Returning Starters Bring Leadership, Experience to 2010 Redmen

When Tewksbury High steps on the Doucette Field turf for its home opener Sept. 18 to take on Lawrence High, fans will see a more experienced squad than years past.

Looking to build off his team's bridge year of 4-9 last season, coach Brian Aylward is confident that Tewksbury will rebound as long as they "keep building on their positives and keep tabs on their negatives."

The process will be aided by the fact that the Redmen are returning 11 starters, highlighted by senior quarterback Sean Connolly and senior halfback Anthony Arcari. Along with their versatility in playing both sides of the ball, both are captains and are viewed as leaders on and off the field for Tewksbury.

Connolly splits his pocket duties in the secondary while Arcari also spends time back there as a strong safety.

The other two captains, seniors David Gallotto and Sean McCarthy, are expected to have a strong locker room presence as well. Gallotto, 5'10" 200 pounds, will spend some time as the team's fullback while anchoring the linebacker crew. The offense starts with McCarthy, a 6'1" 195 pound center who will also see minutes as a defensive end.

What the Redmen have going for them is their experience in the skilled positions. Seven of the 11 returning starters are seniors, the rest all juniors. However, youth on the line may be a source of growing pains for a team that will look to focus on improvement in that area as the season progresses.

"(If the team) keeps practicing hard, it'll come," Aylward.

Several returning lettermen will wear the scarlet red and blue in 2010, highlighted by seniors Chris Andella, Nick LaCascia, and Joe Hulme. There are also some promising newcomers, led by offensive line seniors Paul Moriarty and Patick Taylor. Junior Chris London looks to figure into the tight end mix as well.

The team did show promise last season in wins versus Lincoln-Sudbury, Billerica, Haverhill, and Lowell, including a shutout at home versus Lincoln- Sudbury.

The Redmen face a real challenge on Saturday with a scrimmage at top-rated Gloucester High School, a matchup that coach Aylward calls a "big test" that will allow Tewksbury to assess where they stand and show the team some serious competition before the season begins.

Aylward, beginning his 14^th season (70-65-1) for the Redmen, has built a trusted staff that consists of Tom Ryan, Paul Norton, Tom Bradley, Roy Aylward, Mark Bradley, Ralph Perrotti, Jim Gallotto, and Steve Kasprzak.

The freshmen coaches are Bill Meuse, Kevin Murray, and Tyler Deshler.

Tewksbury has just five home games in 2010, as the annual Thanksgiving game against the Wilmington Wildcats will be played in Wilmington this year.

The Redmen kick things off on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln-Sudbury. The complete Tewksbury varsity schedule can be found here.