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September 7, 2011

Experience bodes well for Manchester Essex

By Nick Curcuru staff writer

It's a new beginning for the Manchester Essex football team in 2011. Coach Mike Athanas and the Hornets are looking to put last year's 3-7 record behind them as they'll field an experienced team in a new conference.

After playing the last decade in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference, the Hornets will take their talents to Division 4 of the Northeastern Conference/Cape Ann League "super conference." Manchester Essex will now play Hamilton-Wenham, Lynnfield, Ipswich, North Reading and Georgetown in conference play.

"The new league is going to take a little getting used to," Athanas said. "It's a tougher league with some good schools, but we're ready and excited."

A young Hornets team took its lumps in 2010 but graduated just five seniors from that team. As a result, they return a host of starters.

Manchester Essex may have graduated their top two rushers in Alex Carr and Calvin Cook along with their top passer in Carr, but junior Cory Burnham had a strong offseason as he looks to take over the reigns under center.

The Hornets' biggest strength in 2011 looks to be their offensive and defensive lines. CAC Large all-star and quad-captain Paul Pennoyer anchors the offensive unit along with returning starters David Wright, Julian Flavin and Zach Fleming on the offensive line.

Pennoyer and Wright are also a formidable defensive end combination for Manchester Essex.

"Our line is loaded with experience," Athanas said. "They showed promise last year and, with a year of experience behind them, they'ree going to lead our team this year."

HORNETS' BUZZ

Last year's record: 3-7

Head coach: Mike Athanas (8th season, 44-36)

Team captains: Mavrick MacEachern, Sr., TE/DE; Joe Burgess. Sr., WR/S; Cooper Reihl, Sr., FB/LB; Paul Pennoyer, Sr., OT/DE.

Top returning rusher: Jake Fitzgerald (37 yards, 1 TD)

Top returning passer: Cory Burnham (115 yards, 1 TD)

Top returning receiver: Joe Burgess (207 yards, 0 TD)

Last league title: 2008 (Commonwealth Athletic Conference)

Did You Know?: The Hornets are back in the Cape Ann League after spending the last decade in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference.

2011 schedule

DateOpponentTime

Sept. 9Amesbury7 p.m.

Sept. 16at Saugus7 p.m.

Sept. 23Cathedral7 p.m.

Oct. 1at NS Tech/Ess Aggie1:30 p.m.

Oct. 7Austin Prep7 p.m.

Oct. 14at Northeast Regional7 p.m.

Oct. 21Hamilton-Wenham7 p.m.

Oct. 28at North Reading7 p.m.

Nov. 4Ipswich7 p.m.

Nov. 12at Lynnfield11 a.m.

Nov. 24at Georgetown10 a.m

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