Football Preview: Fledgling Eagles Learning to Fly

In Eastchester, eleven new starting players spent the summer dedicated to learning about each other and what it takes to win.

The 2010 football team looks to combine speed, youthful exuberance, hard work and a Spartan summer camp experience in preparation for another competitive regular season.

Senior quarterback Tom DiCarlo, a 6-0, 200-pound athlete who also helps anchor the Eagles' defense at linebacker, joins Dean Gizzo, Guiseppe DeLuca and Mike Aiello as returning veterans who will take the lead as the injury-plagued Eagles look to improve each week.

DiCarlo, who happens to be coach Fred DiCarlo's nephew, expects some growing pains as the season begins next week with a league test against Saunders.

"We had a good camp but we had some injuries," DiCarlo said. "Going away to camp – sleeping in tents with no cell phones or conveniences and no distractions was interesting. We definitely worked hard. I'd say we are quick and athletic, but we have to just keep playing and gelling because with 11 new starters we lack experience."

The Eagles finished the 2009 campaign with a respectable 7-2 season record and will compete in Section 1's Class I-A South against Roosevelt and Saunders of Yonkers, Sleepy Hollow, Nyack and longtime archrivals Harrison and Rye – a test of their ability to stay strong through a tough schedule.

"We've had a number of injuries – just some odd things that happened – ankles, wrists," Eagles coach DiCarlo said. "The positive thing is that some of our younger players are getting reps and gaining experience. We're in a tough physical league with playoff-caliber teams, so we won't get any sympathy. We'll just play through it."

The coach will rely on many of his top players to go on offense and defense.   

Projected lead running back Rob Carinci tore a ligament in his knee last spring playing lacrosse and is not expected to return. Pat Guido, a halfback, lineman Ricky Delgado, halfback Mike Loros, fullback and linebacker Justin DeMasi and linebacker Matt Trummer, all out with various fractures and sprains, will be wearing no pads and cheering from the sideline–at least for several weeks.        

"We would have liked to limit the two-way players because it helps keep people fresh, but with the injuries we'll have to work some people harder," DiCarlo said.

Gizzo believes the last several weeks have helped harden the Eagles.

"Our two weeks of double sessions has been great," Gizzo said. "We stayed with it and worked hard through out the whole camp. We all play this sport because we love it, and that's what drives us to work harder and harder everyday."

DeLuca said the grueling summer camp helped bond the Eagles as a team.

"Camp was overwhelming but fun at the same time -- it was just non stop football," DeLuca said. "I would have to say that my senior year (camp) was awesome, a lot of laughs and it brought our team closer. Two-a-days was the worst it has been in the past four years I played football, but we worked hard and our goal that we were aiming for was perfection and perfection is key for us this season."

Mike Aiello, another two-way starter, thinks the most difficult work has been done and looks forward to seeing his team improve.

"Camp is the hardest most grueling part of the season," Aiello said. "It's the necessary evil required to prepare our players for the season. Countless hours a day are spent sprinting, blocking, tackling and running through plays and assignments."

He continued, "Spots are earned and lost in a few days time. Being hurt is not being injured. Unless you have considerably damaged your body there is no time to sit out during practice. The physical and mental toll is so great some players begin to wonder why they're playing football and if it's worth it. Why am I giving up half my precious summer for a sport that makes me work harder than I ever have? This question is answered during the first game of the season when it is realized that there's no greater experience than representing your town and team on the gridiron."  

After a stint in the wilderness and an injured list to rival an NFL team – the Eagles are hoping to the Promise Land of victories. Don't count them out.

Top Offensive Players

Dean Gizzo

Guiseppe DeLuca

Tom DiCarlo 

Rob Carinci (injured to start season)

Mike Loros (injured to start season)

Top Defensive Players

Mike Aiello

Justin DeMasi (injured to start season)

Ricky Delgado (injured to start season)

Matt Trummer (injured to start season)

Eastchester Eagles 2010 Schedule

September 11: vs Saunders Trade & Technical (Yonkers)

September 18: at Nyack

September 25: at Harrison

October 2: at Sleepy Hollow

October 9: vs Rye

October 16: vs Roosevelt