle Weist are also expected to battle for time for in the Bears linebacking corp.

Senior captain James Corbett (70 tackles, three for loss), an FFC second-team All-star at linebacker will move to strong safety while junior Jon Rice (38 tackles, three for loss) returns at free safety. Senior Rob Trevino (48 tackles) returns at one cornerback spot while senior Marcus Ivery, sophomore Aaron Kowalczk and sophomore Scott Melton will all battle for the other corner spot and backup the safety spots.

Sophomore Ashley Lovejoy will do the punting for the Bears this season and
might also see time as a backup linebacker. Sophomore Chris Cumberland will again handle the kicking duties. Cumberland hit of 14 of 17 PATs last season and was five of eight on field goals with a long of 43 yards on his first collegiate attempt.

Kings Point (3-6, 3-3 FFC in 2000)
The attitude surrounding the 2001 Kings Point football team is optimistic. The Mariners hope to march towards the upper echelon of the Freedom Football Conference and in doing so, restore gridiron glory to the Blue and Gray.

Head Coach Charlie Pravata enters his 11th season as the leader of the program, and he currently owns an overall mark of 54-39-2 as the Mariners' commander. Kings Point ended the 2000 campaign with a 3-6 overall record and a 3-3 mark in the FFC, tied for fourth place.

Although the Mariners overall record reflects a subpar season for the usually mighty Blue and Gray, Kings Point's best talent lies within its youth, who set several Academy records during the tilt, and this bodes well for the 2001 season.

The Kings Point offense will be steered once again by sophomore quarterback Dan Circelli (New Hartford, N.Y.), who enjoyed a breakout season last year and established a solid reputation for himself as a threat in the FFC. On the year, Circelli completed 145 of 256 passes for a record-breaking 1807 yards and 10 connections in the end zone. The Mariners' field general ranked second in the Conference in total offense with 193.6 yards/game and fourth in passing with a quarterback rating of 120.70. Following last season, Circelli was named the Rookie of the Year for the ECAC's Southeast Region and the Rookie of the Year in the FFC, becoming Kings Point's first-ever ECAC rookie award winner in the 56-year history of the storied program.

All of Circelli's favorite targets are back in 2001 as the receiving corps features the senior tandem of Jay DeBruhl (Camden, S.C.) and Will Felch (Lancaster, Texas). DeBruhl is returning from an All-Conference season in which he stepped to the forefront of the Blue and Gray's offense. He rewrote the Academy's record book during the campaign after hauling in 49 receptions, surpassing a mark that had stood for 19 years. DeBruhl gained 830 yards and led the Mariners in scoring with eight touchdowns. He also led the Conference in receiving yards per game with 92.2 and in receptions per game with 5.4. Felch also possesses all of the tools to be a dominant figure in the Mariners' passing game. A Second-Team All-Conference player, the fleet-footed receiver caught 33 passes for 430 yards and a touchdown. Felch averaged 47.8 yards per game, and ranked fifth in the FFC in receptions per game (3.7) and sixth in receiving yards. In one of the Mariners' deepest pools at wide receiver in recent years, junior David Kozich (Clymer, Pa.), sophomore Darren Haefele (Indiatlantic, Fla.), sophomore Jason McKay (Napa, Calif.), and sophomore Clay Garcia (Acton, Mass.) also look to factor into the mix.

Rounding out the receiving outfit, the Mariners have a trio of promising candidates at tight end in sophomore Kevin O'Connor (Smithtown, N.Y.), sophomore Bowen Summer (Bradenton, Fla.), and senior Jeff Quell (Westport, Conn.). They have seen limited game action but all three will make a push for the top of the depth chart.

The Mariners will reload their backfield with a rotation of speedy tailbacks and powerful fullbacks. Senior Trenel Hardy (Westbury, N.Y.), a veteran ground-gainer, is expected to have a banner campaign in his final season. Hardy ground out 3.3 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns in 2000 from his tailback slot. Sophomore David McNeal (San Antonio), a converted corner, will also contribute to the rebuilding of the Blue and Gray's ground game. Senior Josh Ware (Charlestown, Ind.) and junior Tom Flanagan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) anchor the fullback contingent.

