High School: Roxbury Latin
Recap: St. Sebastian's 37, Roxbury Latin 7
September, 28, 2013
Sep 28
8:05
PM ET
By John McGuirk | ESPNBoston.com
WEST ROXBURY, Mass. -- Following last week's season-opening loss to Milton Academy, St. Sebastian's knew one slipped through its fingers — due, in part, to some costly turnovers which led to their demise.
On Saturday, the Arrows saw things from a different perspective — bearing witness to advantages one can have when they are on the receiving end of turnovers. Roxbury Latin was the gracious gift giver, coughing up the ball on its first three possessions. That led to three touchdowns for the Arrows as they went on to roll, 37-7, in an ISL contest held at Schoolhouse Field.
Still stinging from Milton Academy defeat, St. Sebastian's, who finished 9-0 a year ago and took home the Arthur Valicenti Bowl trophy, set a precedent all week that its season begins now.
Such attitude appeared to work. The Arrows (1-1) proved highly-effective on both sides of the ball against the Foxes. They limited Roxbury Latin's offense to 153 yards, just 49 in the opening half. Offensively, they finished with 290 yards — much of that coming from its strong ground attack consisting of Connor Strachan, Blake Gallagher and Edosa Onaiwu.
"Last week, we made three big mistakes and it costs us," Arrows longtime coach Bob Souza said. "This time, Roxbury Latin made the mistakes. We did a lot of good things against Milton and our kids knew it. I told the kids this league is still up for grabs and we still have our destiny under our control. I think we'll be in the hunt for a title throughout the year."
After shutting out St. Paul's last week, the Foxes (1-1) were feeling good about their chances entering this one. But confidence suddenly turned to panic after a pair of miscues in the opening minutes gave the Arrows a short field to work with.
The first mistake came after punter John Baron couldn't handle the snap, losing control of the ball that was recovered by Miles Hunter, allowing St. Sebastian's to set up shop on the Roxbury Latin 20. Four plays later, Strachan (52 yards on 8 carries) scored from a yard out giving the Arrows a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Foxes returner Parker Kent failed to field the ball cleanly, allowing an alert John McNamara to pounce on it.
Standing the at the Foxes' 15-yard line, St. Sebastian's needed only one play to go up by two scores as Strachan busted through for the score with 4:11 still left in the initial quarter.
"We knew coming off our loss last week that we needed to be firing for this game," said Strachan, a Boston College commit. "We have a bunch of kids on this team playing both ways so we need to go heavy in the first half like we did today and set the pace for ourselves."
The two turnovers left Roxbury Latin deflated, as it could never get anything going thereafter. The Foxes’ run game was held in check throughout and quarterback Peter Cahill (8-of-16, 91 yards, 1 TD) was under constant pressure throughout by the Arrows' massive front line.
Things didn't get much better for Roxbury Latin to start the second quarter. Cahill was picked off by Strachan, which led to a 74-yard, 11-play drive culminated in Matt Daniel hauling in a 27-yard scoring pass from quarterback Geoff Wade and go up by 20.
"We told the kids all week leading up to this game that we needed to start fast," said Souza, who was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2010. "We can't let up and not give Roxbury Latin any kind of an opportunity to gain momentum. Now we just need to build on this win and continue to get better."
With under two minutes remaining before the half, St. Sebastian's offense was back at it. Following a Foxes punt, the Arrows drove 65 yards behind Gallagher (9 carries, 86 yards) and Onaiwu (64 yards on 10 rushes) before Strachan was given the ball from the 1-yard line and dove across for his third touchdown to send St. Sebastian's into the break well in-command at 27-0.
"Anytime the defense can come out and do what they did and put the offense in good positions to score that's huge," said Wade. "We aren't looking to gain 500 yards a game, we just want to put the ball into the end zone."
With this contest in his control, Souza began substituting other players in. But the Arrows never lost a beat. Running back James Fiore scored on a 3-yard run to begin St. Sebastian's first drive of the second half, pushing the margin to 34 points.
The Arrows added three more early in the fourth on Kevin Ginns' 27 yard field goal.
Roxbury Latin avoided the shutout in the closing minutes as Cahill connected with receiver Sean Lowrie in the back corner of the end zone.
"That's a tough team to come back against," Foxes coach Pat Ross said. "I dreaded all week in hoping we wouldn't give up something quick to them but after our first one things began to snowball. But our guys never quit and fought the entire game. We know we aren't as big as St. Sebastian's and we knew we needed to play near-perfect football against them and unfortunately it didn't work out."
On Saturday, the Arrows saw things from a different perspective — bearing witness to advantages one can have when they are on the receiving end of turnovers. Roxbury Latin was the gracious gift giver, coughing up the ball on its first three possessions. That led to three touchdowns for the Arrows as they went on to roll, 37-7, in an ISL contest held at Schoolhouse Field.
Still stinging from Milton Academy defeat, St. Sebastian's, who finished 9-0 a year ago and took home the Arthur Valicenti Bowl trophy, set a precedent all week that its season begins now.
Such attitude appeared to work. The Arrows (1-1) proved highly-effective on both sides of the ball against the Foxes. They limited Roxbury Latin's offense to 153 yards, just 49 in the opening half. Offensively, they finished with 290 yards — much of that coming from its strong ground attack consisting of Connor Strachan, Blake Gallagher and Edosa Onaiwu.
"Last week, we made three big mistakes and it costs us," Arrows longtime coach Bob Souza said. "This time, Roxbury Latin made the mistakes. We did a lot of good things against Milton and our kids knew it. I told the kids this league is still up for grabs and we still have our destiny under our control. I think we'll be in the hunt for a title throughout the year."
After shutting out St. Paul's last week, the Foxes (1-1) were feeling good about their chances entering this one. But confidence suddenly turned to panic after a pair of miscues in the opening minutes gave the Arrows a short field to work with.
The first mistake came after punter John Baron couldn't handle the snap, losing control of the ball that was recovered by Miles Hunter, allowing St. Sebastian's to set up shop on the Roxbury Latin 20. Four plays later, Strachan (52 yards on 8 carries) scored from a yard out giving the Arrows a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Foxes returner Parker Kent failed to field the ball cleanly, allowing an alert John McNamara to pounce on it.
Standing the at the Foxes' 15-yard line, St. Sebastian's needed only one play to go up by two scores as Strachan busted through for the score with 4:11 still left in the initial quarter.
"We knew coming off our loss last week that we needed to be firing for this game," said Strachan, a Boston College commit. "We have a bunch of kids on this team playing both ways so we need to go heavy in the first half like we did today and set the pace for ourselves."
The two turnovers left Roxbury Latin deflated, as it could never get anything going thereafter. The Foxes’ run game was held in check throughout and quarterback Peter Cahill (8-of-16, 91 yards, 1 TD) was under constant pressure throughout by the Arrows' massive front line.
Things didn't get much better for Roxbury Latin to start the second quarter. Cahill was picked off by Strachan, which led to a 74-yard, 11-play drive culminated in Matt Daniel hauling in a 27-yard scoring pass from quarterback Geoff Wade and go up by 20.
"We told the kids all week leading up to this game that we needed to start fast," said Souza, who was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2010. "We can't let up and not give Roxbury Latin any kind of an opportunity to gain momentum. Now we just need to build on this win and continue to get better."
With under two minutes remaining before the half, St. Sebastian's offense was back at it. Following a Foxes punt, the Arrows drove 65 yards behind Gallagher (9 carries, 86 yards) and Onaiwu (64 yards on 10 rushes) before Strachan was given the ball from the 1-yard line and dove across for his third touchdown to send St. Sebastian's into the break well in-command at 27-0.
"Anytime the defense can come out and do what they did and put the offense in good positions to score that's huge," said Wade. "We aren't looking to gain 500 yards a game, we just want to put the ball into the end zone."
With this contest in his control, Souza began substituting other players in. But the Arrows never lost a beat. Running back James Fiore scored on a 3-yard run to begin St. Sebastian's first drive of the second half, pushing the margin to 34 points.
The Arrows added three more early in the fourth on Kevin Ginns' 27 yard field goal.
Roxbury Latin avoided the shutout in the closing minutes as Cahill connected with receiver Sean Lowrie in the back corner of the end zone.
"That's a tough team to come back against," Foxes coach Pat Ross said. "I dreaded all week in hoping we wouldn't give up something quick to them but after our first one things began to snowball. But our guys never quit and fought the entire game. We know we aren't as big as St. Sebastian's and we knew we needed to play near-perfect football against them and unfortunately it didn't work out."
Plenty of talent returning at Roxbury Latin
September, 20, 2013
Sep 20
3:02
PM ET
By Ryan Kilian | ESPNBoston.com
WEST ROXBURY, Mass. -- It is never an easy task to replace one of the most decorated signal callers in school history. Mackay Lowrie was named the Independent School League MVP, was a three-time First Team NEPSAC All-New England selection, NEPSAC Division C Player of the Year, a "Super 26" All-State team selection, a Massachusetts All-State selection, and the holder of the ISL record for most touchdowns in a season with 35.
Lowrie left big shoes to fill as the three-year starter and current Boston College Eagle graduated from Roxbury Latin with over 5,600 passing yards, 1,600 rushing yards, and 75 total touchdowns.
Next in line to take the reign at Roxbury Latin is 6-foot-2 junior Pete Cahill. A Dorchester native, Cahill won the job in camp after some fierce competition at the position.
“Our stability with Mackay Lowrie, over the last three years at the QB position, has moved on,” Ross said. “We had three guys battling for the job all camp and Pete (Cahill) earned the job.”
Cahill, who Ross describes as dual-threat quarterback who can get out on the edge and make plays, will have the luxury of some veteran returning offensive weapons, led by junior wide receiver Sean Lowrie.
Despite graduating leading receiver Sean Myers (Bentley), RL returns Lowrie’s younger brother Sean, who had a breakout season in 2012, featuring a monster 14 catch, 170-yard and four touchdown game in a 34-33 win over Thayer.
“Fortunately we are returning the entire offensive line as well as three-quarters of the receiving corps with a year of experience under their belts,” Ross said. “We may not be the biggest group up front but the boys have a great understanding of our offensive concepts and look forward to compete in every game.”
Boston College commit Kevin Cohee also returns at the tight end position and will be counted on to lead the defense once again this season. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Cohee has developed over the course of his years at Roxbury Latin and is primed to make some big noise this season.
“We plan on moving him around more on defense this year as teams are going to want to run away from him,” Ross said of his starting linebacker. “Another thing about Kevin is the fact that he is such an easy going kid, He is two-year captain and he definitely leads by example. He is the first in weight room, he is always on field doing extra work before and after practice and his leadership skills have improved so much that people are now listening to him and taking him very serious. He has instilled a business-like atmosphere with the team.”
RL also returns hard-hitting playmaker Scott Frankenthaler. Frankenthaler, a Johns Hopkins lacrosse commit, should provide another veteran presence on a defense that Ross thinks could be a team strength this season.
“Defensively we will be fast and athletic. Our philosophy will be to create turnovers and hopefully be opportunistic so our offense can work with shorts fields.”
Special teams is also a weapon that cannot be forgotten as RL features one of the top kickers/punters in the area in senior John Baron. Baron adds a weapon that not many teams can boast.
“Johnny has a great leg and has been with us since a sophomore year,” Ross said. “He has not had a lot of chances as Mackay Lowrie would complete a lot of drives with touchdowns, but I see us giving him more opportunities this year. He has good leg, is strong from 40-yards in and he can nail the long one as well. He also has the ability to flip fields on us as he does a great job executing our directional kicking game.”
ROXBURY LATIN AT A GLANCE
2012: 6-2
Coach: Patrick Ross (5th season, 20-12)
Returning Starters: Kevin Cohee, Sr. TE/ OLB, 6-3, 245 lbs.; Mark Goldstein, Sr. T/ MLB, 6-0, 215 lbs.; Duncan Finigan, Sr. T/ DE, 6-1, 210 lbs.; Jimmy Joyce, Sr. G/NG, 5-10, 200 lbs.; Scott Frankenthaler, Sr. G/ DE, 6-0, 215 lbs.; John Thomsen, Jr. C/NG, 5-10 lbs,; Christian Hasiotis, Sr. RB/S, 5-10 175 lbs.; Tevin Barros, Sr. RB/S, 5-9, 160 lbs.; Sean Lowrie, Jr. WR/ CB, 6-3, 195 lbs.; Alex Abelite, Jr. FB/ ILB, 6-2 225 lbs.
Other Key Returnees: Steven Daley, Jr. WR/TE/ DE 6-3, 205,; Drew Dodakian, Sr. WR/CB, 5-10, 170 lbs.; Luke Roberts, Sr. WR/ CB, 6-0, 185 lbs.; Peter Cahill, Jr. QB, 6-2, 200 lbs.; Darrio Zarrabian , Jr. WR/ S, 5-11, 165 lbs.; Nate Downes, Jr. 5-11, G/NG, 215 lbs.; G/ NG, Sean Rose, Jr. T, 6-2, 210 lbs.; John Driscoll, Sr. FB/LB, 5-11, 200 lbs.; Devin Rosen, Jr. OLB, 6-0, 195 lbs.; Jonah Deykin, Jr. G/T, 5-10, 175 lbs.; Anthony Giordano, Jr. G/NG, 5-10, 190 lbs.; Alan Balson Jr. T/OLB, 5-10,; Ronan O’Toole, Jr. QB/ S, 5-8, 150 lbs.; Martin Buckley, Jr. WR/S, 5-10, 155 lbs.
