Springfield (4-5 in 2001)
Springfield, which has won three Freedom Football Conference titles since 1996 and made two NCAA playoff appearances in four seasons, suffered four losses by a total of 10 points on its way to a 4-5 record.

"It's certainly a sore point with us," said head coach Mike DeLong of his team's struggles last season. "We were in every game, but we made mistakes and found a way to lose those close ones."

The 109th edition of Springfield football features veteran presences on both sides of the ball, including one of the region's best defensive fronts. Eight starters are back on the offense, which features electric split end/kick returner Luke Quigley, and seven defensive starters return. DeLong, who enters his 19th season as head coach at his alma mater, hopes his team can build on a 49-35 upset of then No. 16 Union in the final game of the 2001 season.

"We must continue to improve on defense. We were very good last season, and we need to keep getting better," DeLong explained. "Obviously, our offensive production fell off a great deal last season. We need better production from our skill position players, especially the quarterbacks and fullbacks."

Despite an unsettled situation in the backfield resulting from early-season injuries to all-conference halfback Bob Sedlor, fullback Matt Bourque, and quarterbacks Craig Bowman and Matt Botta, Springfield maintained its reputation as one of the most potent rushing offenses in the nation in 2001. The Pride led the FFC and finished sixth nationally in rushing (278.7 yards per game). SC was 4-1 in games when it rushed for 300 yards or more.

Defensively, the Pride went into the final week of the season ranked seventh nationally in total defense, and placed at the top of the conference in four categories. SC held six of its opponents to 17 points or less, including high-powered offenses such as Ithaca.

Last season, the Pride opened camp with five quarterbacks that had thrown a total of one pass among them vying for the starting nod. Not so this season. DeLong turns to three veteran quarterbacks that all have game experience.

After a spectacular effort at Union, sophomore Michael Judge enters camp at the top of the depth chart. He rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more to lead SC to the 14-point victory.

"I feel good about Mike, especially after his performance in the Union game," DeLong said. "He's a strong all-around player and his decision-making has improved."

The emergence of Ryan Sylvia, another sophomore, was one of last season's surprises. Inconsistent play and injuries to his teammates elevated him to the top of the depth chart. Sylvia's first action of the season came against No. 21 Ithaca (Sept. 29), and he responded by scoring two touchdowns. He was named FFC Rookie of the Week twice last season, rushing for 492 yards and six touchdowns, and throwing for 190 yards and a score.

"Ryan is a terrific athlete; a strong, tough kid. He made some big plays for us," DeLong said. If Sylvia continues to play consistently, especially in the passing game, he will be a major factor in 2002.

Senior Craig Bowman suffered a season-ending injury when he broke his jaw in a scrimmage against Westfield State last August. Bowman, who had won the starting job after a strong showing in camp, served as a backup to record-setting signal-caller Kevin Cahill in 2000 and played on the junior varsity in 1999. Bowman saw action in five games in the 2000 season, averaging 9.7 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns.

Last season's situation at fullback was a revolving door with three players starting.

Sophomore Will Davis could shift from halfback to fullback this season. Davis averaged 6.4 yards per carry in limited action a year ago. DeLong is also impressed by sophomore Tim Lutgens, who played on the junior varsity in 2000.

"They are comparable in that neither is very big, but they are the type of backs that will make tacklers miss," DeLong explained. "Between the two of them, we should be in pretty good shape."

Juniors Dave Pardue and Ari Selig are also in the mix.

DeLong expects a lot of production from his tailbacks, who have traditionally averaged close to 100 yards per game. "It's an interesting but inexperienced group led by Dustin Grosso. There are a lot of options," DeLong said.

Grosso, a senior who has averaged 4.7 yards per carry over the last two seasons, broke into the starting lineup in 2001, rushing for 138 yards and one touchdown in seven games.

"We'll look for Dustin to make up what we've lost with the graduation of Sedlor," DeLong explained. "He's an explosive runner with good instincts."

Will Davis, along with promising sophomores Kevin Domurat and Dan Veinot will push for time. The coaching staff may experiment with giving Luke Quigley some repetitions at halfback during camp.

