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Hornets gearing up for biggest test so far

Friday, September, 28 By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

The Manchester Essex football team's 3-0 start has not come easy.

The Hornets have been tested by a tough Pope John team and a bigger school in Lynnfield. However, Manchester Essex was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in both of those games to keep their undefeated record in tact.

Things won't get any easier, as the Hornets will get their biggest test of the season tomorrow when they travel to Billerica to take on unbeaten Shawsheen Tech (3-0) of the Commonwealth Conference Large Division (1:30 p.m.). Manchester Essex plays in the Commonwealth Conference Small Division, so the outcome of the game will not impact the Hornets' ranking in their standings.

Manchester Essex is well-aware of the task at hand, as Shawsheen is one of the favorites in the Commonwealth Large. "We are going to have our hands full in this one," Manchester Essex head coach Mike Athanas said. "They are a physical team so we have to match their physicality and move the football if we want to win."

Hornets captain and tight end Scott Forsythe noted that Shawsheen is always a tough matchup.

"They are a good team and they always bring a lot to the table," Forsythe said. "We have to be prepared for everything and play smart football.

In order to win, the Hornets will have to stop a high powered Shawsheen offense that has put up 81 points in their three wins over Arlington Catholic, Nashoba Valley Tech and Northeast Regional.

"They have a very strong and balanced offense," Athanas said of Shawsheen. "They can run and pass. If you take one away, they have no problem relying on the other."

Shawsheen is led by their backfield, where it returns all of its starters from 2006. Chris Clark and Pat Fullerton lead the rushing attack for Shawsheen, combining for over 100 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over Northeast Regional. Shawsheen also has an explosive passing game which is led by quarterback Joe Gore. The senior is coming off of a 225-yard, three-touchdown performance last week. Gore's favorite target is Joel Mignault, who is looking to build on a 129-yard performance.

"We really need to execute our game plan and play well defensively," Forsythe said. "Their offense is very tough." The first quarter will be big for the Hornets, as they will be looking to jump out to an early lead.

"We want to get ahead of them early and see how they play from behind," Athanas said. "It's always tough to play from behind and Shawsheen hasn't done much of that this season." Once again, the Hornets will be looking to play four strong quarters of football. Last week that opportunity did not arise, as the starters were out of the game by halftime in their 36-6 rout of Minuteman.

"I expect a full game rather than playing in spurts," Athanas said. "We will need that in order to win."

Overall Athanas is happy with what he has see from his team and thinks the Hornets are ready for the challenge.

"Practices have been very good this week," Athanas said. "If we execute the way that we can and play four quarters, we will be good."