It's often said that a team goes as its captains go. For Pingree, that means the 2010 Highlander football club should be big, strong and pack a wallop when it unloads its shoulder pads on the opposition.
A trio of fearsome linebackers — Brian Rogers of Topsfield and Brendan Oliver and Will Walfield of Danvers — return as the heart of the defense that helped Pingree win the NEPSAC's Clark/Francis Bowl last fall.
All three are big — the 'backers average over 6-foot-1 and some 220 pounds — smart and intimidating.
"They were terrific last year and they're a year older and stronger," Highlander coach Chris Powers said. "They're just terrific athletes that can cover sideline to sideline."
The other captain, Brandon Parker of Amesbury, might be the best college prospect of the bunch. The 6-foot-3, 230 pound tight end and defensive end is very quick for his size and caught 26 balls last year.
Add to the mix a strong nucleus of returning skill position players and a developing line and Pingree sees no reason it can't make another run at a NESCAC bowl game this fall.
"Our guys want to see the same success as last year: A good regular season and a chance to be selected for a bowl game," said Powers. "They have confidence but it will be a lot harder because we won't be catching anyone off guard this year."
In its fifth year as a varsity program, Pingree has great numbers — 40 are out for the team from a student body of 143 boys — and added Brooks and Governor's to its schedule this year to stoke some local rivalries.
Offensively, Pingree should have no problems in terms of continuity. Oliver (1,255 yards passing, 11 TDs) is back at quarterback and fully understands the Highlanders' system.
Leading rushers Rogers (511 yards, 7TDs) and Walfield also return and Powers expects big things from Kenny Adinkra, who missed much of last year with an injury. At receiver, Topsfield's Colin Rossano should contribute along with Kyle Jamerson. Jerry Cronin and Cody Jacques anchor the offensive line while Hank Martin should step into a starting role and Dylan Taylor is moving from tight end to the line to solidify things up front.
"We're replacing a couple of linemen but basically everyone is returning," said Powers. "They have the basics down and understand what we need to do to take that next step."
Danvers' Kevin St. Pierre is an excellent safety and returns to cement the secondary. Sophomore Nick Antenucci is a candidate at free safety. The Highlanders are also excited to have senior Bobby Adam of Peabody, a standout hockey and lacrosse player, back on the gridiron.
PINGREE PROWESS
Last year's record: 8-1 (Won NEPSAC Clark/Francis Bowl)
Head coach: Chris Powers (5th year, 20-15)
Team captains: Brian Rogers, Sr., FB/MLB Topsfield, Brendan Oliver QB/OLB, Will Walfield (Dnvers) TB/OLB, Brandon Parker, TE/DE
Top returning rusher: Brian Rogers (511 yards, 7 TDs)
Top returning passer: Brendan Oliver (1,255 yards passing, 11 TDs)
Top returning receiver: Brandon Parker (26 catches, 324, 2 TDs)
Last league title: 2009
Did You Know?: The Highlanders play an annual night game against Kent's Hill because of the long distance to the opponent in Maine and because the game is usually scheduled during an SAT weekend.
2010 Schedule
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 11Brooks2 p.m.
Sept. 17at Gov. Acad.3:30 p.m.
Sept. 25Holderness3:30 p.m.
Oct. 2at Tilton2 p.m.
Oct. 9at Hebron3 p.m.
Oct. 16Pomfret3:30 p.m.
Oct. 23at Proctor3 p.m.
Oct. 30Hyde2 p.m.
Nov. 6Kent's Hill7:30 p.m.
Nov. 13Dexter SouthfieldNoon