In the trenches, the offensive line will be one of the more experienced units on the team with four returning starters. At left tackle, senior standout Bobby Atkins (Rockwall, Texas), an FFC First-Team and ECAC Honorable Mention selection, will return to form this fall. The Blue and Gray's center will be junior Vinny D'Eusanio (Staten Island), also a starter last year. Junior Meade Robbins (Cartersville, Va.), who shared time starting at center last year, will fan out to the left side where he will serve as a guard. On the right side of the line will be junior Steve Hohenshelt (Brookfield, Conn.) at right tackle. His return from injury at the tail end of the 2000 season bolstered the line considerably.

All four of these adept blockers contributed to the offense's rank of third in the FFC in total offense (315.0 yards/game) and second in passing offense (202.2 yards/game). The right guard position is projected to be filled by sophomore Jeff Hitzel (Andover, N.J.).

As for the defensive unit, the Mariners will look to mix a number of cagey veteran returnees and a proficient squad of newcomers into one cohesive group on the field. The Kings Point's strength comes from the linebacking corps, a group of solid hitters with excellent size and good quickness. Senior Luke Wisniewski (Wilmington, Del.) and junior Jason Rowland (Fort Myers, Fla.) are the two marquee players who will start in the interior.Wisniewski was in on 77 stops in 2000, the most of any member of the Blue and Gray, and forced three fumbles, also tops on the team. Rowland emerged as a full-time starter and ranked fifth on the squad in tackles with 67.

Couple that with four sacks for 51 yards and two forced fumbles and it becomes evident that Rowland owns the recipe for success in the middle of the field. Junior Matt Tomo (Ocean, N.J.) will look to crack the line-up as well. He notched 33 tackles last year and should produce higher numbers this fall.

Up front, Kings Point is immediately improved with the return of a number of key players who have another year of experience under their belts. The defensive end slots will be manned by senior Paul Boulos (Staten Island) and sophomore David McIlravy (Virginia Beach, Va). Last year, Boulos registered 66 tackles while McIlravy had a sensational 42 stops as a rookie.

Joining the battle up front will be senior Walt Wagner (Annapolis, Md.) and sophomore Kyle Franklin (Acworth, Ga.). They will fill the defensive tackle positions and make the transition to the interior from defensive end. Wagner is coming off of a 46-tackle season and looks to improve on his seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Franklin notched 24 stops in his inaugural season, knocked a ball loose, and recovered a fumble. Sophomore Butch Dominguez (Melbourne, Fla.) will combat with juniors Andrew Etter (Water Mill, N.Y.) and Tim McLaughlin (Roslyn, Pa.) for the starting nose guard duties.

Seniors Mike Mancini (Dania, Fla.) and Mike Ross (Timonium, Md.) top the depth chart at the two safety positions. Mancini made 73 stops in 2000, third-best in a Blue and Gray uniform. Ross had 33 stops and five breakups. Also in the mix are juniors Mike Brady (Fort Myers, Fla.), a former wideout, and Craig Gundry (Whiting, N.J.). Solidifying the defensive secondary will be junior Eric Pickett (Annapolis, Md.), who is the lone returnee at corner. The adjacent corner position will be battled out in preseason among several players.

Junior Erik Hedval (Santee, Calif.) and sophomore Jeremy Mosely (Chapin, S.C.) will carry the responsibilities of kicking for the Mariners. Hedval was 9-for-14 in PAT attempts last year, while Mosely was the primary kickoff man.

Mosely and Haefele will serve as the squad's punters. A combination of four speedsters will handle the bulk of the Mariners' returning chores. Pickett and Felch are back for the second year as Kings Point's punt returners. Pickett averaged 3.6 yards per punt return and 17.3 yards per kick return in 2000. Felch brought back seven punts and his 11.7-yard average was first on the squad. Hardy and McNeal will bring back the kicks and are both capable of going coast to coast for the Mariners.

The nucleus of the team's offensive, defensive and special teams talent returns in 2001 and excitement permeates Tomb Field. With the addition of one of the program's best recruiting classes and an enthusiastic coaching staff the Mariners are piecing together the building blocks that will shortly return the Blue and Gray to the top of their game.

Plymouth State (5-5, 3-3, FFC in 2000)
Plymouth State will rely on experience and senior leadership in 2001 in hopes of returning to the form that made three consecutive postseason appearances from 1997-99. Third-year head coach Chris Rorke has a veteran group that includes more than 20 seniors.

