RallyNorth.net

Pelham football preview

2006 record: 7-3, lost in Division 5 semifinals

Returning starters (7): Dave Wesson, Jr., OL/DL, 5-11, 195; Wayne Parisi, Jr., TE/LB, 6-1, 200; Max Roth, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 195; Jim Mostone, Sr., OL/LB, 5-11, 170; Bruce Vieira, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 175; Connor McColgan, Soph., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Bill Helliwell, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 260

Returning lettermen: Joe DeAngelo, Soph., QB/DB, 5-10, 165; Josh Luciano, Soph., RB/DB, 5-8, 165; Ryan Zanone, Jr., OL/DL, 5-9, 190; Kyle Sharpe, Sr., RB/DB, 5-6, 145

Newcomers: Cameron Robidoux, Soph., RB/LB, 5-10, 170; Tim Shaffer, Frosh., RB/LB, 5-7, 165; Mike Lombard, Frosh., TE/LB, 6-0, 165; Corey Peterson, Soph., OL/DB, 5-9, 155; Joe Morin, Jr., WR/DB, 5-11, 170

Candidates in all grades: 32

Captains: Max Roth, Bruce Vieira

Returning leaders: Bruce Vieira 104-1,023-9.8, 20 TDs; Vieira 120 tackles

Returning honorees: Bruce Vieira, Eagle-Tribune All-Star, All-Division 5

Assistants: Tim Powers, Dean Joyce, Kevin Jean, Archie Babaian

Opener: Aug. 31, Winnisquam at 7 p.m.

Odds and ends: Ever-dangerous Bruce Vieira enters only his junior season. ... Vieira's cousin, Brendan Smith of Andover, is a three-year starting safety for Northwestern. ... Joe DeAngelo and Josh Luciano are battling for the QB spot . ... Jim Mostone hits more than just opposing ball-carriers. The slugger carries a big stick in the spring, where he led the Pythons with a .469 batting average. ... Promising freshman Mike Lombard is also a fine basketball player.

Coach Tom Babaian (12th year, 51-61): "I think we have a great level of enthusiasm and kids that want to work very hard. Bruce Vieira is a pretty good choice. He's not the whole team, but he's a good portion. The question is what doesn't he do well? There's nothing he doesn't do well. He's super. Max Roth is a very solid player, as are Connor McColgan, Wayne Parisi, Joe DeAngelo, Josh Luciano, Dave Wesson and Billy Helliwell. Those are the kids that are probably going to make most of our plays."