Optimism reigns as MMA gears up for battle
By John Garner Jr., Cape Cod Times Contributing Writer
September 3, 2008
BUZZARDS BAY � When Massachusetts Maritime Academy kicks off its season tomorrow night at State University of New York Maritime, expect a bigger, stronger football team hoping to win the all-important battle in the trenches.
Despite going 3-7 last season, the Buccaneers featured a competitive team that lost five games by a combined 24 points. But they had a problem finishing games.
MMA hopes to reverse that trend beginning with today's 7 p.m. nonleague contest in Throggs Neck, N.Y., against the Privateers, who went 2-8 last year, including a 10-6 win at Buzzards Bay.
"We should be able to run the ball and do a better job with play-action passes," said Jeremy Cameron, who begins his fourth season as MMA's head coach. "We are bigger up front on both sides of the ball and that should really help us."
MMA competes in the perennially tough New England Football Conference against the likes of Coast Guard, Bridgewater State, Worcester State, Framingham State and Fitchburg State.
The Bucs return 48 lettermen and 20 starters from last year's squad and expect one of their best recruiting classes in recent memory to reap dividends as the season progresses.
Leading the way are senior co-captains Kyle Audette and Colin Teehan. After two superb seasons, Audette was limited to 35 tackles (26 solo) last season because of injury, but still managed 7� tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Teehan, who led the Bucs with 39 receptions for 441 yards and a two touchdowns, will start at receiver again.
Another important cog for MMA is returning NEFC all-star defensive end Jim Erlwein, who compiled 50 tackles, including 10� for loss, and three sacks in 2007.
The offense will be engineered by senior quarterback Joe DeFrank, who threw for 1,366 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Junior southpaw David Hike is also competing again, while the freshman duo of former Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High standout Nick Montalto and 6-foot-2, 200-pound Kyle Moon have been impressive.
"Nick's had an impressive camp," Cameron said. "He's tremendously mobile and quick, is a better passer than we thought and very poised and smart. Kyle Moon had some great tools and both are right in the mix at quarterback."
Sophomore Douglas Dyke returns as the top rusher for the Bucs after gaining 661 yards last fall.
Another top offensive player should be receiver Keith Rudolph, who caught 25 passes for 245 yards and three TDs. Joseph St. Pierre and Darryl Foote will share time at tight end.
Darryn Elder-Gotta averaged a team-leading 19.5 yards per catch last season, and James McFarland provides depth along with freshman Kyle Rowe, who scored two TDs in a preseason game against Nichols.
Anchoring the offensive line will be 6-foot-2, 260-pound Chris Roulier and the 6-1, 265 Jeffrey Bossart, along with Sandwich native William Hafferty and Matt Whitney.
Converted defensive lineman Jonathan Nunez, Sam Jackson and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy transfer Colin Giles should also see action up front, along with freshmen Len Simmons and Chris Dintino of Mashpee.
On defense, Audette combines with two-way player Brandon Payne to create a talented linebacking duo, as Payne recorded 66 total tackles (40 solo) with a pair of fumble recoveries. Patrick Fitzsimmons of Bourne provides depth at linebacker.
Senior nose guard Derek Parent will man the middle of the Bucs' defensive line after recording 42 tackles (28 solo). Chris Paze added 35 stops and one sack last year. Other top performers include Andrew Wilkens, David Cenedella and Peter Avitabile of Bourne.
The Bucs' secondary returns intact. Mike Dangoia led MMA last season with five interceptions, compiled 55 tackles (37 solo), with four breakups and three forced fumbles. Howard Hayes, Nick Stralka and Alex Butler combined for four picks and will be the last line of defense. Backing up are Andy Hirko, Charles Sykes and Walter Butler.
Jake Bickley, who booted three field goals last season, will handle most of the long-distance kicking and punting duties. Jarad Horey likely will kick extra points.
"We've made some good progress, but we have more work to do," Cameron says. "We need to put more pressure on the quarterback and help out our secondary. That will be a key on defense for us. It will be important to get off to a good start against New York Maritime."