"He's an exciting player who can play in a lot of different spots," DeLong said. "Luke makes things happen. We need to get the ball in his hands."

Quigley, who has started at split end since 2000, is one of the conference's most dangerous players. A two-time FFC Special Teams Player of the Week and an All-New England selection last season as a split end and kick returner, he averaged 19.4 yards per catch and 7.4 yards per rush. Quigley ranked second in the FFC in punt return yardage (11.1) and kickoff return yardage (22.7). Juniors D. J. Bruni and Nate Ingram will vie for time, as well.

Even if Quigley moves to halfback, the Pride is set at split end. Senior Jay Curtis is a veteran pass catcher with a knack for making things happen. He's averaged 34.6 yards per catch in three seasons in the Maroon and White, and he has caught touchdown passes of 50 and 52 yards.

"Jay is an outstanding athlete with good size and speed. He has made some big plays for us," DeLong said.

Junior Farrand Violette, who was behind Quigley on the depth chart last season, is a versatile talent that he may move to the secondary. Senior Jim Kramer and juniors Cory Langone, Marcus Sheftall and Jackson Browne round out this strong group of split ends.

DeLong characterizes the tight end position as "pretty solid" with senior Jeff Barry and sophomore Brian Dewey returning. Barry has been the starter for the past two seasons, while Dewey has impressed the coaching staff. He is a possibility at several different spots.

Despite losing center Kevin Vacca, the SC offensive line should again be a strong point. Last season, the Pride allowed a league-low eight sacks.

"We've got seven guys back, including four starters," DeLong stated. "They are an experienced group that knows how to play and how to practice."

The left side of the line is anchored by seniors Andrew MacFayden and Carl Mintken. MacFayden, a team co-captain, has started at guard for the better part of two seasons. Mintken, who came to SC as a defensive lineman, broke into the starting lineup at left tackle in 2001. Junior center Nick Assermelly, the Pride's long snapper, will get the first shot to fill Vacca's shoes. On the right side, Ben Bristol, a three-year starter at tackle, and senior Matt Fritze, who started six games last season, return. Seniors Chris D'Aniello, a guard, and Stephen Holt, a tackle, were major contributors last season.

Though its offense was uncharacteristically inconsistent in 2001, the Pride's defense was relentless. SC yielded an average of 12.6 points per game in six FFC games, and held the top two scoring teams in the conference, Plymouth State and Western Connecticut, to its lowest point totals of the season. Even Ithaca, which averaged 38.4 points per game, could only manage 17 points against the Pride. With six starters back in its 3-4 set, SC won't miss a beat.

"This might be the most talented a front seven we've had since I've been here," DeLong explained. "It's a group of hard-nosed players that possess size, strength and speed."

Seniors Dwayne Robinson and Jay Raifstanger are two of the biggest playmakers in recent memory. Robinson, an all-conference selection in 2000, has 26 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over the past two seasons. Raifstanger, who was selected to the All-FFC second team last season, led the Pride with 14 tackles for loss and 3½ sacks. DeLong plans to use the versatile duo at defensive end or at outside linebacker, where they are both equally effective.

Senior Jim Galliher and junior Jason MacDonald are an imposing pair at defensive end. Galliher is a three-year starter who registered eight sacks as a sophomore in 2000, and four tackles for loss and 1½ sacks last season despite missing time with injuries. MacDonald should build on a very strong sophomore campaign that saw him make six tackles for loss and two sacks.

Sophomores Michael Potenza and Mark Bartelini will contribute at defensive end.

The Pride is also established on the interior with sophomores Brian McClellan and Tom Attanasio. McClellan broke into the starting lineup at defensive end last season, where he had six tackles for loss and a sack. Attanasio gained valuable experience backing up all-conference tackle Dan Nichol in 2001.

