Expectations are high once again for the Gloucester football team as they return several key players from last year's Division 1A Super Bowl champions, including four Northeastern Conference all-stars.
The Fishermen, the odds-on favorites in the NEC Large, are loaded with talent at just about every position on the field.
"We have a lot of experienced players returning," head coach Paul Ingram said, "and we expect a lot out of them."
The Fishermen are looking to make it three Super Bowl titles in four seasons under Ingram while also gunning for their fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance. They beat Bridgewater-Raynham 33-13 in last season's Division 1A Super Bowl.
Senior captain Gilbert Brown will power the offense. Brown was the team's leading receiver last year with 307 yards and four touchdowns; this year, he'll be moving to halfback.
The Fishermen also return fullback Jordan Shairs, who ran for 352 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009. Shairs and Brown also lead a linebacking core that is considered one of the best in the entire state.
Senior captains Chris Unis and Andrew Mizzoni are one of the most highly regarded defensive end tandems around. At tight end Unis is also a receiving and blocking threat on offense, while Mizzoni also started at tackle in 2009.
Senior captain Mike Tomaino powers the defensive secondary along with senior Adam Philpott. The tandem will also split time on the offensive end at the split end position.
The only unsettled position on the Fishermen roster is quarterback, as seniors Joey Avila and Alex Silveira are battling for the starting job.
FISH FACTS
Last year's record: 13-0 (Won NEC Large, Division 1A Super Bowl)
Head coach: Paul Ingram (8th year, 71-10)
Team captains: Gilbert Brown, Sr., RB; Chris Unis, Sr., TE/DE; Andrew Mizzoni, Sr., OL/DE; Mike Tomaino, Sr., DB
Top returning rusher: Jordan Shairs (250 yards, 6 TDs)
Top returning passer: None
Top returning receiver: Gilbert Brown (20 catches, 303 yards, 4 TDs)
Last league title: 2009
Did You Know?: If the Lynn schools (Classical and English) want to keep Gloucester out of the playoffs, this is their last chance. The Fishemen were placed in Tier 2 of NEC/CAL mega-league that starts in 2011.
2010 Schedule
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 10Swampscott7 p.m.
Sept. 16at Andover7 p.m.
Sept. 24at Winthrop 7 p.m.
Oct. 1Beverly7 p.m.
Oct. 8at Salem7 p.m.
Oct. 15Masconomet7 p.m.
Oct. 22Peabody7 p.m.
Oct. 29at Lynn English7 p.m.
Nov. 5at Revere7 p.m.
Nov. 12Lynn Classical7 p.m.
Nov. 25at Danvers10 a.m.
