Salem High football coach Scott Connolly would probably prefer that his Witches just fly under the radar for a while early in their 2010 schedule.
But that may be hard to do this fall.
It seems some coaches from around the area are already taking notice of what could be a much more competitive Salem team than the one that went 2-9 last season.
"I think we have had the smoothest preseason we've ever had this year, in terms of kids being where they should be in the locker room and on the field in camp," Connolly said.
"I think that has to do with our senior leadership, and that starts with the captains and trickles on down. They have set the bar high for the underclassmen."
Seniors Brad Skeffington (QB/S), Joey Dinh (WR/S), Josh Gillooly (RB/LB) and Nate Staples (RB/CB) are the captains who currently have the Witches pointed in the right direction.
Salem returns all but one starter on offense and has nine returning starters on defense. Players like Antonio Reyes and David Kendrick are also back and also boost the overall skill level of the Witches.
Reyes was the Northeastern Conference Large Defensive Player of the Year last season and was a Salem News All-Star. He is an absolute ball hawk from his linebackers position, from which he regularly accumulated 15 or more tackles in individual games. He also is a weapon as a pass-catching tight end.
Reyes hauled in 17 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns last fall.
"He's a threat both ways," Connolly said. "He's our best athlete out there. It's similar to the way he is on the basketball court. He's a playmaker who's always doing the right things and always in the right spot. He has that knack, which is something you can't coach."
Skeffington, meanwhile, is a blossoming quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs.
Skeffington threw for 814 yards and ran for more than 300. His 14 interceptions were a concern, but with a full year as a starter under his belt he is expected to make great strides in ball control.
Reyes, Dinh (13 cathces, 143 yards), Chris Bozarjian (11 catches, 164 yards), Gillooly (8-93) and Kendrick (7-42) should provide another level of confidence for Skeffington.
"Brad has been starting since halfway through his sophomore year and he's really the key to our success," Connolly said.
WITCHES' BREW
Last year's record: 2-9
Head coach: Scott Connolly (7th season, 19-46)
Team captains: Brad Skeffington, Sr. QB/S; Joey Dinh, Sr. WR/S; Josh Gillooly, Sr. LB/RB; Nate Staples, Sr. CB/RB.
Top returning rusher: Skeffington (374 yards, 5 TDs)
Top returning passer: Skeffington (66 of 178, 814 yards, 6 TDs)
Top returning receiver: Antonio Reyes (17 catches, 295 yards, 5 TDs)
Last league title: 1999 (Northeastern Conference)
Did You Know?: Salem has gone 3-1 in its last four season openers.
2010 Schedule
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 10Winthrop7 p.m.
Sept. 17Saugus7 p.m.
Sept. 25at Abp. Williams1 p.m.
Oct. 1North Andover7 p.m.
Oct. 8Gloucester7 p.m.
Oct. 15at Marblehead7 p.m.
Oct. 22at Lynn Classical7 p.m.
Oct. 29Peabody7 p.m.
Nov. 5at Lynn English7 p.m.
Nov. 12at Revere7 p.m.
Nov. 25at Beverly10 a.m.