All-conference inside linebacker Jesse Baker, a senior co-captain, headlines a deep linebacking corps. The three-year starter led the Pride in tackles for the second time in three seasons with 85 to go along with eight tackles for loss and two interceptions. Junior inside linebacker Dan Lyons is coming off a tremendous sophomore season. He was everywhere in 2001, finishing second on the team in interceptions (four) and third in tackles (56) and tackles for loss (11). Steve Skakum, a junior, can play on the inside or outside. He had a productive sophomore campaign, making 12 tackles. Junior Jeff Schmidt and sophomore Brett Cardillo are solid reserves.

DeLong has a lot of options at outside linebacker. Robinson and Raifstanger are among the best in New England. Sophomore Michael Clark will move from strong safety to outside linebacker. Senior Adam Cowell, who lost last season to an injury during camp, was a valuable contributor in 2000 (18 tackles, one sack). Sophomore Jason Chew, a transfer from Division II Southern Connecticut, and sophomore Curtis Schmidt will push for time.

The secondary is a major concern. The Pride lost all-conference players in free safety Jason Perkins (16 career interceptions) and cornerback Thomas Allen (five interceptions in 2001), as well as strong safety Kyle Gulino (69 tackles, seven tackles for loss in 2001) to graduation.

"A lot of our opponents can hurt you by throwing the ball, so there are questions that need to be answered in camp," DeLong said.

Senior Ryan Santo, the lone returning starter in the secondary, will replace Gulino at strong safety. Santo, an excellent defender, finished fourth on the team with three interceptions and ninth with 24 tackles as a cornerback last season. Sophomore David Jenkerson is also in the mix.

At free safety, Jeremiah Goodnow, a very athletic sophomore who is inexperienced, and junior Chris Teel, who did not play last season, will battle for the starting spot.

A healthy Mike Capotosto would alleviate some of the worry. The senior corner, who started five games, made three interceptions and broke up six passes, hopes to bounce back from a debilitating knee injury. Junior Mike Kimmel, who logged playing time in 2001 as a reserve behind Santo, is expected to challenge for a starting spot.

Quigley, who has amassed nearly 1,400 yards and three touchdowns as a return man at SC, is one of the best return men in Division III. DeLong is confident that someone will emerge out of a strong group of skill position players to team with Quigley on kickoffs.

Dan Veinot averaged 32.8 yards per punt and placed seven kicks inside the 20-yard line. Junior Greg Switaj, a three-year starter, was 22-for-26 on point-after attempts and hit two of three field goals from 30 yards or longer.

If recent history is any indication, then the 2002 season shapes up to be a very successful one. The last two times the Pride suffered through a losing season, SC won the conference title and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament the following fall.

There are numerous factors working in SC's favor: 15 returning starters, experience on the offensive and defensive lines and at quarterback, and playing the critical conference games at home. There is also an intangible factor: No one wants a repeat of last season.

"We were very frustrated with our performance in 2001, and we made a commitment to get better," DeLong stated. "The players followed through and did a good job. We had a very strong offseason in the weight room and in the classroom."

Coast Guard (2-7 in 2001)
The saying goes that the best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores and that is especially true at the Coast Guard Academy where freshmen have a tough time adjusting to the rigors of the academics and the military obiligations.

Head coach Bill George is excited about the athletes he has in the sophomore class, who he is expecting to make contributions this season. George is also thrilled with his incoming recruiting class and would not be surprised if a few freshman made an immediate impact this season.

"We have some skill players in the sophomore class that need to step up and earn starting jobs so we can be successful," said George. "We have a very strong incoming freshman class, but my experience is that freshman have a tough time with the academic and military challenges. However, if any of them rise to the challenge we will get them into the mix."

Coast Guard was 2-7 overall and 1-5 in the Freedom Football Conference and returns 13 starters, seven on offense.

Senior Nic Porta (47 of 95, 684 yards, 4 TD, 8 INT) returns at quarterback, but will have heavy competition from junior Matt Gully and sophomore Lee Jones, who missed all of last season with a broken foot.

