The Northeastern Prep School Athletic Football Conference breathed a collective sigh of relief this spring when the senior members of the Pingree football team received their respective diplomas. The class seemed to hog all the glory the NEPSAC had to offer, winning the Clark/Francis and then the Norm Walker bowl games while amassing a 17-1 record over the past two seasons.
But those counting the Highlanders out of another bowl run may want to take another gander at head coach Chris Powers' roster for the 2011 season, and in particular, it's four returning offensive lineman.
Senior captains Jerry Cronin, Dylan Taylor and Vinni Aguiar all started in the trenches for last year's undefeated Highlanders, along with junior Hank Martin.
"They're back and in tact," noted Powers, who continues to mold some of the most underrated football talent in the state. "They're a close knit group to start with, and having three captains (who are linemen) is even better. We are excited about the leadership we have there and the time those guys put in during the summer is outstanding."
Motivation for the trio wasn't too tough considering the program's recent success. Any nerves about living up to such high expectations were gone shortly after the team took to the field this summer.
"I think there was a lot of anxiety going into preseason with returning kids, thinking maybe we'd have a drop-off," said Powers. "But having seen each other on the field, they are feeling good. They know our philosophy going in is we'll always to be competitive. The kids expect to be competing for a league title."
The 2011 Pingree team isn't void of talent. The Highlanders have their stars, they just form a different constellation. Take first-year signal caller Jerome Cappadona, whose speed and ability outside the pocket make him dangerous. The Highlanders are more of a short passing team than one that thrives off big strikes downfield, so Cappadona just needs to convert on some shorter throws, which will open up the potential for some longer passes.
He throws the short stuff well, which is really what we make a living on. We emphasized our roll out pass game last year, and he (Cappadona) has the speed to get to the edge and take off if nothing is there," said Powers. "It should put some pressure on opposing defenses."
Nick Antenucci and Kenny Adinkra are two more names to watch for on offense. Adinkra averaged over 10 yards a carry last season and is a superb return man. As a sophomore Antenucci dominated the highlight reel Powers puts together for the team at the end of the year, despite barely seeing any carries. With Antenucci, Adinkra and Cappadona in the backfield the Highlanders have three very fast, shifty runners who could hit the big play at any moment. Add in a big, experienced line and the Highlanders will run the ball more than they have in the past, but, hope to remain balanced.
Defensively the Highlanders won't change much philosophy wise. Adinkra was second in tackles last season and will lead the 4-3 defense along with fellow backer Antenucci and the interior presence of Aguiar, Taylor and Cronin.
"I think like every year, you're not going to see much size out of us," noted Powers. "But you'll see a lot of quickness and athleticism-that's what we have to use to make plays on defense."
PINGREE points
Last year's record: 9-0
Head coach: Chris Powers (6th year, 29-15)
Team captains: Kenny Adinkra, Sr., RB/LB; Jerry Cronin Sr., OL/DL; Dylan Taylor sr., OL/LB; Vinni Aguiar Sr., OL/DL.
Top returning rusher: Kenny Adinkra (461 yards, 6 TDs).
Top returning passer: Rob VanTuyl (4-for-8, 71 yards, 1 TD).
Top returning receiver: Kenny Adrinka (13 rec., 167 yards)
Last league title: 2010 (Evergreen League)
Did You Know?: The last Pingree loss came on Oct. 3 of '09 in a 27-14 home loss to Tilton. The Highlanders have won 16 straight games.
2011 Schedule
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 24at Portsmouth Abbey2 p.m.
Oct. 1Proctor4 p.m.
Oct. 8Hebron3 p.m.
Oct. 15at Holderness2:30 p.m.
Oct. 21at New Hampton7 p.m.
Oct. 29Tilton3 p.m.
Nov. 4Vermont Academy7 p.m.
Nov. 11 at Dexter Southfield7 p.m.
