Stanton takes control at Mass. Maritime
September 1, 2012
By John Connolly, Boston Herald

“I’m hiding under the bleachers here talking to you,’’ said Buccaneers junior quarterback Mike Stanton. “It’s right on the canal. Some games the wind comes right in at your face and you put all your arm into a throw that goes 10 yards.”

That hasn’t been a problem too often for the lanky 6-foot-5 Stanton. Since arriving at MMA from North Quincy High, Stanton has posted a 10-7 record as the starting quarterback. That might not seem too remarkable until you consider that in the previous five years the Buccaneers managed a total of nine victories.

During his first two years, Stanton has 2,551 passing yards, completing 200-of-388 passes (51.5 percent) with 20 touchdowns. Eleven of those TDs came a year ago when MMA went 5-4. Since taking control of the offense, the Stanton-led Buccaneers have beaten Coast Guard, Maine Maritime and Bridgewater State for the first time in 16 years.

Mass. Maritime opens its season Sept. 7 at SUNY Maritime in the fifth annual Chowder Bowl.

“Camp is looking good. We’re getting all the pieces together,’’ Stanton said. “We’re looking athletic. We’re looking quick. The line is looking good. If everything goes well, I think we can have a winning record. Once everyone buys into the offense, everything will come together.”

The Buccaneers offense suits Stanton perfectly.

“I’m more of a pocket passer but I’ve learned how to roll out and throw on the run,’’ said Stanton, whose older brother Mark played tight end at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. “I’m trying to get my speed up to do that.’’

After a successful high school career, several Division 1 colleges inquired about Stanton but it was his father, Stephen, who suggested his son take a look at Mass. Maritime.

“It’s so different, but there are so many opportunities afterwards,’’ said Stanton, who is majoring in marine engineering in the hope of working in the power plant industry. “A lot of people look past it (MMA) but once you get past freshman year and stick with it, it’s all worth it. It’s a lot on your plate with academics and athletics but they urge you to invest in time management. Once you get in the swing of things it all works out.’’

During winter semester, MMA cadets are required to embark on a “sea term,” which involves almost two months’ voyage on the academy’s largest classroom, the USTS Kennedy.

During Stanton’s freshman year, the ship traveled to Mexico and Puerto Rico. Last year, Stanton and shipmates visited Costa Rica, St. Thomas, the Panama Canal and Ecuador.

During the voyage, Stanton officially became a “shellback,” which designates a sailor who has crossed the equator.

Buccaneers coach Jeremy Cameron believes it has all helped Stanton become a leader.

“First of all, he’s a very physical kid. For a big guy we feel he can move extremely well. He makes all the throws you need,’’ said Cameron, who operates a shotgun-style, read-and-react offense. “He commands respect in every area. He really works hard on his game.”

As for the wind that whips through campus, Cameron said, “It’s always a big factor down here. When you’re with the wind it’s pretty easy, but when you’re going against it, it becomes a big factor. (Stanton) has dealt with it instinctively.’’