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Salem Blue Devils Football '07

Salem star makes return in the Nick of time

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Friday, October, 26 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

If it's not some sort of national record, Nick Cavallo has to be mighty close.

"I actually kicked my first extra point for the (Salem) Rams when I was 7," said Cavallo, now 18 and a multiple threat for the Salem Blue Devil. "My dad got me started kicking when I was 4. That's when someone came up with the 'Nick the Kick' nickname."

Nick hasn't had much of a chance to kick or do anything else for the 5-3 Blue Devils this year, except pick off three passes.

The senior tight end/defensive back/punter/kicker intercepted two passes in the first half of the opener with Timberlane, only to break a bone on his foot on the second return.

Hospital complications | he may have accidentally bitten the anesthesia tube | caused the first surgery on that foot to go awry.

Blood filled Cavallo's lungs and there was talk that a weak heart would never allow him to play football again. Luckily, those diagnoses were wrong. A week later, Cavallo had the foot repaired without going under, using a spinal injection.

He returned to the lineup last weekend, picking off a pass and playing superb defense in the upset of previously unbeaten Nashua South.

Football Friday caught up to Cavallo this week, just in time as he readies for fulltime duties: receiving, covering, punting and kicking.

Here's what he had to say:

Wow, three interceptions in two games. That's absolutely Asante Samuel-like. Are you working hard and covering well, or just getting lucky like he did for the Pats last year?

"No, I study films and work hard, listening to the coaches during the week. Pay attention, get in good position, and you're going to get the chance to pick the football off."

Blood in the lungs, sounds pretty scary?
"My heart rate was lower than normal, but the worst part was when they told me I wasn't going to play football again." How is the foot now?

**"It's still a little sore, but the doctors gave me a carbon insert for my shoe. It still has to heal some more." Back to fulltime work for you this week?**

"Yep, punting and kicking, offense and defense." What do you do when you're not playing football, Nick? "My life revolves around sports. I run indoor and outdoor track.

Any good, Nick?
"Yeah, I'm OK." (Talk about humble. Cavallo was an honorable mention Eagle-Tribune All-Star last spring in the 300 hurdles.)

So who do you like, the Sox or Rocks?
"I say the Red Sox win it in six. Josh Beckett will win the MVP.

Of the four Boston major sports, which one have you enjoyed most attending live?
"I've been to all four, and I'd have to say my favorite experiences were watching the Pats at Gillette Stadium. I've always thought about being an architect, and that place is really unique as a building."

Finally, with the New Hampshire primary on the horizon, who do you like for president?
"I'll probably vote for Hillary (Clinton), but I'm still not sure yet."

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