Rams Look to Rebound With Strong 2010 Campaign

Don't be fooled by last season's uncharacteristic record (3-8) of Al Costabile's Rams.

Knowing that his program has a greater history of success than what was displayed in 2009, Costabile admits that Shawsheen Tech has got to "get back to our winning ways."

Optimistic that his team will do just that, Costabile offered nothing but praise when speaking  about his squad, even going so far as to saying that his roster can't be narrowed to just one top offensive standout. His confidence in his players runs deep.

As the roster begins to shake itself out and positional battles continue, the versatility of his group is beginning to show itself.

Led by two veteran returning starters playing on both sides of the ball, seniors Derek Bent and Bob Greenwood look to set a precedent for how the game should be played and pass on the winning tradition to underclassmen.

But the versatility comes with Bent, a "formidable" 6'4, 225; a "physical presence" that will take snaps on both offense and defense as a tight and defensive end. Along with Bent, Greenwood will be splitting time between wide receiver and safety, ensuring leadership on the field at all times.

As the calendar turns to September, the quarterback job is up for grabs between senior Ryan Woolaver of Tewksbury and Tyler MacInnis, a junior out of Wilmington. The coach expects this to be a very competitive battle, with the clear winner expected to pull ahead in the coming weeks.

There's no shortage of talent in the backfield, either.

Senior Devin Connearney is looking to charge into the season strong as the team's fullback, while juniors Andrew Pascoli of Billerica and Steve Reynolds of Wilmington will be competing for the starting tailback position.

Shawsheen Tech has several intriguing matchups on the slate for 2010, highlighted by Super Bowl champs Northeast Regional and Whittier Tech on back to back weeks in mid-October. Of course, it wouldn't be a normal Ram season if it wasn't capped off by a Turkey Day showdown with rival Greater Lowell Tech.

The Rams took that one last year in a most convincing 34-14 showing.

Coach Costabile knows that he'll need some guys to really step up as the season progresses. He'll be looking to rely on senior Anthony DePiano who will be fighting for an offensive guard position while also figuring into the linebacker mix after being inactive in 2009. Coach says that "Anthony has really stepped up and had a great camp."

DePiano will anchor the offensive line with senior center Zach Teal of Andover, who is unquestionably the leader in the trench.

There's plenty to be excited about for the Rams in 2010.

They kick it off versus Arlington Catholic  at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10.