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Experience a huge plus for Pingree in Year 3 of football

Tuesday, September, 04 By Jean DePlacido
Correspondent

Every football coach's dream would be having 21 of 22 starters returning. That ideal situation is a reality for Pingree's Chris Powers as his program gears up for its third varsity season.

Pingree went 3-6 last year, its first as a member of the Evergreen League. The Highlanders defeated Dexter School, Providence Country Day and had their best victory (37-18) in a 37-18 season-ending win over Vermont Academy.

"We found out last year that we can compete with everybody in the (Evergreen) League, but there are some traditional private school powerhouses there," said Powers. "The biggest difference is they all have PGs (post graduate students), while we don't. That makes a huge difference in a contact sport. But that being said, if things go well we will be very, very competitive."

Staying healthy is one of the team's top priorities this fall. The injury bug struck the Highlanders hard a year ago, so much so that the team's two leading rushers, tailback Derek Pratt and fullback Pat George (both juniors from Gloucester), were never on the field at the same time. Senior quarterback Carlos O'Donnell of Salem played in only five games, too, before breaking his wrist.

This season, all three players are healthy and ready for a full season.

"We laid out a plan for this program four years ago | and have far exceeded the expectations," said Powers.

"Offensively we put up decent numbers last year and are expecting good things again. We have guys that have been in our system for two or three years, and they are bigger and more mature now."

Tight end Will Taft, a senior captain from South Hamilton, will be a prime offense target for the Highlanders. He's also in the thick of things at middle linebacker, where he was Pingree's leading tackler the past two seasons. Senior Jason Kramer of Manchester, who is also a captain, plays defensive end while Pratt is at safety, George at linebacker, and Dillon Vassallo (a senior captain from Rockport) at the corner. Vassallo, who doubles as a wide receiver, was also the team's leading receiver a year ago. "They anchor our defense," said Powers. "The one problem we have struggled with is the linemen. With the type of offense (single back) we run, you don't need huge linemen. But we don't have a lot of depth there."

The kicking game is rock solid with O'Donnell, who is automatic on field goals from inside 40 yards and averages 35 yards per kick on punts. When he got hurt last year, the Highlanders missed him not only at quarterback but also as a punter, where he was a big weapon with his ability to put the ball into the end zone.

Junior Anthony Sardo of Gloucester has looked very good at wide receiver after being injured last season. Powers is also counting on freshman Will Walfield of Danvers, who will see action at outside linebacker and fullback.

Another impressive newcomer is junior transfer Lamarre Rey of Medford, who went to Beaver Country Day School (which does not have a football program), but played all the way through ninth grade.

"We'll use him at middle linebacker and also tight end," said Powers of Rey. "He's a very good athlete who happens to be a terrific baseball player as well. We're very happy to get him."

Last year's record: 3-6

Coach: Chris Powers (3rd year, 8-7)

Captains: Will Taft, Derek Pratt, Jason Kramer, Dillon Vassallo, Andrew Casterberti and Carlos O'Donnell

Style of offense: One back

Style of defense: 4-4

Last winning season: 2005 (5-1)

Last league title: None yet Did You Know?:** There are only 154 boys enrolled at Pingree, and over one-third of those are out for the football team this year (54).