Strengths: Offensive Line, WRs, Team Speed on Defense.
Weaknesses: Quarterback experience.
Outlook: Cohee anchors a defense that returns featured veterans Frankenthaler, Lowrie, and Goldtein. Lowrie and Cohee will provide Cahill with two veteran options in the RL offensive attack. Three players to keep an eye out for this year, according to Ross, are seniors Drew Dodakian, Luke Roberts and junior Steven Daley. Daley possesses great hands according to Ross, and will be counted on to step in and produce right away. “I believe that the top dogs of the ISL will be strong as always, St Seb’s, Gov’s, BB&N, Milton & Belmont Hill with Lawrence Academy being a team to watch out for,” Ross said. “I also think that there are several well coached, hungry teams that are looking to upset the status quo and compete for the title.” With the balance of the ISL Ross also mentioned that, “I see the schedule filled with exciting, hard fought, close games that will be settled in the final minutes from one week to the next. Every game in the ISL is a battle between competitive teams, who all respect each other in between the lines.”
Lowrie left big shoes to fill as the three-year starter and current Boston College Eagle graduated from Roxbury Latin with over 5,600 passing yards, 1,600 rushing yards, and 75 total touchdowns.
Next in line to take the reign at Roxbury Latin is 6-foot-2 junior Pete Cahill. A Dorchester native, Cahill won the job in camp after some fierce competition at the position.
“Our stability with Mackay Lowrie, over the last three years at the QB position, has moved on,” Ross said. “We had three guys battling for the job all camp and Pete (Cahill) earned the job.”
Cahill, who Ross describes as dual-threat quarterback who can get out on the edge and make plays, will have the luxury of some veteran returning offensive weapons, led by junior wide receiver Sean Lowrie.
Despite graduating leading receiver Sean Myers (Bentley), RL returns Lowrie’s younger brother Sean, who had a breakout season in 2012, featuring a monster 14 catch, 170-yard and four touchdown game in a 34-33 win over Thayer.
“Fortunately we are returning the entire offensive line as well as three-quarters of the receiving corps with a year of experience under their belts,” Ross said. “We may not be the biggest group up front but the boys have a great understanding of our offensive concepts and look forward to compete in every game.”
Boston College commit Kevin Cohee also returns at the tight end position and will be counted on to lead the defense once again this season. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Cohee has developed over the course of his years at Roxbury Latin and is primed to make some big noise this season.
“We plan on moving him around more on defense this year as teams are going to want to run away from him,” Ross said of his starting linebacker. “Another thing about Kevin is the fact that he is such an easy going kid, He is two-year captain and he definitely leads by example. He is the first in weight room, he is always on field doing extra work before and after practice and his leadership skills have improved so much that people are now listening to him and taking him very serious. He has instilled a business-like atmosphere with the team.”
RL also returns hard-hitting playmaker Scott Frankenthaler. Frankenthaler, a Johns Hopkins lacrosse commit, should provide another veteran presence on a defense that Ross thinks could be a team strength this season.
“Defensively we will be fast and athletic. Our philosophy will be to create turnovers and hopefully be opportunistic so our offense can work with shorts fields.”
Special teams is also a weapon that cannot be forgotten as RL features one of the top kickers/punters in the area in senior John Baron. Baron adds a weapon that not many teams can boast.
“Johnny has a great leg and has been with us since a sophomore year,” Ross said. “He has not had a lot of chances as Mackay Lowrie would complete a lot of drives with touchdowns, but I see us giving him more opportunities this year. He has good leg, is strong from 40-yards in and he can nail the long one as well. He also has the ability to flip fields on us as he does a great job executing our directional kicking game.”
ROXBURY LATIN AT A GLANCE
2012: 6-2
Coach: Patrick Ross (5th season, 20-12)
Returning Starters: Kevin Cohee, Sr. TE/ OLB, 6-3, 245 lbs.; Mark Goldstein, Sr. T/ MLB, 6-0, 215 lbs.; Duncan Finigan, Sr. T/ DE, 6-1, 210 lbs.; Jimmy Joyce, Sr. G/NG, 5-10, 200 lbs.; Scott Frankenthaler, Sr. G/ DE, 6-0, 215 lbs.; John Thomsen, Jr. C/NG, 5-10 lbs,; Christian Hasiotis, Sr. RB/S, 5-10 175 lbs.; Tevin Barros, Sr. RB/S, 5-9, 160 lbs.; Sean Lowrie, Jr. WR/ CB, 6-3, 195 lbs.; Alex Abelite, Jr. FB/ ILB, 6-2 225 lbs.
Other Key Returnees: Steven Daley, Jr. WR/TE/ DE 6-3, 205,; Drew Dodakian, Sr. WR/CB, 5-10, 170 lbs.; Luke Roberts, Sr. WR/ CB, 6-0, 185 lbs.; Peter Cahill, Jr. QB, 6-2, 200 lbs.; Darrio Zarrabian , Jr. WR/ S, 5-11, 165 lbs.; Nate Downes, Jr. 5-11, G/NG, 215 lbs.; G/ NG, Sean Rose, Jr. T, 6-2, 210 lbs.; John Driscoll, Sr. FB/LB, 5-11, 200 lbs.; Devin Rosen, Jr. OLB, 6-0, 195 lbs.; Jonah Deykin, Jr. G/T, 5-10, 175 lbs.; Anthony Giordano, Jr. G/NG, 5-10, 190 lbs.; Alan Balson Jr. T/OLB, 5-10,; Ronan O’Toole, Jr. QB/ S, 5-8, 150 lbs.; Martin Buckley, Jr. WR/S, 5-10, 155 lbs.
Strengths: Offensive Line, WRs, Team Speed on Defense.
Weaknesses: Quarterback experience.
Outlook: Cohee anchors a defense that returns featured veterans Frankenthaler, Lowrie, and Goldtein. Lowrie and Cohee will provide Cahill with two veteran options in the RL offensive attack. Three players to keep an eye out for this year, according to Ross, are seniors Drew Dodakian, Luke Roberts and junior Steven Daley. Daley possesses great hands according to Ross, and will be counted on to step in and produce right away. “I believe that the top dogs of the ISL will be strong as always, St Seb’s, Gov’s, BB&N, Milton & Belmont Hill with Lawrence Academy being a team to watch out for,” Ross said. “I also think that there are several well coached, hungry teams that are looking to upset the status quo and compete for the title.” With the balance of the ISL Ross also mentioned that, “I see the schedule filled with exciting, hard fought, close games that will be settled in the final minutes from one week to the next. Every game in the ISL is a battle between competitive teams, who all respect each other in between the lines.”
2014 Mass. Football Player Rankings Updated
September, 3, 2013
Sep 3
1:37
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
ESPNU has updated its player rankings for the Class of 2014 in Massachusetts, and there are a few changes of note.
St. John's Prep running back Johnathan Thomas and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan maintain the top two spots. Meanwhile, Doherty athlete Isaac Yiadom (3), Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro (4), Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker (5) and Tabor Academy athlete Miles Wright (6) all move up one spot from the previous update in July.
Roxbury Latin linebacker Kevin Cohee and Leominster safety Jarell Addo both move up two spots to Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. Rounding out the Top 10 are two newcomers, Dexter lineman James Hendren (9) and Catholic Memorial defensive athlete Kevin Bletzer (10).
To see the full list of top prospects in Massachusetts, CLICK HERE.
Below is the Top 10, with college commitment in italics. You can also see the updated Top 10 list on our homepage:
St. John's Prep running back Johnathan Thomas and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan maintain the top two spots. Meanwhile, Doherty athlete Isaac Yiadom (3), Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro (4), Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker (5) and Tabor Academy athlete Miles Wright (6) all move up one spot from the previous update in July.
Roxbury Latin linebacker Kevin Cohee and Leominster safety Jarell Addo both move up two spots to Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. Rounding out the Top 10 are two newcomers, Dexter lineman James Hendren (9) and Catholic Memorial defensive athlete Kevin Bletzer (10).
To see the full list of top prospects in Massachusetts, CLICK HERE.
Below is the Top 10, with college commitment in italics. You can also see the updated Top 10 list on our homepage:
1. Johnathan Thomas, RB, St. John's Prep - Maryland
2. Connor Strachan, LB, St. Sebastian's - Boston College
3. Isaac Yiadom, WR/DB, Doherty - Boston College
4. Lubern Figaro, DB, Everett
5. Jon Baker, OL, Millis/Hopedale - Boston College
6. Miles Wright, ATH, Tabor Academy
7. Kevin Cohee, LB, Roxbury Latin - Boston College
8. Jarell Addo, S, Leominster - UMass
9. James Hendren, OL, Dexter - Boston College
10. Kevin Bletzer, LB, Catholic Memorial - Boston College
Roxbury Latin's Cohee commits to BC
April, 21, 2013
Apr 21
10:19
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
Roxbury Latin tight end/defensive end Kevin Cohee has given a verbal commitment to Boston College, he tells ESPN Boston.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is a resident of Chestnut Hill and becomes the third in-state recruit to join Steve Addazio’s 2014 recruiting class.
“Once they gave me the offer, I was learning toward to committing,” Cohee said in an interview Sunday night. “I didn’t want to commit right away, and I wanted to be sure about it, but it’s been a dream of mine. I grew up going to football games [at BC] and it’s been like a second home to me.”
Cohee is the second Foxes player to give his commitment to BC in as many years, joining signee quarterback Mackay Lowrie.
At the time of his commitment, Cohee also held offers from UMass and UConn.
“They were after Kevin after they saw his game tape, and they pursued him with heartfelt purpose,” Roxbury Latin head coach Pat Ross said. “Coach [Addazio] really wants to build from the inside out, and to build a program that attracts the top Massachusetts kids, and make sure they are here to stay.”
Aside from the chance to play within earshot of his home, Cohee cited BC’s business curriculum and the Eagles’ intent to play within a spread offense as influencing factors.
Though Cohee said he was open to playing on either side of the ball and could be used in multiple roles by the Eagles’ coaching staff.
“[BC] was mostly recruiting from outside states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” Cohee said. “But we’re starting to lay the foundation with the players we have coming in from in-state. I wanted to be a part of that.”
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is a resident of Chestnut Hill and becomes the third in-state recruit to join Steve Addazio’s 2014 recruiting class.
“Once they gave me the offer, I was learning toward to committing,” Cohee said in an interview Sunday night. “I didn’t want to commit right away, and I wanted to be sure about it, but it’s been a dream of mine. I grew up going to football games [at BC] and it’s been like a second home to me.”
Cohee is the second Foxes player to give his commitment to BC in as many years, joining signee quarterback Mackay Lowrie.
At the time of his commitment, Cohee also held offers from UMass and UConn.
“They were after Kevin after they saw his game tape, and they pursued him with heartfelt purpose,” Roxbury Latin head coach Pat Ross said. “Coach [Addazio] really wants to build from the inside out, and to build a program that attracts the top Massachusetts kids, and make sure they are here to stay.”
Aside from the chance to play within earshot of his home, Cohee cited BC’s business curriculum and the Eagles’ intent to play within a spread offense as influencing factors.
Though Cohee said he was open to playing on either side of the ball and could be used in multiple roles by the Eagles’ coaching staff.
“[BC] was mostly recruiting from outside states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” Cohee said. “But we’re starting to lay the foundation with the players we have coming in from in-state. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Boston College offers Roxbury Latin's Cohee
April, 3, 2013
Apr 3
12:09
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
In an email this morning to the Boston area media, Roxbury Latin Athletic Director Tony Teixeira confirmed that Class of 2014 tight end/linebacker Kevin Cohee received an offer from Boston College yesterday during a meeting with head coach Steve Addazio.
The Eagles are the third Division 1 FBS school to extend an offer to the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Cohee, joining UConn and UMass. Rutgers, Syracuse and NC State have also expressed varying amounts of interest.
This BC offer, however, holds some significant weight. Cohee is a lifelong resident of Chestnut Hill, growing up close to the BC campus.
At this point, it is not agreed upon which side of the ball Cohee ultimately projects. He has interest as a tight end from UConn, while other schools can see him at either tight end or a hybrid linebacker/rush end.
In eight games last fall for the 6-2 Foxes, Cohee had 23 catches for 364 yards and five touchdowns, to go along with a team-high 37 tackles, three sacks and a pick-six on defense. He was part of an explosive Foxes offense that saw quarterback Mackay Lowrie -- himself an incoming BC recruit -- set the ISL single-season record for touchdown passes.
