RallyNorth.net

Seaside schools similar on the football field

Thursday, November, 29 By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

If Gloucester and Hingham were not going to be on the same field in the Division 2A Super Bowl this Saturday, one may mistaken them for being the same team.

For starters, both teams run the wing-t offense, as well as a similar defensive scheme. The two teams also carry similar mascots | the Fishermen and the Harbormen. Both teams have a stud running back with at least 30 touchdowns | Andrew Fulford for the Fishermen and Chris Constantine for the Harbormen.

Coaches Paul Ingram and Paul Killinger even have the same first name.

Despite the similarities, Ingram could point out one difference between the two teams.

"They are a little bigger than us," Ingram said of his upcoming opponent.

Both Gloucester and Hingham will be looking to be crowned Division 2A champions when they meet on Saturday at Gillette Stadium (1:30 p.m).

Hingham comes into the matchup as the Patriot League champions with a record of 11-1. The Harbormen defeated Seekonk in the semifinal, 10-7. The Harbormen's only blemish on their record is a 28-14 loss at the hands of Bishop Feehan, which will be playing in the Division 2 Super Bowl.

Hingham's biggest strength is a high-powered, run-oriented offense that has put up 356 points through 12 games. The unit is led by Constantine. The senior captain has run for over 2,000 yards and has scored 30 touchdowns, he can also return punts and kicks. Ingram compared Constantine's quick and tough running style to Fulford's.

Constantine is spelled by senior fullback Josh Golden, who is used inside the tackles and in short-yardage situations. Senior quarterback Pat McAuley brings a passing game that isn't used frequently but must be respected.

"Constantine is legitimately a great back," Ingram said. "They like to run him on the outside and use Golden inside. They also have a good complementary passing game."

Defensively the Harbormen run a 4-3 scheme. Golden powers the defense at middle linebacker, as well as defensive end Matt Cauley. Ingram describes the Hingham defense as big up front and quick in the secondary.

"Their front line is big, similar to Masco's," Ingram said. "We will need to get them blocked."

Another weapon the Fishermen will need to account for is kicker Mike Egan. The senior kicker has made 4 of 5 field goals including the game winner against Seekonk. Egan has also made 33 out of 36 extra points.

Overall the Fishermen are looking to play their smash mouth brand of football, which has led them to a 12-0 record. "We have to play our game," Ingram said. "We have to do what we do best because it's crunch time. It's too late to change now."