’Pac To Rely on the Lines

MAHOPAC – The Mahopac High football team has enjoyed a pretty good stretch over the past few seasons, advancing to the sectional semifinal last fall before falling to eventual champ New Rochelle.

Dillon Addonizio But with the bulk of starters on both sides of the ball gone to graduation, - including All-Section picks Justin Autera (RB/LB), Tim Taps (QB) Steve Giannetta (C/NG) and Tyler Perrelle (RB/DB) - coach Tom Donahoe said his squad is looking at a lot of question marks.

Here’s a look at this year’s Indians squad.

TEAM – Mahopac Indians football

COACH – Tom Donahoe, sixth season

LAST YEAR’S RECORD/FINISH – 7-3, lost in AA semifinals to New Rochelle, beat North Rockland in De- Matteo Bowl

WHAT’S EXCITING ABOUT THIS TEAM? – “There are really a lot of unknowns,” Donahoe said. “We had a nice two-year run with some experienced players, and now we have a lot of inexperience. It’s a very hardworking group, and very athletic, but we lost a lot of starters on both sides of the ball. All of those guys we lost helped the younger guys last year, so it’s been a fairly smooth transition. The young guys know what’s expected.”

John Maloney RETURNING STARTERS – Mike Brereton (12, captain, OG/NG), Rob Ricci (12, captain, O and D line), Rob Dwyer (12, captain, C/D line), PJ Mercurio (12, captain, OL/LB), Mark Di- Carlo (12, SE), Dillon Addonizio (11, FB/ILB), Tom Viento (11, HB/FS), John Maloney (12, TE/LB/K)

ALSO EXPECTED TO SEE TIME – TJ Foley (11, DB/QB), Reid Leon (12, HB), Mike Olivier (12, HB/DB), Frank Langella (11, DB), Mike Ludovico (11, O line), Connor Daniel (11, O line)

Donahoe stressed that his line is a key to the team’s success. “For us it’s critical,” he said. “When they play well, the team can be successful. With relatively inexperienced backs, the line’s performance is very important…. So far they’re improving every day. Our O and D lines are the strength of the team. And defensively we have a very aggressive group with very good speed on defense.”

The Indians have some competition at the quarterback position, with Foley and junior Ryan Wagner both looking strong so far. “They alternated on the JV last year,” Donahoe said. “TJ is on for Friday, but this is the closest competition for any position on the team. TJ is strong at running the option, he’s athletic and throws well.”

As far as running backs, Donahoe said he’s seen good things from Addonizio and senior Tom Irwin, another

returning player.

LEAGUE – AA-North includes Mahopac, Carmel, John Jay EF, RCK, Arlington and JJ CR. “It’s clearly the most competitive of the three AA leagues,” Donahoe said. “Maybe even more this year… I think any of the six teams can win the league.”

OUTLOOK – “To be competitive for the league, we need to gain experience as quickly as possible,” the coach said. “A fast start obviously helps, but we’ve always been resilient. And with one fewer game, a quick start is even more important. We just want to play our best, and improve every week.”

Mahopac opens the 2009 season Friday at Arlington at 7:30pm.