Cohee is the sixth in-state player to receive an offer from the Eagles in the Class of 2014 this offseason. BC received a commitment last Friday from Doherty defensive back Isaac Yiadom; they've also offered St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas, Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro, and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan.
The Eagles are the third Division 1 FBS school to extend an offer to the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Cohee, joining UConn and UMass. Rutgers, Syracuse and NC State have also expressed varying amounts of interest.
This BC offer, however, holds some significant weight. Cohee is a lifelong resident of Chestnut Hill, growing up close to the BC campus.
At this point, it is not agreed upon which side of the ball Cohee ultimately projects. He has interest as a tight end from UConn, while other schools can see him at either tight end or a hybrid linebacker/rush end.
In eight games last fall for the 6-2 Foxes, Cohee had 23 catches for 364 yards and five touchdowns, to go along with a team-high 37 tackles, three sacks and a pick-six on defense. He was part of an explosive Foxes offense that saw quarterback Mackay Lowrie -- himself an incoming BC recruit -- set the ISL single-season record for touchdown passes.
Cohee is the sixth in-state player to receive an offer from the Eagles in the Class of 2014 this offseason. BC received a commitment last Friday from Doherty defensive back Isaac Yiadom; they've also offered St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas, Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro, and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan.
UConn, UMass offer Roxbury Latin's Cohee
March, 6, 2013
Mar 6
3:21
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
Roxbury Latin Athletic Director Tony Teixeira told the Boston area media in an email this afternoon that UConn offered junior tight end/linebacker Kevin Cohee today.
This is the second Division 1 FBS offer for the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Cohee. Last week, UMass extended an offer. Cohee is also receiving varied interest from Boston College, North Carolina State, Syracuse and Rutgers.
This is the second Division 1 FBS offer for the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Cohee. Last week, UMass extended an offer. Cohee is also receiving varied interest from Boston College, North Carolina State, Syracuse and Rutgers.
ISL Eberhart Division boys' hockey all-stars
February, 28, 2013
Feb 28
2:59
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
Roxbury Latin athletic director Tony Teixeira forwards this list of the ISL Eberhart Division boys’ hockey All-League Team.
(Note: All league representatives, athletic directors and coaches are encouraged to send their representing league all-star teams to sbarboza@espnboston.com)
2012-13 ISL Eberhart Division Boys’ Hockey All-League Team
Eberhart Division MVP: Mitch Nylen, Brooks
First Team:
Timmy Doherty, Jr. F, St. George's
Steve Vansicien, Jr. F, Rivers
Pat Young, Sr. F, Rivers
Justin Ferreira, Jr. F, Middlesex
A.J. Lucchesse, Sr. F, Middlesex
Greg Conrad, Sr. F, Brooks
Ian Speliotis, Jr. F, Brooks
Jordy Abrams, Sr. F, BB&N
Bobby Mullins, Jr. F, BB&N
Miles Gendron, Jr. D, Rivers
Dan Glavin, Sr. D, Groton
Alex Hreib, Soph. D, St. Mark's
Billy Olsen, Sr. D, Middlesex
Mitch Nylen, Sr. D, Brooks
Connor Hegarty, Jr. D, BB&N
Matt Deveney, Sr. D, Roxbury Latin
Ryan Colena, Sr. G, Rivers
Matt Pompa, Jr. G, Groton
(Note: All league representatives, athletic directors and coaches are encouraged to send their representing league all-star teams to sbarboza@espnboston.com)
2012-13 ISL Eberhart Division Boys’ Hockey All-League Team
Eberhart Division MVP: Mitch Nylen, Brooks
First Team:
Timmy Doherty, Jr. F, St. George's
Steve Vansicien, Jr. F, Rivers
Pat Young, Sr. F, Rivers
Justin Ferreira, Jr. F, Middlesex
A.J. Lucchesse, Sr. F, Middlesex
Greg Conrad, Sr. F, Brooks
Ian Speliotis, Jr. F, Brooks
Jordy Abrams, Sr. F, BB&N
Bobby Mullins, Jr. F, BB&N
Miles Gendron, Jr. D, Rivers
Dan Glavin, Sr. D, Groton
Alex Hreib, Soph. D, St. Mark's
Billy Olsen, Sr. D, Middlesex
Mitch Nylen, Sr. D, Brooks
Connor Hegarty, Jr. D, BB&N
Matt Deveney, Sr. D, Roxbury Latin
Ryan Colena, Sr. G, Rivers
Matt Pompa, Jr. G, Groton
Six student athletes were honored at the Roxbury Latin School Wednesday on National Letter of intent signing day, including BC-bound quarterback Mackay Lowrie.
Last season, Lowrie was ISL MVP, NEPSAC Division C Player of the Year, a member of the All-State 26 team, and a selection for the Mass Shriners All-Star game after passing for 2,311 yards and 35 touchdowns. Lowrie finished his career with 4,739 yards and 61 touchdown passes (both school and ISL records).
Myers, who will play at Bentley University, was an two-time All-ISL selection and was also selected to the Mass Shriners All-Star game. He finished the season with 50 receptions for 782 yards and 15 touchdown receptions.
Also signing his NLI was Foxes soccer standout Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, who will play at Harvard. The Bellingham resident ended up with 13 goals and nine assists on the season. Wheeler-Omuinu has been a member of the Mass Olympic Development team and the US Soccer Federation Region 1 team for 4 years. He was First Team All-League and All-State last year (as a junior) and was also an All-New England selection by the NSCAA.
Roxbury Latin’s committed collegiate athletes are:
Mackay Lowrie (Foxborough), Football – Boston College
Sean Myers (Foxborough), Football – Bentley
Patrick Barry (West Roxbury), Soccer – Washington & Lee
Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Bellingham), Soccer – Harvard
Brandon Bowman (Foxborough), Lacrosse – Air Force
Will O’Sullivan (Needham), Baseball – Wesleyan
Last season, Lowrie was ISL MVP, NEPSAC Division C Player of the Year, a member of the All-State 26 team, and a selection for the Mass Shriners All-Star game after passing for 2,311 yards and 35 touchdowns. Lowrie finished his career with 4,739 yards and 61 touchdown passes (both school and ISL records).
Myers, who will play at Bentley University, was an two-time All-ISL selection and was also selected to the Mass Shriners All-Star game. He finished the season with 50 receptions for 782 yards and 15 touchdown receptions.
Also signing his NLI was Foxes soccer standout Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, who will play at Harvard. The Bellingham resident ended up with 13 goals and nine assists on the season. Wheeler-Omuinu has been a member of the Mass Olympic Development team and the US Soccer Federation Region 1 team for 4 years. He was First Team All-League and All-State last year (as a junior) and was also an All-New England selection by the NSCAA.
Roxbury Latin’s committed collegiate athletes are:
Mackay Lowrie (Foxborough), Football – Boston College
Sean Myers (Foxborough), Football – Bentley
Patrick Barry (West Roxbury), Soccer – Washington & Lee
Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Bellingham), Soccer – Harvard
Brandon Bowman (Foxborough), Lacrosse – Air Force
Will O’Sullivan (Needham), Baseball – Wesleyan
MHSFCA releases All-State Team
December, 29, 2012
12/29/12
5:17
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) released its "Super 26" All-State Team yesterday. Selections are below as follows:
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Zach Bartak, Greenfield, 6'1" 200
Mackay Lowrie, Roxbury Latin, 6'5" 210
Nick Peabody, Barnstable, 6’4" 225
Running Back
Vincent Burton, Blue Hills, 6’2” 200
Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South, 5’9” 185
Quron Wright, Holy Name, 5’6” 165
Wide Receiver
Will Heikkinen, Andover, 6’1” 196
Brian O’Malley, St. Sebastian’s, 6’3” 195
Offensive Line
Aaron Dyke, Auburn, 6’4” 305
John Foster, Scituate, 6’5” 260
Rob Kosharek, Duxbury, 6’6” 265
Jack McDonald, B.C. High, 6’5" 275
John Montelus, Everett, 6’5" 325
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Matt Comerford, Reading, 6’5” 275
Terrel Correia, Nantucket, 6’7” 275
Joe Previte, Brockton, 6’2” 260
Maurice Hurst, Xaverian, 6’2” 290
Linebacker
Cam Hanley, Walpole, 5’11” 210
Sha’ki Holines, Springfield Commerce, 6’4” 240
Zack Hume , Nashoba, 6’2” 235
Bryan Vieira, Thayer Academy, 6’3” 190
Defensive Back
Brendan Flaherty, Beverly, 6’1” 185
Kiivone Howard, Foxborough, 6’1” 185
Dylan Mann, Masconomet, 5’10” 180
Alex Moore, St. John’s Prep, 6’1” 195
Justin Mount, Westford Academy, 6’2” 205
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Zach Bartak, Greenfield, 6'1" 200
Mackay Lowrie, Roxbury Latin, 6'5" 210
Nick Peabody, Barnstable, 6’4" 225
Running Back
Vincent Burton, Blue Hills, 6’2” 200
Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South, 5’9” 185
Quron Wright, Holy Name, 5’6” 165
Wide Receiver
Will Heikkinen, Andover, 6’1” 196
Brian O’Malley, St. Sebastian’s, 6’3” 195
Offensive Line
Aaron Dyke, Auburn, 6’4” 305
John Foster, Scituate, 6’5” 260
Rob Kosharek, Duxbury, 6’6” 265
Jack McDonald, B.C. High, 6’5" 275
John Montelus, Everett, 6’5" 325
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Matt Comerford, Reading, 6’5” 275
Terrel Correia, Nantucket, 6’7” 275
Joe Previte, Brockton, 6’2” 260
Maurice Hurst, Xaverian, 6’2” 290
Linebacker
Cam Hanley, Walpole, 5’11” 210
Sha’ki Holines, Springfield Commerce, 6’4” 240
Zack Hume , Nashoba, 6’2” 235
Bryan Vieira, Thayer Academy, 6’3” 190
Defensive Back
Brendan Flaherty, Beverly, 6’1” 185
Kiivone Howard, Foxborough, 6’1” 185
Dylan Mann, Masconomet, 5’10” 180
Alex Moore, St. John’s Prep, 6’1” 195
Justin Mount, Westford Academy, 6’2” 205
Recruiting Notes: Lowrie, Boyle sticking with BC
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
2:46
PM ET
By Roger Brown | ESPNBoston.com
Mackay Lowrie said he had already run the scenario through his mind, so he had little to think about when Boston College fired football coach Frank Spaziani on Sunday.
Lowrie, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback from Roxbury Latin School, said Monday night that he still plans to play college football at BC. He is currently the only Massachusetts player from the Class of 2014 who has committed to the Eagles.
“My first reaction was it's unfortunate, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't think it might happen,” Lowrie said. “I chose BC last spring knowing something like this might happen. That's college football.
“I'm staying with BC. I really can't wait to get there. I'm excited to see who will be the next head coach.”
BC assistant coach Sean Devine had dinner at Lowrie's house in Foxborough on Monday night.
“It was a planned home visit,” Lowrie said. “He's still a Boston College employee, and he told me he'll keep working until they tell him not to. It would be tough to see him go.”
Lowrie, a two-star recruit, originally intended to play baseball in college, but focused on football after he had a strong junior season. He was a three-year starter at quarterback for Roxbury Latin after playing defensive back as a freshman.
Rutgers also offered Lowrie a scholarship. Duke and Virginia are the other schools that showed significant interest.
“Basically it came down to BC, UVA and Rutgers,” he said. “Ultimately BC was the best fit. The location is huge -– it's less than 30 miles from my house. Academically you can't get a much better place in Division 1 football than BC. The fact that it's a Jesuit school was another huge factor.”
Another QB Option: Tim Boyle, a senior quarterback who plays for Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn., also said he will remain committed to BC, despite the coaching change.
“I am strongly committed,” Boyle said via text message Monday night. “I have no different opinion on BC. I still can't wait!”
Like Lowrie, Boyle is a pro-style quarterback who has already taken his official visit to BC. He also had offers from Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Syracuse and Pittsburgh.
Boyle, a three-star recruit, missed seven games with a separated shoulder last season, but has completed 93 of 163 passes for 1,612 yards and 15 touchdowns (six interceptions) this season.
Third-seeded Xavier (8-1) is scheduled to play sixth-seeded Greenwich (8-1) in the Class LL quarterfinals tonight. Xavier is seeking its third consecutive Class LL championship.
More Local Flavor: Marquis Little, a linebacker from Manchester (Conn.) High School, is the only other senior from New England currently committed to BC.
Tight end Andrew Isaacs, Little's high school teammate, is one of three other New England players who decommitted from BC before Spaziani was fired. The others are Cheshire Academy linebacker Cory Jasudowich, and Sacred Heart (Waterbury, Conn.) wide receiver David Coggins.
Isaacs committed to Maryland, Jasudowich committed to Connecticut and Coggins is undecided. All three are three-star recruits
Recruiting information regarding high school or prep school players in New England can be sent to Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com.
Lowrie, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback from Roxbury Latin School, said Monday night that he still plans to play college football at BC. He is currently the only Massachusetts player from the Class of 2014 who has committed to the Eagles.
