Football Squad Opens at Home Tonight

By MAX HART

It wasn't the best of times for the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School football team, and it wasn't the worst either.

But if you are comparing the 2004 season to the overwhelming majority of the 18 seasons under head coach Donald Herman's belt, last year might seem like a disaster. The squad was plagued by injuries, disciplinary action and a weak offensive attack that left the team limping to the finish line with a 5-6 record and a rare absence from the postseason. The Vineyarders were shut out twice, held to 10 points or less twice and were outscored by their opponents by nearly 100 points. They scored the second lowest number of points in the Mayflower League behind Nantucket.

But not all was lost. They did, after all, beat Nantucket - on Nantucket.

"It was a tough season, but now it's a new season," Coach Herman said this week as his team prepared to host Carver tonight in the opener. "I think we're ready to play and we're fairly healthy, which is important."

Coach Herman's squad has looked sharp this preseason in three scrimmages and begins the 2005 season with a stronger defense. And not unlike last year, the team features an offense with a punishing running game. One question mark is the offensive line, which features only one senior and an inexperienced - though talented - crop of juniors.

Most importantly, there is a new attitude on the team, Coach Herman said, one that should erase memories of last year's disciplinary issues. Several players were suspended for violating the school's alcohol policy as well as the team's curfew.

"The focus is much better, there's more maturity there," he said.

Leading the way is Tristan Atwood, who returns for his senior year as the main wing back. Even after an impressive 2004 season, Coach Herman believes this will be the year other teams are forced to take note of Atwood's talent.

"He is a premiere back, and teams are going to have to take care of him," he said. "He is a real threat."

Behind Atwood is an army of backs that should also pose a problem for opposing defenses. Seniors Anthony Sullo, David Amabile, Tony Cortez and junior Alan (Showboat) Fortes will all get plenty of handoffs running the ball. Juniors Tyler Hathaway and Taylor Pierce also will see action on the ground.

Also returning to the helm is senior quarterback Ryan Rossi. After sharing duties with Mike Shea last season, Rossi takes full command of the offense this year. Coach Herman said an older, more experienced Rossi has settled into the role and should be more comfortable in game situations. He'll have senior split outs John Swann and Lucas Landers to throw to on deep routes. Sophomore Jeff Osbourne and senior E.J. Sylvia will be the featured tight ends.

Sylvia, whose 30-yard field goal sunk the Whalers on Nantucket to end last season, returns as the kicker and will also see action at defensive back.

Defensively, the team is imposing - one of its strengths according to Coach Herman. He said it should be better at shutting down opposing offenses with linebackers Atwood and sophomore Andrew Larsen stuffing the run. Swann, Rossi and Sullo are interception threats at cornerback, and the defensive line is also solid.

The defense will be tested right away: Carver comes to the Vineyard with an outstanding running back in tailback Michael Grant, who slashed and churned through the Vineyard defense last year, rushing for 133 yards and two touchdowns. The six-foot-three, 190-pound senior has been called one of the best backs in the state.

"He can run, and we're going to have to stop him to have a chance," Coach Herman said.

He said a rigorous off-season workout regimen has resulted in one of the physically stronger teams in recent memory. At the team's annual weight lifting competition, which it holds before the start of each season, six players bench pressed 300 pounds or more. Two players shattered the previous record of 315 pounds, each lifting 355.

"We had the help of several weigh trainers and they have made a tremendous difference," he said.

Now the team begins what Coach Herman hopes will prove last season simply an aberration. On the team's official web site, www.mvfootball.com, several of the team goals were displayed on the home page this week as a reminder of the journey ahead.

"Nine wins away from 150 for the Vineyard helmsman [Coach Herman's record on the Vineyard is 141-46], 83 players and no suspensions yet - and hopefully that'll last the rest of year, two tough opening opponents, four good Mayflower Large opponents and one Island Cup to defend at home."

The Vineyarders begin their quest tonight at 6:30 at home against Carver and next Saturday against Lynn Classical at 1 p.m. That game is also at home.