Center of Attention; Swampscott's Rosenthal the man in the middle of the line

SWAMPSCOTT — Ask the casual fan to name the center on the local football team, and you probably won't get the correct answer.

The reason is simple; center isn't one of the high profile positions on the team. Most fans only take notice of the man hiking the ball to the quarterback when a bad snap is made. Then, and only then, do fans look to find out who the center is.

Needless to say, there's a certain amount of pressure involved in the job. But Swampscott High senior John Rosenthal doesn't feel it.

Rosenthal will be the anchor of a Big Blue line that will face Arlington Catholic in a rematch of last year's Division 3 state semifinals (5:15 p.m.) at Manning Field in Lynn.

He has been playing the position since he was 10-years-old — and for the past two years has been snapping the ball to Chris Cameron, who was just named the Northeastern Conference South MVP.

"I've been doing it for so long I have it down pat now," said Rosenthal. "And there's not much pressure having Chris Cameron as your quarterback. We're good friends and have been on the same teams since Pop Warner."

Despite Rosenthal's modest assessment of his job, there is a lot more to playing center than meets the eye. Because the Big Blue run a very complex spread offense, Rosenthal's job includes calling audibles. Timing is everything in this high-powered offense, and it all starts with Rosenthal.

"I point out blitzes and try to figure out who is coming and where the help is," said the three-sport athlete, who also plays basketball and lacrosse. "There's much more to it than just snapping the ball.

"For me, the hardest part is snapping and then blocking to protect Superman (Cameron). As soon as the ball is gone, I have to make that adjustment because we don't want anybody getting to him."

When the center is doing his job, the coaching staff and quarterback take note. Big Blue head coach Steve Dembowski appreciates what his center does as the anchor of the offensive line. The two-year starter received recognition by being named an NEC all-star this year.

"John is critical to the success of our offense," said Dembowski. "All of the timing comes off his snap, and this year he has played through illness and injury. Center is one of the most important positions on the team, and the consistency of the snap makes or breaks a play. If the timing is off at all, it is just not going to work.

"(Rosenthal) helps our team win games because he is so steady, so consistent on every snap. You never have to worry about him, no matter what the situation is."

Cameron is not only a teammate and friend, but someone who truly appreciates his center's talent. The two practice snaps and joke on the sidelines, but once they're on the field it's all business.

"He makes perfect snaps every time, which makes my job so much easier," said Cameron. "I remember when we were juniors, our game against Winthrop was played in monsoon conditions. We were still in the shotgun, and he didn't make one bad snap despite the incredibly bad weather.

"He's like the captain of our offensive line, making adjustments when he gets to the line. It all starts with "Rosy"; he's our unsung hero. Some fans see who scores the touchdowns and don't understand how important the offensive line is - but they make everything happen."

Rosenthal was the only returning starter on Swampscott's O-line from last year's Division 3 Super Bowl champs. He admits he was a little nervous at the beginning of the year about how successful they would be in 2008.

"Last year our whole line was great, but this season it was a big question mark," said Rosenthal, who wants to play football at either Curry College or Western Connecticut. "I admit I was worried at first, but they proved me wrong.

"I have to give all the credit to offensive line coaches (Bob) Serino and (Greg) Beatrice for making it happen. Our team has battled through all sorts of injuries. I sprained my ankle the first week, and kept playing but was only 70 percent the next game. Then we lost Trevor Wheeler, our big playmaker, who tore his ACL, but Steve Moran and Jon Poth have stepped up at wide receiver."

Other key members of the Big Blue's offensive line include guards Chris Fagone and Ryan Pollard, and tackles Charlie Gambale and Charlie Baker.

Rosenthal knows his 9-2 team will have their hands full with a much improved Arlington Catholic tonight.

"We beat them pretty good last year (33-7), but we know they are a lot better," said Rosenthal. "We've been working hard since double sessions in August to get there — but we're not looking past Arlington Catholic. One game at a time."

Photos

Swampscott senior center John Rosenthal and the Big Blue take on Arlington Catholic in the playoffs today. Staff Photographer