“My first reaction was it's unfortunate, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't think it might happen,” Lowrie said. “I chose BC last spring knowing something like this might happen. That's college football.
“I'm staying with BC. I really can't wait to get there. I'm excited to see who will be the next head coach.”
BC assistant coach Sean Devine had dinner at Lowrie's house in Foxborough on Monday night.
“It was a planned home visit,” Lowrie said. “He's still a Boston College employee, and he told me he'll keep working until they tell him not to. It would be tough to see him go.”
Lowrie, a two-star recruit, originally intended to play baseball in college, but focused on football after he had a strong junior season. He was a three-year starter at quarterback for Roxbury Latin after playing defensive back as a freshman.
Rutgers also offered Lowrie a scholarship. Duke and Virginia are the other schools that showed significant interest.
“Basically it came down to BC, UVA and Rutgers,” he said. “Ultimately BC was the best fit. The location is huge -– it's less than 30 miles from my house. Academically you can't get a much better place in Division 1 football than BC. The fact that it's a Jesuit school was another huge factor.”
Another QB Option: Tim Boyle, a senior quarterback who plays for Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn., also said he will remain committed to BC, despite the coaching change.
“I am strongly committed,” Boyle said via text message Monday night. “I have no different opinion on BC. I still can't wait!”
Like Lowrie, Boyle is a pro-style quarterback who has already taken his official visit to BC. He also had offers from Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Syracuse and Pittsburgh.
Boyle, a three-star recruit, missed seven games with a separated shoulder last season, but has completed 93 of 163 passes for 1,612 yards and 15 touchdowns (six interceptions) this season.
Third-seeded Xavier (8-1) is scheduled to play sixth-seeded Greenwich (8-1) in the Class LL quarterfinals tonight. Xavier is seeking its third consecutive Class LL championship.
More Local Flavor: Marquis Little, a linebacker from Manchester (Conn.) High School, is the only other senior from New England currently committed to BC.
Tight end Andrew Isaacs, Little's high school teammate, is one of three other New England players who decommitted from BC before Spaziani was fired. The others are Cheshire Academy linebacker Cory Jasudowich, and Sacred Heart (Waterbury, Conn.) wide receiver David Coggins.
Isaacs committed to Maryland, Jasudowich committed to Connecticut and Coggins is undecided. All three are three-star recruits
Recruiting information regarding high school or prep school players in New England can be sent to Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com.
NO. 23 CENTRAL CATHOLIC (6-1) AT LOWELL (6-1)
The Skinny: Both teams enter with a 1-0 MVC record, coming off their first league games last week. Lowell rolled over Billerica 56-34 while Central Catholic slipped past Chelmsford 28-21. Cam Latta has picked up where R.J. Noel left off at quarterback this year for Lowell at quarterback, throwing for 12 touchdowns and running for seven more. Central Catholic running back Santino Brancato leads the Raiders with eight touchdowns on the season, none bigger than his final score last week with 41 seconds remaining which was the game-winner over Chelmsford.
Scott Barboza: This will be high-scoring, but relatively tame by MVC standards. Central, 34-28.
Brendan Hall: Because Lowell can score in bunches, and because it's the MVC, take the over. Central Catholic, 38-31.
NO. 13 ANDOVER (7-0) AT CHELMSFORD (4-3)
The Skinny: After a hot start, Chelmsford is trying to snap a three-game losing streak and risk falling behind in the competitive Merrimack Valley Conference's large division. They'll have their hands full against one of the state's most prolific offenses, averaging nearly 400 yards and 39 points per game, between quarterback C.J. Scarpa and receivers Andrew Deloury, Will Heikkinen and Cam Farnham.
Barboza: I think the Lions will try to play ball control for a while, but that can only last so long against the high-octane Andover offense. Andover, 42-31.
Hall: Do you see a recurring theme with our MVC picks? Offense, offense, offense. Andover, 40-35.
LINCOLN-SUDBURY (6-1) AT WESTFORD (6-1)
The Skinny: Like several other key league matchups this weekend, this matchup can potentially put one team in the driver's seat for the Dual County Large title. It's no secret what L-S brings to the table, but workhorse Chris Giorgio is among the league's toughest running backs. Westford counters with jack-of-all-trades athlete Justin Mount, who fills multiple roles on both sides of the ball.
Barboza: Picked the Warriors to win the DCL Large in the preseason and I'm not about to step back now. But the Warriors get it done by a chin. L-S, 14-13.
Hall: Flip a coin in this one. I landed on the Ghosts. Westford, 24-17.
NO. 9 BROCKTON (4-3) AT NO. 14 LEOMINSTER (5-2)
The Skinny: Each of these teams received a boost in different ways last week. The Boxers saw the return of their starting quarterback and emotional leader Auggie Roberts in a drubbing of Big Three rival Durfee. Meanwhile, a Blue Devils offense that has had its troubles in recent weeks, shook off the rust to muster a gut-check, two-minute drive to pull out a last-second victory at Central Mass. rival St. John’s of Shrewsbury, led by quarterback Garrett DelleChiaie. Now, both teams meet in a non-league, late-season measuring stick game to see just how far these offenses have come. Not to mention, both teams can really lay the lumber on defense.
Barboza: Blue Devils ride the wave of momentum. Leominster, 28-20.
Hall: It won't be a shutout, but it won't be as shocking an upset when the Blue Devils take two straight for the first time in...help, anyone? Leominster, 21-14.
HINGHAM (6-1) AT NO. 6 DUXBURY (7-0)
The Skinny: An eagerly awaited battle for the inside edge at the Patriot League Keenan division title, the competition should be as fierce at the tailgate as it will be on the field when the Dragons put their Eastern Mass. best 33-game winning streak on the line. A stout Duxbury defense, led by Mr. Football Award challenger Marshall McCarthy will have its hands full with the Harbormen’s wing-T and backfield led by Ricky Sullivan.
Barboza: The Dragons run their streak to 34 games, but it won’t be without difficulty. Duxbury, 13-7.
Hall: As usual, the Dragons will pull something together in the second half and do just enough to win. Duxbury, 20-17.
NEEDHAM (5-2) AT NO. 10 NATICK (7-0)
The Skinny: After a solid start to the season, Needham is now looking to avoid a two-game losing skid and dropping three of its last five. What better an opponent to try to snap the skid than against one of the state's prolific offenses, led by quarterback Troy Flutie (1,477 passing yards, 19 TD, 4 INT; 555 rushing yards, 7 TD) and receiver Brian Dunlap (41 catches, 784 yards, 11 TD). Needham is also coming off a 31-0 shutout loss to a Walpole squad that was missing its top running back to injury.
Barboza: No chance the Red Hawks aren't undefeated setting up a winner-take-all against Walpole. Can't wait. Natick, 31-17.
Hall: Every time we predict a high-scoring affair involving a Bay State team, it never goes as planned. So I'm going with something fairly pedestrian. Natick, 21-12.
NO. 19 MANSFIELD (5-2) AT NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH (4-3)
The Skinny: The Red Rocketeers will need a win to keep pace with Mansfield (2-0) in the Kelley-Rex division race. The X-factor will be the availability of senior running back and defensive back Alex Jette. While it’s expected Jette will play, the extent to which he’ll be able to contribute is very much up in the air. Still, North is readily able to move the ball on the ground thanks to a physical offensive line anchored by left tackle Eric Beckwith. Mansfield got off to a great start in last week’s blowout of King Philip and the Red Rocketeers’ secondary will have its hands full with playmakers Brendan Hill and Mike Hershman. The Hornets have seen junior linebacker Alexander Ruddy (team-leading 55 tackles, 8 TFL) embrace a larger role this year.
Barboza: In each of the team’s last four meetings, the AWAY team has collected the victory. Not about to buck the recent trend. Mansfield, 26-21.
Hall: Per tradition, the away team wins this one with an epic possession in the final five minutes. Mansfield, 20-13.
NO. 22 KING PHILIP (6-1) AT ATTLEBORO (4-3)
The Skinny: King Philip was soundly delivered a rude awakening a week ago at Mansfield, in a 46-33 loss, and now looks to avoid falling behind in the Hockomock's Kelly-Rex division by extending Attleboro's losing streak. The skid currently stands at three games for the Bombardiers after a 4-0 start, and can't seem to get over the hump -- take, for instance, Malique Clark's nearly 300-yard rushing performance in a 44-41 loss to Franklin last week. An Attleboro win would surely create even more confusion at the top of the division.
Barboza: Warriors defense gets back on track, but it won't be easy against Clark. KP, 21-14.
Hall: I'm all for chaos when it comes to Hockomock bracketology. Get out your TI-83's, folks. Attleboro, 30-20.
WAKEFIELD (6-1) AT STONEHAM (7-0)
The Skinny: It's been a long time since Stoneham has had this good of a start, but the Spartans still face questions about a perceived weak schedule. This is their chance to prove doubters wrong, with defensively-sound Wakefield coming off a 33-0 shutout loss to Burlington.
Barboza: In a word, "SPARRRTAAAHHHHHH!" Stoneham, 20-16.
Hall: Because what the heck, I love rolling the dice, and I want to keep my boss and resident Stoneham-ite Dave Lefort happy. Stoneham, 17-13.
MILTON ACADEMY (3-2) AT BELMONT HILL (3-2)
The Skinny: The Mustangs and Hillies are looking to break free from a logjam of 3-2 teams in the middle of the ISL standings. Milton Academy is led by junior Drew Jacobs, who already has four multi-touchdown games this season. The Mustangs also have one of the biggest offensive weapons in the ISL on the foot of place kicker Justin Yoon.
Barboza: Yoon’s foot provides the difference. Milton Academy, 13-10.
Hall: Let me preface this by saying Justin Yoon can kick for anyone any day of the week. Belmont Hill, 14-10.
ROXBURY LATIN (4-1) AT BB&N (3-2)
The Skinny: Its hopes of an undefeated season no more, Roxbury Latin looks to get back on the saddle and stay in contention for the ISL championship and a NEPSAC Bowl berth. A win here over the Knights, with its solid line and elite target in Wake Forest-bound tight end Brendan O'Neil, would bolster those odds. And the Foxes have the horses to do it, led by Boston College-bound quarterback MacKay Lowrie.
Barboza: Knights can take advantage of the matchup along the line of scrimmage. They'll win the point of attack battle. BB&N, 28-27.
Hall: I'll never count out a John Papas-coached team as long as the guy is in the business, but Latin can win track meets. Roxbury Latin, 35-30.
The Skinny: Both teams enter with a 1-0 MVC record, coming off their first league games last week. Lowell rolled over Billerica 56-34 while Central Catholic slipped past Chelmsford 28-21. Cam Latta has picked up where R.J. Noel left off at quarterback this year for Lowell at quarterback, throwing for 12 touchdowns and running for seven more. Central Catholic running back Santino Brancato leads the Raiders with eight touchdowns on the season, none bigger than his final score last week with 41 seconds remaining which was the game-winner over Chelmsford.
Scott Barboza: This will be high-scoring, but relatively tame by MVC standards. Central, 34-28.
Brendan Hall: Because Lowell can score in bunches, and because it's the MVC, take the over. Central Catholic, 38-31.
NO. 13 ANDOVER (7-0) AT CHELMSFORD (4-3)
The Skinny: After a hot start, Chelmsford is trying to snap a three-game losing streak and risk falling behind in the competitive Merrimack Valley Conference's large division. They'll have their hands full against one of the state's most prolific offenses, averaging nearly 400 yards and 39 points per game, between quarterback C.J. Scarpa and receivers Andrew Deloury, Will Heikkinen and Cam Farnham.
Barboza: I think the Lions will try to play ball control for a while, but that can only last so long against the high-octane Andover offense. Andover, 42-31.
Hall: Do you see a recurring theme with our MVC picks? Offense, offense, offense. Andover, 40-35.
LINCOLN-SUDBURY (6-1) AT WESTFORD (6-1)
The Skinny: Like several other key league matchups this weekend, this matchup can potentially put one team in the driver's seat for the Dual County Large title. It's no secret what L-S brings to the table, but workhorse Chris Giorgio is among the league's toughest running backs. Westford counters with jack-of-all-trades athlete Justin Mount, who fills multiple roles on both sides of the ball.
Barboza: Picked the Warriors to win the DCL Large in the preseason and I'm not about to step back now. But the Warriors get it done by a chin. L-S, 14-13.
Hall: Flip a coin in this one. I landed on the Ghosts. Westford, 24-17.
NO. 9 BROCKTON (4-3) AT NO. 14 LEOMINSTER (5-2)
The Skinny: Each of these teams received a boost in different ways last week. The Boxers saw the return of their starting quarterback and emotional leader Auggie Roberts in a drubbing of Big Three rival Durfee. Meanwhile, a Blue Devils offense that has had its troubles in recent weeks, shook off the rust to muster a gut-check, two-minute drive to pull out a last-second victory at Central Mass. rival St. John’s of Shrewsbury, led by quarterback Garrett DelleChiaie. Now, both teams meet in a non-league, late-season measuring stick game to see just how far these offenses have come. Not to mention, both teams can really lay the lumber on defense.
