2011 Bucket List

2011 Bucket List

            Football, finally, is here.  After a much needed hibernation, we are ready to usher in the 2011 season.

            And what better way to kick off our pre-season coverage than to count down the 10 things you need to see before 2011 bids adieu.   

1.       Catholic Memorial

·         Three of the top four players in the state.  Four FBS commits already.  Nicer jerseys than some area college teams.  Need more reasons to make CM part of your viewing pleasure this season?  Well, there’s Tyler Loring, a rugged, athletic offensive lineman with the tools to play at the Division 1 level.  Or Kristian Siri, one of the toughest, most explosive defensive linemen in the state.  If the Knights are able to stay consistent in the trenches, this could be a year to remember.

2.      The BC High Defense

·         These kids hit.  The Eagles punished opponents in 2010 en route to three shutouts.  They return the bulk of that same unit, and with the likes of CM and Brockton on their schedule, they’ll need play-makers like corner Deontae Ramey-Doe to bring it week in and week out.    

3.      Nick LaSpada

·         LaSpada has been torching defenses since he was 14, and that won’t stop this year.  His recruitment has seemed to cool off, but his play won’t; he is still the single most dangerous player in Massachusetts, and he has been since 2009.  Another 30 touchdown season is a given if he can stay healthy.

4.      The Everett Offense

·         Gone is the uber-explosive Manny Asprilla, but let’s remember: this is Everett.  And not only is this Everett, this is an Everett team that is returning arguably the state’s most polished quarterback, a horse of a back in Vondell Langston, and the top 2013 recruit Massachusetts has to offer in offensive lineman John Montellus.

5.      Brighton High

·         Not much love is shown to the Boston schools, but Brighton will be something special this season.  Their tandem of Andrew Maestre and Jonathan Marrero ran rampant through the city in 2010, and Coach Philip is quietly building a powerhouse. 

6.      Sacoy Malone

·         The best running back in Massachusetts may not reside in Eastern Mass.  Sacoy Malone is a burner who has made his living flying into (and many times, past) the second level of defenses.  If you haven’t seen him, take a few minutes and check him out here.

7.      Rocky Marciano Stadium

·         Friday nights in Brockton are something to behold.  The community, one of the most diverse in Massachusetts, comes together for the sole purpose of rooting on their Boxers.  Add in the incredible talent Coach Columbo and his predecessors have consistently churned out, and you get the most heralded high school football program in the region. 

8.     Don Webber

·         For those of you who caught the state championships last December, this name is old news.  Webber was everywhere.  He tackled, covered, blocked, caught and ran.  On a team that has a ton of potential collegiate-level players, Webber stood out from training camp to the final whistle.  Add in the fact that he goes above and beyond in the classroom, and you have one hell of a prospect.

9.      The Silver Lake Band

·         Not only do you get a good on-field product when you travel to Silver Lake, but you also get a band that brings down the house.  Silver Lake’s band is there before kickoff, and throughout the game they can be counted on to provide a smooth and relevant soundtrack.   

10.  The Championships at Gillette

·         Something changes in these athletes when they step on the field at Gillette.  Players run faster, hit harder, and hold blocks for that extra second when they are on the field shared by the hometown team.  This December, do yourself a favor and catch at least one of the championships games.  Just don’t forget your thermals underwear.