Jim Pugh won't waste a minute this season worrying about what the Masconomet football team is missing.
What's gone is gone, and the holes left by the graduation of Chris Splinter, Evan Bunker and the rest of a class of athletes that proved to be one of the most successful in program history can't be filled overnight, if ever.
Athleticism and experience walked out the door along with Splinter, Bunker and Co., but the tradition that class helped build remains.
"We lost some quality seniors. That class was one of the best we've ever had with some outstanding playmakers and all-stars," Pugh said about a group that played a role in four straight Cape Ann League Large titles and four postseason trips. "We know what people will think, 'You're not going to be the same team.' We're not, but we're pretty confident. We know we have a tough non-league schedule, but we'll be in the thick of the CAL."
The Chieftains do welcome back some hard-hitting experience in captains Tom Chub (OL/DL), Eric Bermudez (OL/LB), Brodie Green (WR/OLB) and Kurt Hunziker (TE/LB).
Linemen James Aloisio and Alex Staub are also returning starters, as is Ben Panunzio, a junior safety.
Chub was an all-league performer a year ago, and Hunziker will be one of the CAL's most feared players this fall.
Hunziker also joins a short list of Masconomet players who were named captain in their junior year.
"I know he's a force and a leader and he's been a leader his whole life. Even as a freshman when he was playing middle linebacker and tight end down the stretch he was someone who was a force and the kids are confident behind him," Pugh said. "We have great leadership from the seniors, but Hunziker is a special kid who just projects confidence in the whole team."
The area that will look the most different for Masco this year is the backfield. Panunzio served as Splinter's backup last year and he will take the snaps this fall. He's much more of a traditional, drop-back passer, as opposed to Splinter (now at Harvard), who was a threat to break a long run on every play.
Taking over for the load for Bunker will likely be many new faces.
"You hope that (the tradition) is something they want to build off. Our coaches have been harping on that," Pugh said. "We're an undefeated team looking to do the same thing that 200 other high school football teams want to do — get to Gillette Stadium."
Masco morsels
Last year's record: 10-3
Head coach: Jim Pugh (22nd season, 144-87)
Team captains: Tom Chub, Sr. OL/DL; Eric Bermudez, Sr. OL/LB; Brodie Green, Sr. WR/OLB; Kurt Hunziker, Jr. TE/LB.
Top returning rusher: Dylan Mann (28 yards, 0 TDs)
Top returning passer: None
Top returning receiver: Hunziker (11 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD)
Last league title: 2009
Did You Know?: Masconomet has not lost a Cape Ann League game since dropping a 21-14 decision to Pentucket on November 3, 2007.
2010 SCHEDULE
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 11Lowell7 p.m.
Sept. 16Reading6 p.m.
Sept. 24Lincoln Sudbury7 p.m.
Oct. 1at Westford Acad.7 p.m.
Oct. 8at Newburyport7 p.m.
Oct. 15at Gloucester7 p.m.
Oct. 22at Triton7 p.m.
Oct. 29at Wilmington7 p.m.
Nov. 5Pentucket7 p.m.
Nov. 12at Malden Catholic7 p.m.
Nov. 25at North Andover10 a.m.