Barboza: Blue Devils ride the wave of momentum. Leominster, 28-20.
Hall: It won't be a shutout, but it won't be as shocking an upset when the Blue Devils take two straight for the first time in...help, anyone? Leominster, 21-14.
HINGHAM (6-1) AT NO. 6 DUXBURY (7-0)
The Skinny: An eagerly awaited battle for the inside edge at the Patriot League Keenan division title, the competition should be as fierce at the tailgate as it will be on the field when the Dragons put their Eastern Mass. best 33-game winning streak on the line. A stout Duxbury defense, led by Mr. Football Award challenger Marshall McCarthy will have its hands full with the Harbormen’s wing-T and backfield led by Ricky Sullivan.
Barboza: The Dragons run their streak to 34 games, but it won’t be without difficulty. Duxbury, 13-7.
Hall: As usual, the Dragons will pull something together in the second half and do just enough to win. Duxbury, 20-17.
NEEDHAM (5-2) AT NO. 10 NATICK (7-0)
The Skinny: After a solid start to the season, Needham is now looking to avoid a two-game losing skid and dropping three of its last five. What better an opponent to try to snap the skid than against one of the state's prolific offenses, led by quarterback Troy Flutie (1,477 passing yards, 19 TD, 4 INT; 555 rushing yards, 7 TD) and receiver Brian Dunlap (41 catches, 784 yards, 11 TD). Needham is also coming off a 31-0 shutout loss to a Walpole squad that was missing its top running back to injury.
Barboza: No chance the Red Hawks aren't undefeated setting up a winner-take-all against Walpole. Can't wait. Natick, 31-17.
Hall: Every time we predict a high-scoring affair involving a Bay State team, it never goes as planned. So I'm going with something fairly pedestrian. Natick, 21-12.
NO. 19 MANSFIELD (5-2) AT NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH (4-3)
The Skinny: The Red Rocketeers will need a win to keep pace with Mansfield (2-0) in the Kelley-Rex division race. The X-factor will be the availability of senior running back and defensive back Alex Jette. While it’s expected Jette will play, the extent to which he’ll be able to contribute is very much up in the air. Still, North is readily able to move the ball on the ground thanks to a physical offensive line anchored by left tackle Eric Beckwith. Mansfield got off to a great start in last week’s blowout of King Philip and the Red Rocketeers’ secondary will have its hands full with playmakers Brendan Hill and Mike Hershman. The Hornets have seen junior linebacker Alexander Ruddy (team-leading 55 tackles, 8 TFL) embrace a larger role this year.
Barboza: In each of the team’s last four meetings, the AWAY team has collected the victory. Not about to buck the recent trend. Mansfield, 26-21.
Hall: Per tradition, the away team wins this one with an epic possession in the final five minutes. Mansfield, 20-13.
NO. 22 KING PHILIP (6-1) AT ATTLEBORO (4-3)
The Skinny: King Philip was soundly delivered a rude awakening a week ago at Mansfield, in a 46-33 loss, and now looks to avoid falling behind in the Hockomock's Kelly-Rex division by extending Attleboro's losing streak. The skid currently stands at three games for the Bombardiers after a 4-0 start, and can't seem to get over the hump -- take, for instance, Malique Clark's nearly 300-yard rushing performance in a 44-41 loss to Franklin last week. An Attleboro win would surely create even more confusion at the top of the division.
Barboza: Warriors defense gets back on track, but it won't be easy against Clark. KP, 21-14.
Hall: I'm all for chaos when it comes to Hockomock bracketology. Get out your TI-83's, folks. Attleboro, 30-20.
WAKEFIELD (6-1) AT STONEHAM (7-0)
The Skinny: It's been a long time since Stoneham has had this good of a start, but the Spartans still face questions about a perceived weak schedule. This is their chance to prove doubters wrong, with defensively-sound Wakefield coming off a 33-0 shutout loss to Burlington.
Barboza: In a word, "SPARRRTAAAHHHHHH!" Stoneham, 20-16.
Hall: Because what the heck, I love rolling the dice, and I want to keep my boss and resident Stoneham-ite Dave Lefort happy. Stoneham, 17-13.
MILTON ACADEMY (3-2) AT BELMONT HILL (3-2)
The Skinny: The Mustangs and Hillies are looking to break free from a logjam of 3-2 teams in the middle of the ISL standings. Milton Academy is led by junior Drew Jacobs, who already has four multi-touchdown games this season. The Mustangs also have one of the biggest offensive weapons in the ISL on the foot of place kicker Justin Yoon.
Barboza: Yoon’s foot provides the difference. Milton Academy, 13-10.
Hall: Let me preface this by saying Justin Yoon can kick for anyone any day of the week. Belmont Hill, 14-10.
ROXBURY LATIN (4-1) AT BB&N (3-2)
The Skinny: Its hopes of an undefeated season no more, Roxbury Latin looks to get back on the saddle and stay in contention for the ISL championship and a NEPSAC Bowl berth. A win here over the Knights, with its solid line and elite target in Wake Forest-bound tight end Brendan O'Neil, would bolster those odds. And the Foxes have the horses to do it, led by Boston College-bound quarterback MacKay Lowrie.
Barboza: Knights can take advantage of the matchup along the line of scrimmage. They'll win the point of attack battle. BB&N, 28-27.
Hall: I'll never count out a John Papas-coached team as long as the guy is in the business, but Latin can win track meets. Roxbury Latin, 35-30.
Player of the Week: Roxbury Latin's Mackay Lowrie
October, 16, 2012
10/16/12
11:37
AM ET
By ESPNBoston.com
WEST ROXBURY, Mass. -- After throwing for nearly 500 yards and totaling seven touchdowns in a wild win over St. Paul's, Roxbury Latin quarterback Mackay Lowrie is our Massachusetts Army National Guard Player of the Week for Week 6.
The Boston College-bound signal-caller threw for 497 yards and six touchdowns, while adding another with his feet in Saturday's 54-37 victory.
Co-editor Scott Barboza caught up with Lowrie after Monday's practice for this interview:
The Boston College-bound signal-caller threw for 497 yards and six touchdowns, while adding another with his feet in Saturday's 54-37 victory.
Co-editor Scott Barboza caught up with Lowrie after Monday's practice for this interview:
Roundtable: Big statements, bigger production
October, 4, 2012
10/04/12
1:44
AM ET
By ESPNBoston.com
1. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST STATEMENT YOU GOT OUT OF BARNSTABLE'S UPSET OF EVERETT?
Scott Barboza, ESPN Boston High Schools Editor: Aside from the defense, which was phenomenal by all accounts, the manner in which the Red Raiders were able to pull off the upset was impressive, meaning that the offense was firing on all cylinders for most of the game. In other words, Barnstable can win ugly. When you hear about the offense and all the things the Red Raiders can do on offense, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the fundamentals. They can do all the things that constitute a potentially successful playoff team in that they can run the ball when called upon, get the back stop when required and they don’t turn the ball over. When you have one of the top quarterbacks in the state like Nick Peabody, that’s all you need to win. And, if Hayden Murphy runs the ball as he can and the defense, led by Andrew Ellis, is on, Barnstable is difficult to beat, no matter the conditions.
Brendan Hall, ESPN Boston High Schools Editor: For me, more than anything, it was a throwback statement. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much Division 1-caliber talent you've stockpiled, how heavy your line is, or how many of your skill players run a 4.5. All that matters is who puts themselves in the best position to win -- period. Barnstable demonstrated that to a T on Friday night.
Of course, this Red Raiders team isn't an underdog. They came into the game at No. 3 in our statewide poll, and I think the general consensus was that this would be a one-score type of affair. Nick Peabody is in a quarterbacking class of his own through the first month of the season, Dylan Morris is beginning to enter Matt Costello territory in terms of production, and the Raiders' linebacking corps is one of the two or three best in the state.
Barnstable coach Chris Whidden dialed up a great defensive gameplan in the pouring rain, playing outside contain on the Crimson Tide's gifted receivers, and getting great push in the trenches with a deceivingly athletic front four that fired quickly off the ball. These guys were not as big, but they certainly were fast, and above all else they hit with a level of abandon replicated by very few teams in the state.
At the end of the day, it was a pleasant reminder that things haven't gotten soft in the game of football. At the end of the day, the overarching theme remains -- if you come out complacent, someone's going to knock you around.
Adam Kurkjian, ESPN Boston correspondent: Year after year, while Everett always seems to have its share of explosive skill players, the foundation of its success is consistent and dominant line play on both sides of the ball.
The biggest statement Barnstable made Friday night was that it can go toe-to-toe with Everett's front and get the better of the exchange. That is rare, and it speaks to the level of offseason commitment the Red Raiders have made the past few seasons. While Barnstable may have the reputation as a finesse team because of the amount of times it puts the ball in the air, it looks like the Red Raiders shattered that notion last week.
Bruce Lerch, ESPN Boston correspondent: Defense, defense, defense. Staring at Everett's offensive line with 300-pounders across the board is daunting for any opposition but the Raiders didn't seem intimidated at all. In fact, they set the tone and managed to stuff the Tide twice on fourth-down tries from the one-yard line.
All 11 starters, plus the others that rotate in made plays. Jason Frieh and the defensive line held their own Everett's blockers, linebackers Brian Hardy, Andrew Ellis, Terrence Mudie and Robbie Stuart made tackles all over the field. Safeties Ryan Litchman and Kevin Hardy were tremendous in support against the run and corners Tedaro France and Derek Estes won their matchups with Everett's speed merchants at the receiver positions.
John Botelho, Editor-in-Chief, South Shore Sports Journal: Nick Peabody and the offense have been well publicized -- and deservedly so -- all season. Going into the Everett game, they had scored an astounding 145 points in three games. But the biggest statement made while snapping Everett's 28-game win streak was that the Red Raiders' defense is just as good as their powerful offense. Division 1A should be real fun to watch come December.
Everett and Barnstable Round II is already a Super Bowl many people are excitedly calling for, but neither has an easy path to get there. Everett is likely headed for a first-round playoff game with Lincoln-Sudbury, and Barnstable has to worry about beating Bridgewater-Raynham during the regular season just to reach the playoffs.
2. NAME YOUR FIVE BEST WIDE RECEIVERS IN THE STATE
Barboza:
1. Brian Dunlap, Natick – Might not be No. 1 on any other list, but come his senior season, he's going to be right there on the top of all the volume stats list.
2. Jalen Felix, Everett – Seeing, in person, the catch he made during last year’s BC High game at Memorial Stadium is something I’ll likely never forget. It’s the same feeling I had watching Randy Moss make impossible catches.
3. Jakarrie Washington, Everett – One of the best route runners around since those Asprilla and Costello kids were the go-to targets in Everett.
4. Dylan Morris, Barnstable – Hard to argue with Morris’ production thus far this season with his eight touchdown catches.
5. Will Heikkinen, Andover – Spies tell me Xaverian had Heikkinen blanketed with double coverage throughout most of last week’s game. That’s the ultimate compliment paid to a wideout.
Hall:
1. Dylan Morris, Barnstable - You'll be hard-pressed to duplicate his five-catch, 207-yard performance in Week 2, and right now he's on track for 20 touchdown receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving. Bar none, best wideout in the state right now. And to think, some have mused he may be a better baseball player.
2. Jakarrie Washington, Everett - You could rotate this spot with Jalen Felix, who had an explosive performance against Springfield Central, but right now you've got to with Washington based on game-breaking ability. Against Leominster and St. John's Prep, he turned the game on its heels seemingly on a dime with one back-breaking catch or run.
3. Brian Dunlap, Natick - A versatile route-runner, he's got crunch-time knack (see his game-winning catch against Norwood with 10 seconds to go) and makes the most of his touches (17.25 yards per catch, 6 TD).
4. David Harrison, Weymouth - Has seven receiving touchdowns, and in the last two games running a pistol offense at quarterback, has thrown for six. He's just plain productive.
5. Sam Blake, East Longmeadow - Doesn't get a lot of touches in the Spartans' system, but in terms of athleticism I've heard some pretty crazy stories. In his last two games, he has 232 receiving yards and four touchdowns on just seven catches.
Kurkjian:
Tough to say for me because most of the games I have been to have featured mainly run-oriented teams.
That said, looking around the state, Lincoln Collins of BC High needs to be mentioned for his size and improved speed.
Jakarrie Washington of Everett may be the fastest receiver out there right now.
Speaking of guys that can motor, Andover's Cam Farnham has been pure lightning all season as well.
As far as pure production goes, there aren't many who do more on a week-to-week basis than Natick's Brian Dunlap.
If anyone can outdo Dunlap in that department, though, how about Shawsheen receiver Devonn Pratt? One of the top wrestlers in the state, Pratt has 11 touchdown receptions already, including five in a ridiculous, 15-catch, 268-yard performance against Cambridge two weeks ago.
