SWAMPSCOTT — Only 59 seconds separated the Swampscott High football team from the Northeastern Conference Small title and a third-straight trip to the playoffs last November. The Big Blue have spent the last nine months fixated on making sure their season doesn't slip away in its final minute again.
"It's a never again mentality. We can't let that ever happen again," said tri-captain Patrick Costin, referring to Marblehead's come-from-behind 32-27 win to seal the NEC Small title last Thanksgiving. The Magicians took the instant classic with a TD in the final minute.
"That was one of the worst days of my life. I'll remember that forever," fellow captain Mark McMahon, a two-way lineman, agreed.
The Big Blue have some holes to fill to make another championship run, namely at quarterback. Brian Sullivan, Mike Walsh and Jermaine Kelly are all in the mix to replace Matt Barbuzzi, who threw for 2,500 yards and 23 TDs.
"To tell you I know who it'll be right now, honestly I don't have a clue," Swampscott coach Steve Dembowski said late last week. "Don't be surprised if you see two or all three of them playing over the course of a game.
"They're all very good athletes so no one's going to the bench; they're all going to help us somewhere."
Helping the eventual signal caller's cause is what Dembowski calls his deepest ever group of pass catchers. Junior A.J. Baker (692 yards last year) is a serious threat, as is tri-captain Peter Yasi (446 yards, 6 TDs) and Costin (309 yards). Zach Beermann, Robert Faia, Tyler Faulker, Richard Sullivan, Aiden Laing and Oliver Narcisse are all in the mix.
"There are honestly 10 guys on our roster that can play varsity receiver. With that skill set and coach Dembowski's coaching anyone can play quarterback," said Yasi.
McMahon anchors an offensive line that includes Sam Gold at center, Alex Fuller at guard and projected tackles Mark Lausier and Zach Kalapinski. They'll be opening holes for running backs Philip Larkin and Jake McDougall.
"We have some new guys, but we're teaching them to get low and hit. They'll be fine," McMahon said.
With an eye on finishing games, the Big Blue had extra emphasis on speed and defense during training camp. Yasi and Beermann are excellent linebackers while Costin, Baker and McDougall contribute in the secondary.
"There's definitely a bigger emphasis on defense this year," said Yasi. "Camp went really well and we want to win the whole thing. We're shooting high this year."
BIG BLUE bits
Last year's record: 7-4
Head coach: Steve Dembowski (12th year, 84-42)
Team captains: Pat Costin, Sr., WR/DB; Mark McMahon, Sr., OL/DL; Peter Yasi, Sr., WR/LB
Top returning rusher: Jake McDougall (17 carries, 82 yards)
Top returning passer: Brian Sullivan (2-of-6, 28 yards)
Top returning receiver: A.J. Baker (52 catches, 692 yards, 4 TDs)
Last league title: 2008
Did You Know?: The last time Swampscott lost to Marblehead prior to last year was 2006, and the Big Blue responded by winning the Super Bowl the following year
2010 Schedule
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 10@Gloucester7 p.m.
Sept. 17@Winchetser3:30 p.m.
Sept. 24@Peabody7 p.m.
Oct. 2RevereNoon
Oct. 8@Triton7 p.m.
Oct. 16Lynn EnglishNoon
Oct. 22@Danvers7 p.m.
Oct. 30WinthropNoon
Nov. 6SaugusNoon
Nov. 13@Beverly1 p.m.
Nov. 25Marblehead10 a.m.