Sophomore Jud Dean (19 carries, 97 yards), who started the last three games of the season as a freshman returns along with junior Geritt Guillaume (39 carries, 99 yards, 3 TD). The talented sophomore trio of Jason Kling, Antonio Brino and Josh Jones will also all battle for time in the Bears' backfield. Sophomore Jon Tillman (96 carries, 365 yards, 4 TD) will start at fullback after seeing plenty of time last season. Junior Tim Tilghman, who moves over from linebacker, will backup Tillman at the fullback spot.

Coast Guard's triple option offense averaged 171 rushing yards per game last season, 252.1 total yards and 18.7 points per game.

Sophomore Nick Seniuk, who led the team with 19 catches, 350 yards and two touchdowns last season, returns along with senior Rob Bixler (12 catches, 132 yards, TD) at the wide receiver spots while sophomore Ryan Henebery and senior Adam Bryant will give the Bears depth at both receiver spots. Junior Brian Whisler (seven catches, 84 yards) will again be the starting tight end.

The Bears will return just two starters on the offensive line in senior co-captain Brad Brunaugh, a three-year starter at center, and senior Clayton Preble, a two-year starter, at right tackle. The other three spots on the offensive line are up for grabs with several talented players vying for the spots led by senior Gerrod Glauner, who is returning from a broken leg. Junior Matt Beck returns from a knee injury while sophomores Mike Nines, Jordan Boghosian, Brian Lied and Matt Alex will be battling for starting spots.

On defense, the Bears will welcome back six starters led by senior nose guard Steve Myers (32 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one sack) and junior defensivetackle Kyle Weist (25 tackles, one for loss), who will anchor the Bears defensive line. Andy Paskiewicz (18 tackles, 1.5 for loss) will start at the other defensive tackle spot. Senior Jim Gibson, juniors Jon Grzyb and Sean Lenahan, who moved over from fullback and sophomore Joe Rizzo will give the Bears depth on the defensive line.

Senior Dave Middleton and sophomore Nick Mohr will start at the outside linebacker spots while sophomore Justin Matejka will figure into the mix at outside linebacker. Senior co-captain Matt Schibler, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL and junior John Oscar (59 tackles, eight for loss, three sacks) will start at the inside linebacker spots.

Senior Sam Babbitt (32 tackles, 2.5 for loss), who started when Schibler was injured last season, along with sophomore Dan Espinosa and junior Adam Chernovich will also battle for time at inside linebacker. Junior Aaron Meredith (26 tackles, two interceptions) returns at one cornerback spot while sophomores Tom Osborn and Rich Sullivan will compete for the other starting cornerback spot.

Senior free safety Jon Rice (51 tackles, one interception) returns while senior Todd Angel and sophomore Harold Piper will battle for the strong safety starting job.

Coast Guard allowed 346.6 yards, 223.3 on the ground and 24.3 points per game last season.

Junior Chris Cumberland will be back again to do handle the placekicking duties. Cumberland was 15 of 17 last season on PATs and 3-for-4 on field goals. Senior Ace Castle gives the Bears depth at the kicker position and sometimes is used for kickoffs. Junior Ashley Lovejoy is back as the Bears punter. Lovejoy averaged 36.7 yards per punt last season.

Senior Steve Tillery, a first-team All-FFC kick returner is back. Tillery averaged 24.6 yards per kickoff return last year. Bixler will once again return punts for the Bears while Meredith, Osborn and Sullivan will also see time returning both punt and kicks this season.

Coast Guard lost three games by a combined 10 points last year; Salve Regina (17-14), FFC co-champ Western Connecticut (18-15) and Kings Point (7-3). The Bears had lost by a combined score of 127-40 to those three teams in 2000. So, although the win-loss record did not show it last season, with the talented underclassmen the Bears have recruited in the last two years, Coast Guard hopes to turn things around in 2002.

Western Connecticut (8-2)
This fall, Western Connecticut State University will attempt to win its third Freedom Football Conference title in the past four years. It will also look to progress further in the NCAA playoffs after advancing to the second round a year ago.