Lerch:
1. Dylan Morris, Barnstable - Seems to have a tremendous mind meld going on with quarterback Nick Peabody. Has eight TD receptions on the season, including two clutch catches in the 13-7, double OT win over Everett.
2. Jalen Felix/Jakarrie Washington, Everett - I'm cheating a little by putting both in, but it's hard to argue against the fact that these speedsters are two of the biggest gamebreakers in Massachusetts.
3. Bryan Vieira, Thayer Academy - Eight receptions for 200 yards and a TD in the opener (along with an interception return for a score) and six more catches for 179 yards and three TDs in week two. The top receiver in the ISL.
4. Brian Dunlap, Natick - Just a sophomore, Dunlap continues to team up with QB Troy Flutie to put up big numbers week after week. I may be underrating him because of his age, but all signs point toward Dunlap someday taking over at the top of this list. Maybe sooner rather than later.
5. David Harrison/Tyler O'Brien, Weymouth - It's a cheat day for me in the roundtable as I'm going with a duo once again. The Wildcats receivers have combined to catch 13 TD passes and O'Brien seems to be Harrison's favored target when he switches under center as Weymouth's quarterback.
Botelho:
1. Dylan Morris, Barnstable: This is sort of a chicken and egg thing. Is Nick Peabody such a good quarterback because he has Morris to throw to, or is Morris the beneficiary of a standout QB. I think the answer is Peabody is a tremendous QB and Morris an elite receiver, and the results have indicated that so far.
2. Lincoln Collins, BC High: Collins might not have the gaudy stats some his peers do (he's caught just one TD this year) but he's a D-1 scholarship athlete going to Villanova for a reason. The Eagles have been the victims of bad luck and bad timing this season, dealing with some of the toughest teams in this state - and New Jersey - while figuring out how to replace injured stars like Brendan Craven and Luke Catarius.
3. Brian Dunlap, Natick - Like Morris, Dunlap has a premier QB throwing him the ball. He's pulled in 6 TD from Troy Flutie, and is one of the biggest reasons Natick is scoring more than 30 points per game.
4. Dondre James, Whitman-Hanson - James single-handedly changes game plans of opposing teams, often drawing more than one defender on passing plays. He's spread out defenses all season, allowing QB Tom Sapienza to throw 8 TD already. James' speed and athleticism are clear with one looks at the Panthers on offense, but what he contributes away from the ball might be even more impressive. James has sprung more than one ball carrier this year with a big block.
5. Rory Donovan, Cardinal Spellman - The Cardinals aren't matching their regular season success from the last two years, but Donovan is among the toughest receivers for defenses to match-up with. At 6-5 and with an impressive vertical, not many defenders can go up and get a jump ball against him. He's averaging a touchdown a game right now and could get better as Spellman's line matures this season.
3. WHO IS THE BEST QUARTERBACK FROM A SMALL SCHOOL?
Barboza: Right now, I’m looking at Hopkinton’s Hank Rudden. The Hillers have been off and running in the Tri-Valley League, averaging more than 34 points per game through four weeks. Whether the Hillers can keep it going into the meat of their TVL schedule is another thing, but the 6-foot-1 senior is a dependable pocket presence.
Hall: Hard to argue with the production of Northbridge's Matt Phelan. Head coach Ken LaChapelle (who won his 300th career game last weekend) is famously inclined towards the pass -- and a passing pioneer for this state, really -- but through the first four games of the 2012 Phelan has been arguably better on his feet (41 carries, 448 yards, 12 TD) than through the air (42 of 50, 514 yards, 2 TD). LaChapelle has joked that he would like to once coach a game where he doesn't call a running play, but he tends to yield some freelancing to his quarterbacks when he feels they're up for it. And understand, for LaChapelle to loosen the reigns, you have to be a special player.
Kurkjian: Let's go into the Boston City South Division where Latin Academy junior Kyle Dance is putting together a fantastic season through four games.
To this point, Dance has had a hand in 13 touchdowns (nine passing, four rushing). You want to know how many touchdowns the Dragons have as a team? Fourteen. In other words, Dance is doing it all for this team, and it will be exciting to see how the rest of his season and career develops.
Lerch: Since taking over in week two, Shawsheen's Mike O'Hearn has produced eye-popping numbers and ranks fourth in the state with 11 touchdown passes, including a six-TD performance against Cambridge. With the 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior at the helm, the Rams have put up 98 points in their last two games.
Botelho: Assuming "small" school means any outside of Div 1, 1A, 2 or 2A, the best small school QB might be Dan Eckler at Stoughton. They're a run-first offense with tons of weapons, but he's been the point man for all of their success this year.
Hanover's Ryan Bennett and Middleborough's Troy Rossi both have big arms and ideal QB size and have been fun to watch early on.
Abington's Brandon Cawley has all of the tools to run the offense for the Green Wave. He's tall, has a cannon of an arm and can tuck it and run if need be. Andrew Benson also comes to mind in the South Shore League. After sliding over from RB to QB when the Vikings didn't have an obvious heir apparent to Tim O'Brien, Benson has handled the transition well. He's very athletic and gives EB a similar look on offense they had a year ago.
4. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE?
Barboza: (Disclaimer: None of this argument has to do with St. John’s Prep right now.) Honestly, I’m not trying to make excuses here, and this has happened a couple of times during the last couple seasons, but it’s not as though the teams are playing easy schedules. On the other hand though, I think the rest of the state has caught up with the parochials a little bit. Some inside the Catholic Conference used to scoff at the idea of a Hockomock team (North Attleborough anybody?) hanging with one of those teams. Use this weekend’s Xaverian vs. Duxbury matchup as another proof positive. I think the Hawks will find out that last year’s win by the Dragons at the Hawk Bowl was no fluke. And, while most of the state still cannot match the numbers the Catholics have on their sidelines, there’s plenty of talent to be had.
Hall: With St. John's Prep, nothing. With the rest of the conference (a combined 4-12 heading into this weekend's games), where do you start?
Expectations weren't high on Malden Catholic or Catholic Memorial coming into the season, but the way BC High and Xaverian (preseason Nos. 2 and 3, respectively) have stumbled out of the gates is concerning. Then again, they've endured brutal schedules, and few teams in Massachusetts would come out of September with better than their 1-3 records. Still, the way in which they've lost is not convincing, between BC High getting dominated from scrimmage by North Attleborough and Xaverian laying eggs against Brockton and Andover. Bottom line, BC High and Xaverian so far haven't lived up to the preseason hype.
Something tells me they'll turn it around. BC High will be getting All-State linebacker Luke Catarius (ankle) back this month, and quarterback Brendan Craven (knee) sometime soon, and you can't say enough how much that could change things quickly. Xaverian finally showed signs of life in the second half of the Andover upset, and Mike Brennan has been bringing steady production to what has been an otherwise stale offense.
How quickly does Xaverian turn it around? Jury's out, because the rest of the Hawks' 2012 schedule, in order, goes like this: Duxbury, Everett, Bridgewater-Raynham, St. John's (Shrewsbury), BC High, Catholic Memorial, St. John's Prep. Talk about skating uphill.
Kurkjian: Well, there's not much wrong with St. John's Prep right now, as they've looked outstanding in their three wins and only have one loss to Everett in a game many observers thought could have gone the other way with a few breaks.
As for the rest? BC High has been decimated by injuries, but the Eagles are starting to heal up and it would not be a total shock to see them make a run at the league title once everyone is back.
Xaverian does not have nearly the amount of team speed it usually does and has not looked physical at all on the lines.
Catholic Memorial has, as expected, struggled on offense, and you simply don't improve when graduation takes away as much talent as it did for the Knights.
Malden Catholic is this year what it has been nearly every year, which is the fifth-best team in the league.
Lerch: The coaches won't make excuses but we can. Injuries have absolutely decimated BC High while graduation hit both Xaverian and Catholic Memorial pretty hard. Not to mention that these teams all play among the toughest schedules in the state. That said, St. John's Prep is still a top-three team in Massachusetts and don't think for a second that the aforementioned trio won't put it together by the time league play rolls around. Anyone who counts these teams out when we're not even halfway through the season is making a big mistake.
Botelho: BC High and Xaverian has certainly underachieved, but their schedules have been absolutely brutal. BC is also dealing with a whole mess load of injuries. That said, what looked like the best league in the state before the season needs a turnaround in the second half to avoid an overall disappointing year. If things continue like they are, St. John's Prep will coast to a league title behind Jonathan Thomas and Alex Moore. The Prep, in my mind, is probably the favorite to win the Div. 1 Super Bowl right now (I still love Brockton, but missing Austin Roberts is going to hurt them in a big way).
5. THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF SHOOTOUTS IN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF ISL PLAY. WHICH IS THE BEST OFFENSE?
Barboza: I think this was supposed to be Thayer’s year to shine behind wide receiver Aaron Gilmer and the Tigers haven’t disappointed, putting up 76 points in their two games. But they still have nothing to show for it, losing two close barn-burners against Governor’s and Roxbury Latin. But it’s hard to ignore the defending ISL champions at Governor’s. We’ve extolled about Tate Jozokos’ two-sport excellence for a couple years now, but running back Eli Morrissey has been a true revelation in the early going. Gov’s should face a test this weekend against BB&N, but with 103 points scored in two games, it’s hard to pick against anything short of a repeat performance of 2011.
Hall: If what Duxbury's been doing the last couple of years doesn't tell you enough about the value of lacrosse skill in football, then Governor's senior quarterback Tate Jozokos will. The UNC lacrosse commit led a renaissance last fall, leading the Governors to the ISL championship, and is off to a quality start this season. He is as a true a dual-threat quarterback as you will find in Massachusetts.
Running back Eli Morrissey has been just as productive (5 TDs), and is arguably one of the best backs in the ISL -- not the biggest, but definitely one of the most complete, and a tough runner. Overall, the Governors have averaged 51.5 points per game in their first two contest. Hard to argue with a number like that.
Kurkjian: Tough to say with such a small sample size, but it's hard to go against what Governor's Academy has accomplished in the first two weeks. With 103 points in two games, the Governors are simply running past, over, around and through everyone in their way.
We will see whether or not that continues this weekend as they travel to Cambridge to face an always-tough BB&N squad.
Lerch: When in doubt, I always say go with the team led by the lacrosse guy. Governor's is stacked with talent on offense with quarterback/dynamo/North Carolina lacrosse commit Tate Jozokos leading the charge. Along with standout running back Elijah Morrissey, the duo has combined to score nine rushing TDs in the first two games. Until some team finds a way to slow these two guys down, the Red Dogs will keep piling on the points.
Scott Barboza, ESPN Boston High Schools Editor: Aside from the defense, which was phenomenal by all accounts, the manner in which the Red Raiders were able to pull off the upset was impressive, meaning that the offense was firing on all cylinders for most of the game. In other words, Barnstable can win ugly. When you hear about the offense and all the things the Red Raiders can do on offense, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the fundamentals. They can do all the things that constitute a potentially successful playoff team in that they can run the ball when called upon, get the back stop when required and they don’t turn the ball over. When you have one of the top quarterbacks in the state like Nick Peabody, that’s all you need to win. And, if Hayden Murphy runs the ball as he can and the defense, led by Andrew Ellis, is on, Barnstable is difficult to beat, no matter the conditions.
Brendan Hall, ESPN Boston High Schools Editor: For me, more than anything, it was a throwback statement. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much Division 1-caliber talent you've stockpiled, how heavy your line is, or how many of your skill players run a 4.5. All that matters is who puts themselves in the best position to win -- period. Barnstable demonstrated that to a T on Friday night.
Of course, this Red Raiders team isn't an underdog. They came into the game at No. 3 in our statewide poll, and I think the general consensus was that this would be a one-score type of affair. Nick Peabody is in a quarterbacking class of his own through the first month of the season, Dylan Morris is beginning to enter Matt Costello territory in terms of production, and the Raiders' linebacking corps is one of the two or three best in the state.
Barnstable coach Chris Whidden dialed up a great defensive gameplan in the pouring rain, playing outside contain on the Crimson Tide's gifted receivers, and getting great push in the trenches with a deceivingly athletic front four that fired quickly off the ball. These guys were not as big, but they certainly were fast, and above all else they hit with a level of abandon replicated by very few teams in the state.
At the end of the day, it was a pleasant reminder that things haven't gotten soft in the game of football. At the end of the day, the overarching theme remains -- if you come out complacent, someone's going to knock you around.
Adam Kurkjian, ESPN Boston correspondent: Year after year, while Everett always seems to have its share of explosive skill players, the foundation of its success is consistent and dominant line play on both sides of the ball.
The biggest statement Barnstable made Friday night was that it can go toe-to-toe with Everett's front and get the better of the exchange. That is rare, and it speaks to the level of offseason commitment the Red Raiders have made the past few seasons. While Barnstable may have the reputation as a finesse team because of the amount of times it puts the ball in the air, it looks like the Red Raiders shattered that notion last week.