"We have a lot of kids who have played a lot of college football," said Rorke, who has a 13-8 record in his first two years at PSC. "It's a big group which has been together for a long time. We have nine players back on offense who have been starters, and six on defense, so it's an experienced group."

The Panthers won their final three games in 2000 by a combined score of 121-34, finishing the season with a 5-5 overall record and maintaining its status as the program with the highest career winning percentage (.696) in the NCAA's Division III.

"Our goal first and foremost," said Rorke, "is to win the Freedom Football Conference. If we do that, we get an opportunity to compete in the NCAA playoffs. We feel our record last year wasn't indicative of the talent we had."

Rorke is pleased with the talent returning to the offense, led by senior co-captain Russ Massahos, one of the top players in the history of the program.

"There's no question Russ is the starting point of the offense, whether we're running it or throwing it," said Rorke. "But the key to our offense is distributing the ball to all of our skill players and avoiding turnovers. Last year we had too many turnovers."

Massahos, a two-time All-FFC selection, has rushed for over 2,300 yards in his career. He has led the team in rushing the last two seasons, and last year was the team's second leading receiver with 25 catches, despite missing part or all of three games.

Junior Matt Simpson will likely get the nod at quarterback, although Rorke could also turn to sophomore transfer Ryan Diamond. Simpson was the 1999 FFC Rookie of the Year and has started 17 games over the past two seasons. His main targets will be wide receiver Shaun Spaulding, tight end John Walters and Massahos.

"Spaulding is our speed receiver, our deep threat," said Rorke, " and Walters had an excellent year last season, leading our team in receptions. We expect both of them will be big parts of our offense."

The offensive line will have to overcome the loss of four-year starting center Chris Belmont, a three-time All-FFC selection. Returning starters include seniors Chad Zibolis, a two-time All-FFC pick, and Ian Kaylor and sophomore Chad Cleary. Rorke is also hoping to avoid the injuries that plagued the line last fall.

"In order for us to do anything, our line must gel as a unit," said Rorke. "The injuries were a key; we had a different lineup all the time and it was difficult to get everyone on the same page. This should be physically the best line since I've been here, although it will be tough to replace a leader like Chris Belmont."

Defensively, Rorke has plenty of veterans returning at linebacker and in the secondary, but the line will have a new look.

"We lost basically the entire front line," said Rorke, "so that's our biggest question mark. We have the talent to replace them, but they lack the experience and we haven't had a chance to work with them that much."

The anchor of the defense is the linebacking unit, led by senior co-captain Chris Kelliher, the team leader in tackles the last two seasons. He is a two-time All-Conference pick who made more than 100 stops last season. Other key returning veterans include seniors Brian Chaplain, Tim Hersey, Jim Stacy and Ben Sirota.

The secondary lost a key veteran in Jason Marcell, but welcomes back seniors Mike Pelletier, Bobby Maylone and Cory Skillin and junior Jamey Funk, a group that combined for 10 interceptions in 2000.

"Pelletier and Maylone both started last year," said Rorke, "and Skillin and Funk split time starting at one corner and both played a lot, so basically we have four returning starters. We're pretty confident with that unit as a
whole."

The line will have some new faces, but Rorke is pleased with the players he has to choose from. Top candidates include sophomores Shawn McGowan, Nate Laita and Rich Collins, whose average size is 6-4, 250 pounds.

"We're bigger and more talented on the line, but less experienced," said Rorke. "Physically, we haven't had bodies like that since I've been here."

The special teams will also display some new faces, but Rorke is excited with what he sees. He expects the kicking game will be improved over last season. Freshmen Aaron Miller and Ken Quiricone will battle for the placekicking job, although junior Jay Zinis has experience and can also step in. Senior Bobby Maylone is a four-year veteran punter. The return duties will likely be split among Jason Bordas, Shaun Spaulding, Mike Bardellini and Maylone.
PSC's biggest challenges in the Freedom Conference will again be Western

Connecticut and Springfield, the league champions the last two seasons. "They're obviously the two teams to beat, as they have been the last two years," said Rorke, "and I don't think this year will be any different.

"Our biggest challenge as a team," said Rorke, "is staying healthy and coming together as a team. We have the talent, so if we can get off to a good start and stay together as a team, we should have a good season."