In 2001, the Colonials captured their second FFC crown, advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after an 8-7 victory against Westfield State in the first round and finished with a shortened-season 8-2 record after a 43-14 loss to Rowan. Since 1999, they have won two FFC titles, an ECAC New England Championship (in 2000) and 28 of 32 games.

John Burrell, the Colonials' 11th head football coach, is not expected to make drastic changes to his defensive philosophy that he employed over the past four seasons as Western Connecticut's defensive coordinator. After six years as an assistant, Burrell was appointed head coach this past spring after Bob Surace, the 2001 FFC Coach of the Year, moved on to the NFL and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Western's offense and defense each return seven starters while All-FFC placekicker Andy Benicewicz and punter Chris Rogers head the returnees on special teams.

The high-powered WCSU offense is expected to make a return in 2002 after dropping averaging a respectable 23.2 points a year ago after averaging 43.9 points per contest in 2000.

WCSU's offense will be highlighted by the return of All-FFC tailback Jeff Wakefield-Ward (61.2 yards per game and five TDs) and Mike Scipione, a 6-6 senior quarterback, who has another year of experience under his belt and will counted on to ignite the Colonials' offense in his final season. In his first season at the Division III level after transferring from Villanova and Kentucky, Scipione completed 68 of 138 passes for 927 yards and seven touchdowns.

As a freshman, Wakefield-Ward, the FFC's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2001, rushed for 490 yards, caught two passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. Powerful fullback Cecil Snowden is expected to have his duties expanded.

The offensive line welcomes back nearly ever starter or important reserve. Tackles Nerijus Gelazauskas and Nick D'Angelo, center Larry Bardaracco and guards Gary Parise and Josh Johnson and are expected to start across the line in 2002.

Although the Colonials implemented a 4-3 defense a year ago, it opted out of that scheme and set their defense to best fit their opponent from week to week last season. The Colonials defensive line, which can best be described as "multiple" this season, will again be their strength. They will try to soften the loss of three-time All-American and returning FFC Defensive Player of the Year Greg Boucher. 2001 FFC Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Frayler, Mike Walker and Damian Robinson are projected to man the front line. Frayler ranked seventh on the team with 29 tackles and three sacks a year ago.

At linebacker, Antonio Thompson, Matt Nartowicz, Tarrance Glover and Sam Nyatome are slated in the four linebacker spots. Nartowicz was third on the team a year ago with 48 total tackles and recovered a team-high three fumbles. Glover had 17 tackles in his first season while Nyatome recored 40 tackles, four tackles for a loss and one quarterback sack during his sophomore campaign. Michele Mancini and Oral Ingram provide experience for the linebacker corps.

WCSU looks to continue its excellent play in the secondary. Returning corners Daron Reid, Bill McCord join safeties Steve Latimer and Rocco Antoniello in the Colonials' defensive backfield. Speedy junior Tarek Reslan, Ray Consentino, Chris Venice and Ryan Ellis will provide competitive pressure on the starting backfield.

Benicewicz, a two-time First-team FFC All-Star, converted on nine of nine field-goal attempts and scored a team-leading 40 points in 2001. He is expected to have an outstanding senior season. Rogers (35.8 yards per punt average in his first two seasons) is slated as the Colonials' starting punter for the third season.

Plymouth State (7-3 in 2001)
Plymouth State will have lots of new names and faces on the field in 2002 in its attempt to defend its portion of the Freedom Football Conference championship. The Panthers shared the 2001 FFC title with Western Connecticut but graduated 21 seniors, including 14 starters, and will have to reload for this year's campaign.

The FFC championship, PSC's third since 1994, was the highlight of a season in which the Panthers finished 7-3 overall, 5-1 in conference play, and maintained its status as the program with the highest career winning percentage (.696) in Division III.

Fourth-year head coach Chris Rorke has 10 starters back this fall and a group of talented young players who have patiently waited their turn to compete on a regular basis for the Panthers.

"We will be talented, but young and inexperienced," said Rorke. "We have a lot of question marks entering the season, but we have excellent people to step in and replace what we lost."