Bruce Lerch, ESPN Boston correspondent: Defense, defense, defense. Staring at Everett's offensive line with 300-pounders across the board is daunting for any opposition but the Raiders didn't seem intimidated at all. In fact, they set the tone and managed to stuff the Tide twice on fourth-down tries from the one-yard line.
All 11 starters, plus the others that rotate in made plays. Jason Frieh and the defensive line held their own Everett's blockers, linebackers Brian Hardy, Andrew Ellis, Terrence Mudie and Robbie Stuart made tackles all over the field. Safeties Ryan Litchman and Kevin Hardy were tremendous in support against the run and corners Tedaro France and Derek Estes won their matchups with Everett's speed merchants at the receiver positions.
John Botelho, Editor-in-Chief, South Shore Sports Journal: Nick Peabody and the offense have been well publicized -- and deservedly so -- all season. Going into the Everett game, they had scored an astounding 145 points in three games. But the biggest statement made while snapping Everett's 28-game win streak was that the Red Raiders' defense is just as good as their powerful offense. Division 1A should be real fun to watch come December.
Everett and Barnstable Round II is already a Super Bowl many people are excitedly calling for, but neither has an easy path to get there. Everett is likely headed for a first-round playoff game with Lincoln-Sudbury, and Barnstable has to worry about beating Bridgewater-Raynham during the regular season just to reach the playoffs.
2. NAME YOUR FIVE BEST WIDE RECEIVERS IN THE STATE
Barboza:
1. Brian Dunlap, Natick – Might not be No. 1 on any other list, but come his senior season, he's going to be right there on the top of all the volume stats list.
2. Jalen Felix, Everett – Seeing, in person, the catch he made during last year’s BC High game at Memorial Stadium is something I’ll likely never forget. It’s the same feeling I had watching Randy Moss make impossible catches.
3. Jakarrie Washington, Everett – One of the best route runners around since those Asprilla and Costello kids were the go-to targets in Everett.
4. Dylan Morris, Barnstable – Hard to argue with Morris’ production thus far this season with his eight touchdown catches.
5. Will Heikkinen, Andover – Spies tell me Xaverian had Heikkinen blanketed with double coverage throughout most of last week’s game. That’s the ultimate compliment paid to a wideout.
Hall:
1. Dylan Morris, Barnstable - You'll be hard-pressed to duplicate his five-catch, 207-yard performance in Week 2, and right now he's on track for 20 touchdown receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving. Bar none, best wideout in the state right now. And to think, some have mused he may be a better baseball player.
2. Jakarrie Washington, Everett - You could rotate this spot with Jalen Felix, who had an explosive performance against Springfield Central, but right now you've got to with Washington based on game-breaking ability. Against Leominster and St. John's Prep, he turned the game on its heels seemingly on a dime with one back-breaking catch or run.
3. Brian Dunlap, Natick - A versatile route-runner, he's got crunch-time knack (see his game-winning catch against Norwood with 10 seconds to go) and makes the most of his touches (17.25 yards per catch, 6 TD).
4. David Harrison, Weymouth - Has seven receiving touchdowns, and in the last two games running a pistol offense at quarterback, has thrown for six. He's just plain productive.
5. Sam Blake, East Longmeadow - Doesn't get a lot of touches in the Spartans' system, but in terms of athleticism I've heard some pretty crazy stories. In his last two games, he has 232 receiving yards and four touchdowns on just seven catches.
Kurkjian:
Tough to say for me because most of the games I have been to have featured mainly run-oriented teams.
That said, looking around the state, Lincoln Collins of BC High needs to be mentioned for his size and improved speed.
Jakarrie Washington of Everett may be the fastest receiver out there right now.
Speaking of guys that can motor, Andover's Cam Farnham has been pure lightning all season as well.
As far as pure production goes, there aren't many who do more on a week-to-week basis than Natick's Brian Dunlap.
If anyone can outdo Dunlap in that department, though, how about Shawsheen receiver Devonn Pratt? One of the top wrestlers in the state, Pratt has 11 touchdown receptions already, including five in a ridiculous, 15-catch, 268-yard performance against Cambridge two weeks ago.
Lerch:
1. Dylan Morris, Barnstable - Seems to have a tremendous mind meld going on with quarterback Nick Peabody. Has eight TD receptions on the season, including two clutch catches in the 13-7, double OT win over Everett.
2. Jalen Felix/Jakarrie Washington, Everett - I'm cheating a little by putting both in, but it's hard to argue against the fact that these speedsters are two of the biggest gamebreakers in Massachusetts.
3. Bryan Vieira, Thayer Academy - Eight receptions for 200 yards and a TD in the opener (along with an interception return for a score) and six more catches for 179 yards and three TDs in week two. The top receiver in the ISL.
4. Brian Dunlap, Natick - Just a sophomore, Dunlap continues to team up with QB Troy Flutie to put up big numbers week after week. I may be underrating him because of his age, but all signs point toward Dunlap someday taking over at the top of this list. Maybe sooner rather than later.
5. David Harrison/Tyler O'Brien, Weymouth - It's a cheat day for me in the roundtable as I'm going with a duo once again. The Wildcats receivers have combined to catch 13 TD passes and O'Brien seems to be Harrison's favored target when he switches under center as Weymouth's quarterback.
Botelho:
1. Dylan Morris, Barnstable: This is sort of a chicken and egg thing. Is Nick Peabody such a good quarterback because he has Morris to throw to, or is Morris the beneficiary of a standout QB. I think the answer is Peabody is a tremendous QB and Morris an elite receiver, and the results have indicated that so far.
2. Lincoln Collins, BC High: Collins might not have the gaudy stats some his peers do (he's caught just one TD this year) but he's a D-1 scholarship athlete going to Villanova for a reason. The Eagles have been the victims of bad luck and bad timing this season, dealing with some of the toughest teams in this state - and New Jersey - while figuring out how to replace injured stars like Brendan Craven and Luke Catarius.
3. Brian Dunlap, Natick - Like Morris, Dunlap has a premier QB throwing him the ball. He's pulled in 6 TD from Troy Flutie, and is one of the biggest reasons Natick is scoring more than 30 points per game.
4. Dondre James, Whitman-Hanson - James single-handedly changes game plans of opposing teams, often drawing more than one defender on passing plays. He's spread out defenses all season, allowing QB Tom Sapienza to throw 8 TD already. James' speed and athleticism are clear with one looks at the Panthers on offense, but what he contributes away from the ball might be even more impressive. James has sprung more than one ball carrier this year with a big block.
5. Rory Donovan, Cardinal Spellman - The Cardinals aren't matching their regular season success from the last two years, but Donovan is among the toughest receivers for defenses to match-up with. At 6-5 and with an impressive vertical, not many defenders can go up and get a jump ball against him. He's averaging a touchdown a game right now and could get better as Spellman's line matures this season.
3. WHO IS THE BEST QUARTERBACK FROM A SMALL SCHOOL?
Barboza: Right now, I’m looking at Hopkinton’s Hank Rudden. The Hillers have been off and running in the Tri-Valley League, averaging more than 34 points per game through four weeks. Whether the Hillers can keep it going into the meat of their TVL schedule is another thing, but the 6-foot-1 senior is a dependable pocket presence.
Hall: Hard to argue with the production of Northbridge's Matt Phelan. Head coach Ken LaChapelle (who won his 300th career game last weekend) is famously inclined towards the pass -- and a passing pioneer for this state, really -- but through the first four games of the 2012 Phelan has been arguably better on his feet (41 carries, 448 yards, 12 TD) than through the air (42 of 50, 514 yards, 2 TD). LaChapelle has joked that he would like to once coach a game where he doesn't call a running play, but he tends to yield some freelancing to his quarterbacks when he feels they're up for it. And understand, for LaChapelle to loosen the reigns, you have to be a special player.
Kurkjian: Let's go into the Boston City South Division where Latin Academy junior Kyle Dance is putting together a fantastic season through four games.
To this point, Dance has had a hand in 13 touchdowns (nine passing, four rushing). You want to know how many touchdowns the Dragons have as a team? Fourteen. In other words, Dance is doing it all for this team, and it will be exciting to see how the rest of his season and career develops.
Lerch: Since taking over in week two, Shawsheen's Mike O'Hearn has produced eye-popping numbers and ranks fourth in the state with 11 touchdown passes, including a six-TD performance against Cambridge. With the 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior at the helm, the Rams have put up 98 points in their last two games.
Botelho: Assuming "small" school means any outside of Div 1, 1A, 2 or 2A, the best small school QB might be Dan Eckler at Stoughton. They're a run-first offense with tons of weapons, but he's been the point man for all of their success this year.
Hanover's Ryan Bennett and Middleborough's Troy Rossi both have big arms and ideal QB size and have been fun to watch early on.
Abington's Brandon Cawley has all of the tools to run the offense for the Green Wave. He's tall, has a cannon of an arm and can tuck it and run if need be. Andrew Benson also comes to mind in the South Shore League. After sliding over from RB to QB when the Vikings didn't have an obvious heir apparent to Tim O'Brien, Benson has handled the transition well. He's very athletic and gives EB a similar look on offense they had a year ago.
4. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE?
Barboza: (Disclaimer: None of this argument has to do with St. John’s Prep right now.) Honestly, I’m not trying to make excuses here, and this has happened a couple of times during the last couple seasons, but it’s not as though the teams are playing easy schedules. On the other hand though, I think the rest of the state has caught up with the parochials a little bit. Some inside the Catholic Conference used to scoff at the idea of a Hockomock team (North Attleborough anybody?) hanging with one of those teams. Use this weekend’s Xaverian vs. Duxbury matchup as another proof positive. I think the Hawks will find out that last year’s win by the Dragons at the Hawk Bowl was no fluke. And, while most of the state still cannot match the numbers the Catholics have on their sidelines, there’s plenty of talent to be had.
Hall: With St. John's Prep, nothing. With the rest of the conference (a combined 4-12 heading into this weekend's games), where do you start?
Expectations weren't high on Malden Catholic or Catholic Memorial coming into the season, but the way BC High and Xaverian (preseason Nos. 2 and 3, respectively) have stumbled out of the gates is concerning. Then again, they've endured brutal schedules, and few teams in Massachusetts would come out of September with better than their 1-3 records. Still, the way in which they've lost is not convincing, between BC High getting dominated from scrimmage by North Attleborough and Xaverian laying eggs against Brockton and Andover. Bottom line, BC High and Xaverian so far haven't lived up to the preseason hype.
Something tells me they'll turn it around. BC High will be getting All-State linebacker Luke Catarius (ankle) back this month, and quarterback Brendan Craven (knee) sometime soon, and you can't say enough how much that could change things quickly. Xaverian finally showed signs of life in the second half of the Andover upset, and Mike Brennan has been bringing steady production to what has been an otherwise stale offense.
How quickly does Xaverian turn it around? Jury's out, because the rest of the Hawks' 2012 schedule, in order, goes like this: Duxbury, Everett, Bridgewater-Raynham, St. John's (Shrewsbury), BC High, Catholic Memorial, St. John's Prep. Talk about skating uphill.
Kurkjian: Well, there's not much wrong with St. John's Prep right now, as they've looked outstanding in their three wins and only have one loss to Everett in a game many observers thought could have gone the other way with a few breaks.
As for the rest? BC High has been decimated by injuries, but the Eagles are starting to heal up and it would not be a total shock to see them make a run at the league title once everyone is back.
Xaverian does not have nearly the amount of team speed it usually does and has not looked physical at all on the lines.
Catholic Memorial has, as expected, struggled on offense, and you simply don't improve when graduation takes away as much talent as it did for the Knights.
Malden Catholic is this year what it has been nearly every year, which is the fifth-best team in the league.
Lerch: The coaches won't make excuses but we can. Injuries have absolutely decimated BC High while graduation hit both Xaverian and Catholic Memorial pretty hard. Not to mention that these teams all play among the toughest schedules in the state. That said, St. John's Prep is still a top-three team in Massachusetts and don't think for a second that the aforementioned trio won't put it together by the time league play rolls around. Anyone who counts these teams out when we're not even halfway through the season is making a big mistake.
Botelho: BC High and Xaverian has certainly underachieved, but their schedules have been absolutely brutal. BC is also dealing with a whole mess load of injuries. That said, what looked like the best league in the state before the season needs a turnaround in the second half to avoid an overall disappointing year. If things continue like they are, St. John's Prep will coast to a league title behind Jonathan Thomas and Alex Moore. The Prep, in my mind, is probably the favorite to win the Div. 1 Super Bowl right now (I still love Brockton, but missing Austin Roberts is going to hurt them in a big way).
5. THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF SHOOTOUTS IN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF ISL PLAY. WHICH IS THE BEST OFFENSE?
Barboza: I think this was supposed to be Thayer’s year to shine behind wide receiver Aaron Gilmer and the Tigers haven’t disappointed, putting up 76 points in their two games. But they still have nothing to show for it, losing two close barn-burners against Governor’s and Roxbury Latin. But it’s hard to ignore the defending ISL champions at Governor’s. We’ve extolled about Tate Jozokos’ two-sport excellence for a couple years now, but running back Eli Morrissey has been a true revelation in the early going. Gov’s should face a test this weekend against BB&N, but with 103 points scored in two games, it’s hard to pick against anything short of a repeat performance of 2011.
