Head Coach Dave Caputi believes this year's varsity football team is the strongest the campus has seen in five years.
Led by dedicated senior captains Brian Durant, Shaun Gagnon, Chris Stratton, and John Flinn, the team has had a very optimistic mood throughout preseason practices. That optimism will be key as the team recovers from a disappointing last season, where the team was forced to start four different tailbacks, four different quarterbacks, and five different right guards.
"We had a lot of young players gain a lot of experience last year," said Caputi, "and we have more good players returning this year than in the past."
The defensive unit, including seven returning starters, will be led by Junior Shaun Kezer, "a potential all-league player," according to Caputi. He finished last season with an impressive 97 tackles. Sophomore Jay Tansey returns to the linebacker position this year from a season-ending knee injury during last year's Middlebury scrimmage. Sophomore John Regan has been moved this year from the secondary safety position to outside linebacker. Also manning the defensive unit will be sophomores Lucas Guarino and Joe Cruise and first-years Tim Colton, Mike McClellan, Steve Cunningham, Mike Karrat, and Pat Driscoll.
Senior captain John Flinn will be joined by sophomore defensive tackle Mike Stratton as he anchors the front at nose guard. Sophomore Zach Hammond will play the opposite defensive tackle position. Look out for juniors Alex Pellerin and David Diamond and sophomores Greg Righter and Chris Sullivan as they all gain playing time this fall. Unfortunately, Sophomore Mike Vitousek suffered a season-ending knee injury during Tuesday's pre-season practice; his experience, speed, and intensity will be missed by the team as they go into the fall season.
Sophomores Mike Minogue and Brendan Murphy will return to the secondary this year, having combined for seven interceptions last season. Classmate Dave Donahue will join them. Watch for senior Steve Curwen, who looks to be the top safety after a strong pre-season. First year Erik Ellis will join the secondary this year, competing at Safety and Linebacker. Sophomore Mike Curtis has been moved to the defensive cornerback position this year, after a strong 2003 season as tailback. Rounding out the secondary will be junior Kelley Frey and first year Lamont White.
Coach Caputi is very excited about this year's offensive line. "It's really an experienced, veteran group," he said of the returning four out of five starters. The line will be anchored by left tackle Greg Berry and Co-Captain left guard Shaun Gagnon. Senior Rob Patchett was ranked 23rd in Division III all-purpose yards last year and will return this year to join senior Co-Captain Chris Stratton in leading the running backs. Senior center Chris Zerilli, junior right guard Jason Riley, and junior right tackle Ted Lyons finish out the starting offensive line. Senior Co-Captain Brian Durant will lead the wide receivers and junior Ricky Leclerc should be a strong presence as quarterback.
With a busy preseason coming to a close, the team is excited to begin the season with a game at Middlebury September 25 in a tough matchup.