The Panthers will have to replace seven starters on defense, but welcome back several top-notch defenders. The starting front line is back — junior nose guard Shawn McGowan, junior tackle Rich Collins, and senior end/linebacker Shawn Boyle. McGowan earned FFC and East Region All-Star honors last season, and Collins is the team's leading returning tackler. Boyle, one of PSC's tri-captains this fall, can play both on the line and at linebacker. Sophomore John Dowd can also step in on the line.

The linebacking unit will be entirely new, with the graduation loss of five seniors, including veteran stars Chris Kelliher and Brian Chaplain. Rorke feels confident, though, with the likes of Boyle, senior Tim Boothroyd, sophomore Chris Stevens and some others, but admits they lack experience.

The defensive backfield also lost three starters, but will rely on seniors Justin Falite and Jamey Funk and sophomore Josh Doyle to lead the 2002 cast. Falite, a tri-captain who started six games last year, will anchor the unit at safety, while Funk, a part-time starter the past two seasons, has five career interceptions from his corner position. Rorke will also look to inexperienced players like sophomores Jose Baez and Matt Trombley and seniors Erik Stanley and Joe Erwin to help fill the void.

The offense will be without star halfback Russ Massahos for the first time in four years. Massahos rushed for over 3,200 yards and scored 36 touchdowns in his career, finishing in the top 20 among all-time New England Division III backs. The Panthers should be in good shape though, with the return of seniors Mike Bicchieri and Jason Bordas. Bicchieri rushed for 481 yards (4.9 avg.) and five TDs last season, while Bordas, a tri-captain this fall, has rushed for 477 yards (5.7 avg.) and three TDs the last two years. Veteran fullbacks Jeff Robinson and Duane Godfrey are also back in the mix.

Senior Matt Simpson and junior Ryan Diamond return as the Panther quarterback tandem. The 1999 FFC Rookie of the Year, Simpson has started the majority of the games in his first three years, passing for 4,816 yards and 37 TDs (29 INT) and earning All-FFC Second Team honors last season. Diamond gives the Panthers another option (five TD passes) and presents problems for opponents with his running ability (180 yards, 1 TD).

The Panthers lost their top three pass-catchers from last year, including tight end John Walters, the team's leading receiver (44 receptions, 729 yards, 4 TDs). The top returning wideouts are seniors Chris Holton (13 catches, 204 yards) and Jay Zinis (11 catches, 216 yards), and junior Mike Wade is the projected starter at tight end. Three-time All-Conference performer and Aztec Bowl participant Chad Zibolis is gone from the offensive line, where only two starters return — senior All-Star Chad Cleary and sophomore David Feely. Among those expected to challenge for starting roles are sophomores Vaughn Beckwith, Justin Powers, Matt Dame and Jeremy Bullock.

Junior Eric Calderwood returns as the placekicker after taking over as starter last season. Versatile senior Jay Zinis will handle the punting duties, and he can back up Calderwood as well. The kick and punt returners will come from a group that includes Zinis, Bicchieri, Bordas and Baez.

"If things go our way and we get some good bounces, I think we can compete for the conference championship, even with all of our losses," said Rorke. "We need to stay healthy, and then it's a matter of how quickly we come together and jell as a team."

Kings Point (4-5 in 2001)
The 2002 edition of the Kings Point football team is looking for a banner year this fall and an improvement for the mighty Blue and Gray over last year's performance. The Mariners once again hope to march towards the upper tier of the Freedom Football Conference and in doing so, restore the glory once associated with this successful program.

Head coach Charlie Pravata enters his 12th and final season as the leader of the team with an overall mark of 58-44-2 as the Mariners' commander. Pravata, the winningest football coach in Academy history, has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Recruiting and Retention. He will accept the full-time commitments of his new position and move into the administrative ranks at the conclusion of the season. Kings Point ended the 2001 campaign with a 4-5 overall record and an even 3-3 mark in the FFC, in a three-way tie for second place. Returning a veteran contingent of 36 letterwinners, the Mariners should be bolstered by the addition of a proficient squad of newcomers and will look to return to form for Pravata's final run.