Hall: If what Duxbury's been doing the last couple of years doesn't tell you enough about the value of lacrosse skill in football, then Governor's senior quarterback Tate Jozokos will. The UNC lacrosse commit led a renaissance last fall, leading the Governors to the ISL championship, and is off to a quality start this season. He is as a true a dual-threat quarterback as you will find in Massachusetts.
Running back Eli Morrissey has been just as productive (5 TDs), and is arguably one of the best backs in the ISL -- not the biggest, but definitely one of the most complete, and a tough runner. Overall, the Governors have averaged 51.5 points per game in their first two contest. Hard to argue with a number like that.
Kurkjian: Tough to say with such a small sample size, but it's hard to go against what Governor's Academy has accomplished in the first two weeks. With 103 points in two games, the Governors are simply running past, over, around and through everyone in their way.
We will see whether or not that continues this weekend as they travel to Cambridge to face an always-tough BB&N squad.
Lerch: When in doubt, I always say go with the team led by the lacrosse guy. Governor's is stacked with talent on offense with quarterback/dynamo/North Carolina lacrosse commit Tate Jozokos leading the charge. Along with standout running back Elijah Morrissey, the duo has combined to score nine rushing TDs in the first two games. Until some team finds a way to slow these two guys down, the Red Dogs will keep piling on the points.
Recruiting Notes: Strachan taking it slow
October, 2, 2012
10/02/12
11:26
PM ET
By Roger Brown | ESPNBoston.com
St. Sebastian's Connor Strachan has a message for those eager to learn where he will be playing college football: Be prepared to wait.
“Yeah, right now recruiting isn't really the focus,” Strachan said. “We have a chance for an undefeated season, so I think it's best to play the season out and then narrow it down.”
Strachan, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior, has scholarship offers from four schools: Boston College, Connecticut, Virginia and Wake Forest. He received his offers after attending each school's camp last summer. Although he's being recruited primarily as an inside linebacker, he said Connecticut and Virginia have shown interest in his skills as a running back as well.
“I've been playing linebacker longer,” Strachan said. “I feel I'm geared more toward defense.”
Strachan, who lives in Wellesley, is the only New England player from the Class of 2014 in the ESPN 300 Watch List, which was released last week.
“Strachan may play at a small school, but he's a big-time talent on a national level,” ESPN recruiting coordinator Billy Tucker said. “He was recently named to the 2014 ESPN 300 Watch List as we saw prototypical size and speed measurables for the inside linebacker position, as well as deceptive athleticism and run-stopping instincts to be very productive at the BCS level.”
Strachan's uncle Steve played at Boston College and in the NFL for the Los Angeles Raiders, and his brother Brian is a sophomore wide receiver at Brown.
Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Penn State are among the other schools showing significant interest in Strachan.
“I really want to play at the highest level possible, but I'm definitely looking for a place with good academics,” Strachan said. “After the season I'll try to do some visits and narrow it down to two or three schools. I'd like to have it done before next summer.”
Back in action: Former Everett High School quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso isn't the only Division I recruit in the Phillips Exeter Academy backfield this season.
Running backs Andreas Robinson (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) and Devon Carrillo (Middletown, Conn.) will both have plenty of Division I options to choose from.
“They're like clones of each other,” Phillips Exeter coach Bill Glennon said. “Carillo is a free safety, but we're real tough when he's in the [offensive backfield]. Carillo is tougher inside, Andreas is a kid who can get to the outside.”
Robinson was the NEPSAC's leading rusher in 2010, but missed most of last season with an injury. He has taken visits to N.C. State, North Carolina and Stanford. Glennon said both Robinson and Carrillo are drawing heavy interest from FCS schools as well.
“Maine has already offered both, and UNH is gonna offer,” Glennon said. “I think the [FBS] schools are more interested in Andreas as a defensive back, and then everyone else on the I-AA level is interested in him as a running back.”
Conn. man: Boston College landed one of the top athletes in Connecticut when Manchester High School quarterback/linebacker Marquis Little committed to the Eagles late last month. Little is expected to play outside linebacker in college.
Andrew Isaacs, Little's high school teammate, decommitted from BC to accept a scholarship offer from Maryland earlier this year.
Footnotes: Brookfield (Conn.) High School's Boeing Brown, the No. 11 recruit from Connecticut in the Class of 2013, has been moved from quarterback to wide receiver this season. ESPN has Brown rated s two-star quarterback...Roxbury Latin quarterback Mackay Lowery completed 24 of 37 passes for 291 yards and five touchdowns in last weekend's 34-33 victory over Thayer Academy. Lowery has committed to Boston College.
Recruiting information regarding high school or prep school players in New England can be sent to Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com.
“Yeah, right now recruiting isn't really the focus,” Strachan said. “We have a chance for an undefeated season, so I think it's best to play the season out and then narrow it down.”
Strachan, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior, has scholarship offers from four schools: Boston College, Connecticut, Virginia and Wake Forest. He received his offers after attending each school's camp last summer. Although he's being recruited primarily as an inside linebacker, he said Connecticut and Virginia have shown interest in his skills as a running back as well.
[+] Enlarge
Ryan Kilian for ESPNBoston.com St. Sebastian's junior linebacker/running back Connor Strachan already claims offers from Boston College, Virginia, UConn and Wake Forest.
Strachan, who lives in Wellesley, is the only New England player from the Class of 2014 in the ESPN 300 Watch List, which was released last week.
“Strachan may play at a small school, but he's a big-time talent on a national level,” ESPN recruiting coordinator Billy Tucker said. “He was recently named to the 2014 ESPN 300 Watch List as we saw prototypical size and speed measurables for the inside linebacker position, as well as deceptive athleticism and run-stopping instincts to be very productive at the BCS level.”
Strachan's uncle Steve played at Boston College and in the NFL for the Los Angeles Raiders, and his brother Brian is a sophomore wide receiver at Brown.
Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Penn State are among the other schools showing significant interest in Strachan.
“I really want to play at the highest level possible, but I'm definitely looking for a place with good academics,” Strachan said. “After the season I'll try to do some visits and narrow it down to two or three schools. I'd like to have it done before next summer.”
Back in action: Former Everett High School quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso isn't the only Division I recruit in the Phillips Exeter Academy backfield this season.
Running backs Andreas Robinson (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) and Devon Carrillo (Middletown, Conn.) will both have plenty of Division I options to choose from.
“They're like clones of each other,” Phillips Exeter coach Bill Glennon said. “Carillo is a free safety, but we're real tough when he's in the [offensive backfield]. Carillo is tougher inside, Andreas is a kid who can get to the outside.”
Robinson was the NEPSAC's leading rusher in 2010, but missed most of last season with an injury. He has taken visits to N.C. State, North Carolina and Stanford. Glennon said both Robinson and Carrillo are drawing heavy interest from FCS schools as well.
“Maine has already offered both, and UNH is gonna offer,” Glennon said. “I think the [FBS] schools are more interested in Andreas as a defensive back, and then everyone else on the I-AA level is interested in him as a running back.”
Conn. man: Boston College landed one of the top athletes in Connecticut when Manchester High School quarterback/linebacker Marquis Little committed to the Eagles late last month. Little is expected to play outside linebacker in college.
Andrew Isaacs, Little's high school teammate, decommitted from BC to accept a scholarship offer from Maryland earlier this year.
Footnotes: Brookfield (Conn.) High School's Boeing Brown, the No. 11 recruit from Connecticut in the Class of 2013, has been moved from quarterback to wide receiver this season. ESPN has Brown rated s two-star quarterback...Roxbury Latin quarterback Mackay Lowery completed 24 of 37 passes for 291 yards and five touchdowns in last weekend's 34-33 victory over Thayer Academy. Lowery has committed to Boston College.
Recruiting information regarding high school or prep school players in New England can be sent to Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com.
Recap: Roxbury Latin 34, Thayer 33
September, 30, 2012
9/30/12
12:22
AM ET
By Ryan Kilian | ESPNBoston.com
WEST ROXBURY, Mass. -– The much-anticipated offensive battle between Roxbury Latin and Thayer exceeded all expectations as Roxbury Latin scored the final touchdown to defeat Thayer 34-33 on Saturday afternoon.
In a see-saw game that saw six ties or lead changes, it was Roxbury Latin (2-0) that made the key plays at the end of the game to earn their second win of the season.
Latin senior quarterback Mackay Lowrie completed 24-of-37 passes for 291 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Latin attack. The dual-threat quarterback with the big arm also picked his spots on the ground, as he picked up numerous first downs to keep the chains moving all afternoon.
Trailing 33-28, the Boston College-bound Lowrie led Latin down the field and concluded the come-from-behind drive by tossing his fifth touchdown pass of the day to his sophomore wide receiver brother, Sean.
“It is symbolic of our team,” Mackay Lowrie said regarding the final drive. “We are coming back and we are tough, all 45 guys. Everyone stepped up and everyone made a play. All eleven guys.”
The final 11-yard scoring strike was the Lowrie brother’s fourth touchdown connection of the day.
“This year he is stepping up big,” Mackay Lowrie said of his brother Sean. “He had about 180 (yards) last week and obviously he had a huge game this week.”
Trailing 34-33 with 3:52 remaining, Thayer junior quarterback Jack Becker led the Tigers down the field into Roxbury Latin territory.
Roxbury Latin defensive end Guy Green would then come up with the play of the game as the junior broke in from his left end position and sacked Becker. The sack also forced a fumble that defensive back Sean Frankenthaler would recover with 43 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Roxbury Latin head coach Pat Ross lauded Green after the game in the postgame huddle and presented him with the game ball for his efforts. Ross also stressed the importance of his team’s successful offensive rhythm throughout the day.
“We do everything out of the no-huddle and with the wrist bands so tempo is very important for us,” Ross said after the game.
It was another impressive offensive display by both teams on Saturday as Becker tossed two touchdowns for Thayer in defeat. He competed one to tight end Conor O’Brien in the first half on a beautiful 40-yard strike and another to star wide receiver Bryan Vieira in the second half for 12 yards. Vieira would also come up with a huge game-changing interception return for a touchdown in the final quarter, resulting in one of the six lead changes.
“We knew we were gong to have to score a lot of points,” Mackay Lowrie said. “We heard all week about their offense but we knew if we kept them contained and kept Bryan Vieira, who is a heck of a player, in check, we could do some things.”
Roxbury Latin got strong second half defensive efforts from defensive lineman Valentine Iwejuo and Mark Goldstein. Thayer received strong efforts from running back Mitchell Welsh (1 touchdown) and athlete Archi Jerome, who served at wideout, defensive back and kick returner.
Momentum Changer: Trailing 21-7 with 1:48 remaining in the first half Lowrie found his brother Sean for a 10-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 21-14.
On the following Thayer drive Roxbury Latin defensive back Sean Frankenthaler made an athletic interception on the sideline to set up another Lowrie to Lowrie touchdown connection. The touchdown tied the score at 21-21 at the half and gave Roxbury Latin the important momentum shift heading to the break.
Key injuries: Both teams lost key players during the game as Thayer senior running back Aaron Gilmer left in the second half with an injury after running for 85 yards and one touchdown in the first half.
Roxbury Latin also lost senior receiver Sean Myers with a leg injury after Myers started off the game strong with the opening touchdown reception.
ROXBURY LATIN 34, THAYER 33
RL (2-0) 7 – 14 – 7 -6 – 34
TA (0-2) 7 – 14 –6– 6 – 33
First Quarter
R – Sean Myers 8 pass from Mackay Lowrie (John Barron kick)
T – Conor O’Brien 40 pass from Jack Becker (Bryan Vieira kick)
Second Quarter
T – Aaron Gilmer 20 run (Vieira kick) T– Mitch Welsh 2 run (Harrison Balder kick)
R– Sean Lowrie 10 pass from Mackay Lowrie (Barron kick)
R– Sean Lowrie 34 pass from Mackay Lowrie (Barron kick)
Third Quarter
R– Sean Lowrie 8 pass from Mackay Lowrie (Barron kick)
T – Vieira 12 pass from Becker (kick failed)
Fourth Quarter
T – Viera 22 interception (pass failed)
R – Sean Lowrie 11 pass from Mackay Lowrie (rush failed)
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Scott Barboza
Scott Barboza joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools editor/reporter in May 2010. He spent the previous three seasons working in the New England Patriots media relations department after a stint at the Taunton Daily Gazette, where he covered everything from Little League baseball to the Boston Red Sox. The Fall River native is a graduate of Emerson College. He can be reached at sbarboza@espnboston.com.
Brendan Hall
Brendan Hall joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools reporter/editor in May 2010, after four years covering high schools for The Boston Globe. The Westminster, Mass. native also served on the Globe's Bruins beat last season. Hall is a graduate of UMass Amherst. He can be reached at bhall@espnboston.com.
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