Springfield (11-2, 6-0 FFC in 2000)
Mike DeLong must've been pleased when he looked back on the 2000 season. After all, it was arguably the best in the rich tradition of the program. How about it, Coach? What did you think about during the offseason?

"Honestly, I started to think about next season," DeLong admitted.

Let us reflect for you. The Pride, which finished ranked 10th in the nation, set a school record with 11 wins. It knocked off a pair of nationally ranked teams to reach the East Regional Final of the NCAA Division III playoffs — the deepest foray ever by a New England team. SC became the first Division III team in history to rush for more than 4,000 yards, racking up 4,275 during the regular season to win its second consecutive NCAA Division III rushing title, and its third since 1996. The Pride swept through the Freedom Football Conference with a 6-0 mark for its third conference crown in five years. Individual awards were plentiful, and not just for the players. DeLong was honored as the American Football Quarterly/Schutt Sports Division III, New England Football Writers Division III, The American Football Coaches Region I and the FFC Coach of the Year.

DeLong needs to address two key questions heading into the 2001 campaign. For the first time in several years, Springfield enters the season without a proven performer at quarterback or fullback. Lost to graduation were quarterback Kevin Cahill and fullback Jason Miller, the top two rushers in the program's 110-year history. Cahill, the FFC Offensive Player of the Year, and Miller combined for nearly 3,000 yards on the ground and 39 touchdowns. DeLong, however, does not expect the high-octane offense that averaged a gaudy 38.5 points per game last season to miss a beat.

"There are a number of very talented individuals here who can step in at quarterback and fullback," DeLong explained. "Obviously, none will have the experience of Cahill or Miller but it's going to be exciting to see who steps up."

The departures of Cahill and Miller aside, this is a veteran group. Seven starters are back, including All-FFC halfback Bob Sedlor and four excellent offensive linemen. The Pride has big-play capability when it goes to the air in senior Jay Curtis, junior Luke Quigley and sophomore Farrond Viollete.

Defensively, DeLong expects a unit that held five opponents to 21 points or less to be better. "I feel our defense will be stronger and we're more experienced," DeLong stated. "We'll have much more speed on the field than we had last season."

Returning on defense are all-conference selections at defensive end (junior Duane Robinson) and safety (senior Jason Perkins) as well as SC's second-leading tackler (junior inside linebacker Jesse Baker).

In Cahill, DeLong had a three-year starter at quarterback who ran the multiple-option to near perfection. The two-time ECAC Division III New England Player of the Year and the most productive rusher ever to play at Springfield, Cahill accounted for 3,209 yards and 44 rushing touchdowns during the regular season in his spectacular career.

"Kevin got the chance to start as a sophomore and made the most of it," DeLong said. "Now it's someone else's turn. I feel very positive about the athleticism at the quarterback spot and the fact that there'll be enough competition that someone will emerge."

What I worry about is the experience level of this group," DeLong added. "You have to be able read and react quickly in this offense."

Craig Bowman would seem to have the inside track to succeed Cahill. The 5-10 junior appeared in nine contests last season, rushing for 87 yards (9.7 avg.) and two touchdowns while attempting only one pass.

"Craig settled in at No. 2 on the depth chart towards the end of last season and got a chance to play," DeLong said. "There are a number of other athletes, though, who are in the mix."

DeLong will give looks to sophomores Brian Levesque and Matt Botta, and junior Cory Langone. He also thinks that Perkins, the starting free safety, has the tools to run the offense.

Like Cahill, Jason Miller was a key cog in SC's well-oiled offensive machine. The All-American fullback rewrote the SC record book last season, setting school regular-season bests in rushing (1,348), touchdowns (22) and points (136). Nationally, Miller ranked second in scoring and 22nd in rushing.

"It's a similar scenario to the one we have at quarterback: Someone is going to have to step up," DeLong explained. "I say that every year and someone always does."

Junior Chris D'Aneillo, who carried the ball just four times for 24 yards last season, is the most experienced candidate to replace Miller.

"Chris is at the top of depth chart, but it is really up in the air," DeLong explained. Junior Chris Roy and sophomore Ari Selig are also leading contenders for the job. DeLong also cites junior Jim Galliher, a starter at defensive end, as someone who might be able to contribute at fullback.