The Kings Point offense will be headlined once again by gunslinger Dan Circelli at quarterback. The junior signal-caller has started the past two campaigns and has earned numerous personal accolades since his arrival at Kings Point. After a prolific passing year in 2000, 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 57-year history of the program. He followed up his inaugural performance with an FFC First-Team All-Star spot after leading the Conference in total offense with 187.0 yards per game in 2001. Despite missing the final game of the season with an injury, Circelli completed 138 of 240 passes for 1,469 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has rewritten the Academy's record book in season yardage (1,807 yards) and completed passes (145) and has established himself as a viable scoring threat within the region.

Circelli's favorite targets from the last two seasons, FFC Offensive Player of the Year Jay DeBruhl and Team MVP Will Felch, were lost to graduation, but the corps should be reloaded with a bevy of receivers. Five members of the team will challenge for the starting positions during camp this summer, and all are equally effective for the Mariners. Juniors Darren Haefele, Jason McKay and Clay Garcia along with sophomores Andrew Ghiglia and Colt McCay all hope to get the nod come game time. Haefele is the most experienced of the contingent and ranked third on the team in receiving last season, hauling in 18 passes for 199 yards (11.1 yard average). McKay snagged two grabs in 2001, while the lightning quick Ghiglia caught one pass and was used mostly on special teams. Each of these five players posses the abilities necessary to figure dominantly into the Blue and Gray's passing offense. In order to continue the Mariners' recent trend of assault from the air, one or more will have to step to the forefront and have a breakout year for Kings Point.

Junior Kevin O'Connor emerged as a full-time starter at tight end in 2001 and is back again to round out the receiving outfit. He carried the ball twice for five yards and made three catches, averaging 11.7 yards. A hard-nosed tough football player, Coach Pravata expects increased production from this returner. O'Connor is joined by senior Ira Douglas, junior Mark Kazin and junior Mike McFeeley. The trio has seen limited game action but each will make a push for the top of the depth chart at tight end.

While the Blue and Gray's passing game has been an important component of the offensive strategy recently, the Mariners will also use their historically sustained and punishing ground attack as a primary weapon. Junior David McNeal was the leading ground gainer in 2001 with 583 yards on 133 carries and two touchdowns, averaging 64.8 yards per outing. This powerful runner with breakaway potential will be relied upon again as Kings Point's go-to guy. Senior David Kozich gives the tailbacks another swift runner with sharp, elusive moves. He returns for his final season in a Blue and Gray uniform after being third-best on the team in rushing last season (25 attempts, 129 yards, 5.2 yard average).

Moving from fullback to tailback will be sophomore Frank Toner. Toner owns good agility and mobility and will play a more active role in the backfield in 2002 after scoring his first touchdown as a rookie. At fullback, senior Tom Flanagan is an unheralded player who quietly and consistently gets his job done. He became a regular contributor to the offense last season and is expected to top the depth chart again. Another promising candidate for the Mariners at fullback will be Pat Dowling, who switches sides of the ball making the transition from defensive end.

Four returning starters will make the offensive line one of the Mariners' most experienced units to take the field in 2002. In the trenches at right tackle will be senior standout Steve Hohenshelt. The pillar of the line, Hohenshelt was a First-Team FFC All-Star selection in 2001 as Kings Point's offense ranked second in the Conference in total offense, gaining 325.8 yards per game. Senior Vinny D'Eusanio, a three-year starter, is expected to command the center of the line and is a strong interior lineman who owns good fundamentals. Junior Jeff Hitzel returns to his right guard slot while sophomore Justin McAdams will be the Blue and Gray's left tackle. McAdams was thrown into the starting five during his rookie campaign following an injury, and proved he has the right stuff to be a member of this veteran line. The left guard position is projected to be filled by either sophomore Mike Gonzales or sophomore Adam Shrives. Senior Jake George will look to crack the lineup as well.

