Roxbury Latin Football Coach Hopes Offseason Tenacity = Wins

When asked his expectations for the 2010 Roxbury Latin Foxes football team, head coach Pat Ross was cautious, but beyond optimistic.

"We obviously look at one game at a time," he said. "But I don't see why we shouldn't be able to run the table."

Ross's prediction might seem rather high, but he's returning for a second year to a team that went 6-2 a season ago and graduated only four starters. Almost the entire offensive line that in 2009 helped compile nearly 3,000 rushing yards in eight games will return, led by junior tackle and West Roxbury native Fin Sullivan.

Further, four senior skill position players represent a captaincy that has, according to Ross, had the team working harder this offseason than he's ever seen.

"I come in (to the gym) a few times a week to work out and this year, it was the best turnout I've ever seen," said Ross.

The captains – wide receiver and running back Joey Giadomenico, tight end Josh Rivers, fullback Sean Hidey, and running back Darraugh Haffernan – will help a new quarterback try to fill some pretty big shoes. Last fall, Jack Colton ran for nearly 1,500 yards as the team's centerpiece threat. Now at Harvard where he'll play baseball, Colton leaves a glaring hole at quarterback with a successor still to be settled.

"We'll have a bit of a competition," Ross says. Senior Billy Dalton and sophomore Mackay Lowrie will be vying to start under center.

Still, Ross thinks the team effort will go a long way even without Colton.

"This is a group with a lot of experience," said the coach, "and a great work ethic both on the field and in the classroom. They're smart, athletic, we've got a bunch of returning starters and returning coaches. We're excited."

Indeed, Ross's entire coaching staff will again join him for the 2010 campaign. And of his seven assistants, four are young Roxbury Latin graduates who played for the Foxes and as such have communicated to the players exactly what it takes to win.

"I think it allows us to keep our continuity," Ross said of his staff. "Everyone knows everyone's strengths and the team's strengths. It gives us a chance to work together to improve on what we do well and eliminate what we don't."

Roxbury Latin's first day of school was on August 25, but because they share a league with so many boarding schools that will not resume classes until after Labor Day, they can only run 20 practices before the second scheduled game. Coach Ross was to conduct a double session on Saturday, run two practices this week, and then begin a more regular practice schedule. The Foxes will play their first game on Sept. 25 at Catholic Memorial against Brooks Academy.