DeLong is very comfortable with the halfback situation. "We have three guys who are outstanding at the halfback spot. Sedlor is coming off a big year, Matt Bourque is a very good player, and I think Dustin Grosso, with some experience, can be as explosive as anyone we have."

Although overshadowed by Cahill and Miller last season, Sedlor would have been the featured back on many teams. The 5-10, 180-pound senior broke the FFC record for yards-per-carry (9.2) and totaled nine touchdowns. He also caught a team-high eight passes — two for scores — for 249 yards (33.1 avg.). Expect Sedlor to enjoy more performances like the one he had in SC's 34-21 win at WPI on October 21, when he rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns en route to FFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors.

Matt Bourque hopes to have a breakout season. The hard-working senior has yet to earn a steady spot in the backfield rotation, rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown in 16 appearances over two seasons.

Junior Dustin Grosso also looks to make his presence felt. The 5-9, 170-pounder carried the ball nine times for 72 yards in three contests a year ago.

Though the Pride rarely looked to the air in 2000 (54 pass attempts), DeLong values the passing game as an important weapon.

"We pass in big-play situations, and the numbers reflect that," DeLong said. "We had 21 receptions last year, and eight went for touchdowns. The average yards-per-catch was 25.6. That's pretty good."

Senior Jay Curtis typifies the quick-strike ability of the SC air attack. Last season Curtis, who DeLong describes as "sneaky fast with great hands", caught just two passes — a 52-yard touchdown against UMass-Dartmouth and a 50-yard scoring strike at Ithaca.

Junior split end Luke Quigley could be the favorite target of SC quarterbacks. Already one of the conference's top return men, Quigley possesses blazing speed and the experience necessary to be a major part of the Pride offense. He appeared in 12 games and made two catches for 24 yards in 2000.

Sophomore Farrond Violette, another speedster, looks to earn a regular spot after earning playing time in his first season.

The strength of the SC offense will be the offensive line. "We have six guys coming back with a ton of experience," DeLong said. "It's as experienced and as big an offensive line as I've ever had returning. We've also got great depth."

Senior center Kevin Vacca, a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American and a second-team all-conference selection last season, anchors a offensive front that weighs in excess of 240 pounds on average. Sophomore Lance St. Jean, a starter at offensive tackle, moves to left guard this year and junior Carl Mintken is back at left tackle. Penciled in on the right side of Vacca are juniors Jim Vadeboncouer at guard and Ben Bristolat tackle. Injuries ruined last season for senior guard Andrew MacFayden and senior tackle Donald Brooks, but both aim to regain their starting spots. Senior Martin Imre and junior Nick Asermelly, the Pride's long-snapper, are veteran contributors.

Junior Jeff Barry is the incumbent at tight end. "Tight end will be very competitive. Jeff did a nice job, but we have some freshmen that will push for playing time," DeLong said.

Springfield was fifth overall in total defense (350.2 avg.) in the conference last season, a number that DeLong expects to improve on.

"We need to cover better and improve our pass rush," DeLong explained. "We have good depth at linebacker and in the secondary, and should be a little quicker and stronger up front."

For the Pride, which will play a 3-4 set, there is quality and quantity along the defensive front, beginning with ends Duane Robinson, a senior, and Jim Galliher, a junior. Robinson, a second-team all-FFC pick, terrorized opposing quarterbacks to the tune of nine sacks last season. He also registered 15 tackles for loss and batted down three passes. Galliher recorded four sacks, eight tackles for loss and recovered four fumbles. Junior Rashad Gilmore, who will push for a starting spot, and sophomores Jason McDonald, John Rowan and Reubon Semaia appear ready to challenge for quality playing time.

On the interior, senior Dan Nichol, a two-year starter, returns. The 6-2, 250-pound senior had 18 tackles, including four for loss, and two sacks last season. Junior Brian Petrosky is a valuable contributor at tackle or end. Sophomore Nathan Head is a quality reserve, and Dan Martucci, another sophomore, has a bright future.

"Our defensive front should be a good one," DeLong said. "Robinson, Gilmore, Nichol, Head, Petrosky and Galliher all have a ton of playing experience, and they are backed up by like McDonald, Rowan, Martucci. Raifstanger is back, and Semaia is a tremendous athlete."