As for the Blue and Gray defense, Kings Point looks to create a cohesive unit as a mix of newcomers and cagey veterans will take to the gridiron. The Mariners' strength comes from the linebacker corps, in one of the deepest pools at that position in a number of years. However, the challenge has been issued, as two marquee players will need to be replaced in the interior if the team is to be prosperous. Looking to fill the void will be a combination of seniors Mike Rye and Matt Tomo and sophomore Josh Hansen. Rye was in on 23 stops in 2001 and forced two fumbles to tie for the team-high in that category. He should produce higher numbers this fall and will be a key to the defensive success on the inside of the field. Tomo is a hard worker who notched 10 stops in 2001, while Hansen made 15 tackles, a sack, and recorded the only kick block of the season for Kings Point.

Junior David McIlravy and sophomores Matt Fuhrman and Greg Elliott will man the outside linebacker slots. McIlravy has 78 stops in two years, ranking seventh on the team in 2001. Coupled with five tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and four pass deflections, it becomes evident that McIlravy has the prowess to be a big impact player for the Blue and Gray. Fuhrman and Elliott are both physically gifted athletes who warrant time on the field through their athletic abilities to track offensive players and make the tackle.

On the defensive line, the Mariners will also be very deep, possessing the ability to have a revolving door featuring six returners. Junior Kyle Franklin and senior Walt Wagner make an imposing pair up front and will be the staples of the line. Franklin was fourth on the team in tackles with 49 during his breakout year as a starter in 2001. He also added 12 tackles for loss (30 yards), three sacks (20 yards), a pass break-up, two forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles en route to FFC First-Team accolades. Wagner is coming off of a 40-tackle season and looks to improve on his eight tackles for loss, third-best on the team, during his final campaign in a Blue and Gray uniform. He additionally knocked a ball loose and had three sacks.

Seniors Andrew Etter, Tim McLaughlin, J.P. Kost and junior Rich Martucci will compete for the remaining defensive line vacancies. Etter notched 14 tackles, including five behind the line of scrimmage, while McLaughlin made 13 tackles and recovered a fumble for the Mariners. Kost is coming off of a knee injury and will look to return to top form for his final year, while Martucci will make a strong push for playing time following a terrific campaign in the weight room last spring and after arriving at camp in great physical condition.

Solidifying the defense in the secondary at cornerback will be senior Eric Pickett and sophomore Cole Patterson. Each had six pass deflections, tied for the team lead, and an interception. The disparity between the two in terms of statistics came only in total tackles. Pickett was responsible for 25 tackles, while Patterson made 24 stops last season. Pickett is a solid and experienced player while Patterson wasted little time breaking onto the scene as a rookie starter. He owns great footwork and is an aggressive defender. Sophomore Brian Lipski should also make a strong push for playing time. The Mariners are currently unsettled at safety and the two positions will be battled out in the preseason among several players. Seniors Mike Brady, Craig Gundry and Devin Lefebvre are all valid candidates for the job.

Senior Erik Hedval and junior Jeremy Moseley will carry the responsibilities of kicking for the Mariners. Hedval was 19-for-22 in PAT attempts and 7-for-9 in field goal attempts last year, ranking second in the FFC in both kick scoring and in field goal percentage. Moseley was the team's primary kickoff man and completed the Blue and Gray punting duties. He had 44 punts for 1417 yards and a 32.2-yard average, uncorking a long punt of 54 yards.

A combination of three speedsters will handle the bulk of the Mariners' returning chores. Pickett is back for the second year as a Kings Point's punt returner and he will be joined by fellow corner Cole Patterson. Pickett will also return kicks for the Blue and Gray with wideout Andrew Ghiglia. Pickett averaged 4.3 yards per punt return and brought back a kick 12 yards in 2001. Ghiglia led the team in kick returns with 13 for 303 yards and a 23.3-yard average during his first year on the squad. It will be Patterson's first outing as a returner. All three runners are fleet-footed and can breakout for a coast-to-coast run at any point during the tilt.

The nucleus of the team's offensive, defensive and special teams talent returns in 2002 and excitement radiates from Tomb Field. The Mariners are once again piecing together the building blocks that will shortly return the Blue and Gray to the top of their game.

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