The graduation of Rich Moran, whose 103 tackles led the Pride, leaves a sizeable pair of shoes to fill.

In his absence, DeLong expects big things from one of the FFC's top returning linebacker duos — junior Jesse Baker and senior Tim Satkowski — and points to the depth of the position as one of the team's strengths.

"[Sophomore] Jacinto DiLeitzia is a tremendous athlete," DeLong said. "Then there's [sophomore] Dan Lyons and a couple of players off the freshmen team who are ready to contribute. We also recruited a number of linebackers who we feel are going to be fine."

A two-year starter on the inside, Baker should emerge as one of the premier linebackers in the conference. Last season, he totaled 95 tackles and picked off three passes. DiLeitzia registered 27 tackles last season and is penciled in at the other inside post. Junior Adam Cowell, who made 18 stops with one sack as Baker's understudy a year ago, is a tremendous athlete who moves to outside linebacker. Satkowski, a starter at outside linebacker, finished sixth on the team with 55 tackles to go along with four tackles for loss and two sacks. Senior Jay Raifstranger, who compiled eight tackles for loss as a sophomore in 1999, looks to bounce back after an injury.

DeLong is blunt in describing the play of the secondary last season. "I thought we were too slow. It's an area of concern."

The secondary should be vastly improved. Senior Thomas Allen and junior Mike Capotasto are back on the corners. Allen recorded 40 tackles and was second on the team with four interceptions in 2000. The 5-11, 190-pounder returned two picks for touchdowns in a 55-34 win against previously undefeated Ithaca to earn the Coca-Cola/New England Football Writers Association College Division Weekly Gold Helmet Award. A starter at corner last season, Capotosto was a major factor, making 34 tackles and registering three interceptions.

The safety positions are manned by a pair of battle-tested seniors: Kyle Gulino and Jason Perkins. Gulino is a two-year starter who moved from free tostrong safety last season. He ranked fourth on the team in tackles for the second consecutive year with 65. Perkins may be the conference's best player. He's coming off a season in which hegarnered First-Team All-ECAC and FFC honors for the second time in his career. The 5-10, 180-pounder was second in the conference with five regular-season interceptions (plus two in three postseason games) and racked up 84 tackles. Senior Dane Brown, who sat out last season, figures to see action in a reserve role.

The Pride returns its punter, placekicker, long snapper and top three kick returners. Senior punter Tim Satkowski averaged 30.5 yards last season. At placekicker, SC will once again rely on sophomore Greg Switaj, who was fourth on the team with 51 points. Asermelly is a dependable long snapper.

As for kick returners, DeLong seems to have unlimited options. Perkins, who finished seventh in the nation in return average (14.7 avg., 1 TD), and Quigley (8.3 avg.), effectively shared the punt return duties a year ago. Sedlor (21.8 avg.) and Quigley (19.9 avg., 1 TD) were both in the conference's top 10 in kickoff returns.

"We have enough speed to have an excellent kick-cover team and punt team," DeLong said. "We need to improve on our ability to score off punts and kickoffs."

The fact that the Pride will play three of its first four conference games away from the artificial surface of Benedum Field doesn't faze DeLong. Nor should it: the Pride posted a sizzling 6-0 road record last season, including a victory at then undefeated Ithaca.

"We feel as comfortable on grass as we do on turf," DeLong stated. "The bottom line is you can't win the conference only on your own field. Obviously we like to play at home. We have good support here, but you have to win anywhere you go."

The FFC is wide open this season, according to DeLong. "Everyone looks at Western Connecticut [as the favorite] in the conference, but to overlook anyone would be a big mistake. From top-to-bottom this is tight league, and I expect it to be tight again."

Although the losses of Cahill and Miller are substantial, there is no reason to think that Springfield won't be able to move the ball. After all, this program has won two consecutive NCAA Division III rushing titles. One of the nation's best offensive fronts and the consistent production of Sedlor insure that the Pride should average between 350 and 400 yards per game on the ground.

With seven starters returning on defense, including all-conference players Robinson and Perkins, and strong recruiting class featuring speed, DeLong is justified in expecting a significant improvement in that area.

The 2000 season was a magical ride. If things fall into place, however, it won't be a surprise to see the Pride capture its fourth FFC crown in six years and make its third NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998.

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