Season Preview: Mamaroneck Football

Gone are trips across the Hudson River to play teams like Ramapo and North Rockland.

Mamaroneck has moved from the Class AA Rockland football league to a Westchester league featuring teams like Ossining, Fox Lane and Yorktown. But while Tigers coach Anthony Vitti is looking forward to playing some new opponents this year, that's not his primary focus.

"I don't know if it matters who we play. We're working on us right now," Vitti said. "We'll be ready to play whoever we line up against."

Vitti, a 1993 Mamaroneck graduate, is taking over as head coach after eight years as an assistant, including his most recent role as defensive coordinator. He will lead a team that returns seven starters on offense and six starters on defense from a 3-6 season.

"I'm very pleased with the beginning of camp," Vitti said. "Kids are getting after each other. Offensively we've already come out flying on the perimeter — we have good team speed. Defensively we're pretty stout up front."

While Vitti is keeping the bulk of the offensive system in place, he is changing the defensive formation from a "50" to a "4-2-5".

"I just wanted to maximize our talent base," Vitti said. "We have some kids who can run and hit, so that seems to be a good look for us. Also, it can be modified to face different offenses. We wanted to have a basic package that we didn't have to change week-in and week-out."

Quarterback Parker Thelander, who started as a sophomore last year, has increased his arm strength and improved his ability to read defenses. He will have one of his favorite targets in Dean Chiapparelli, who had the most receptions last season among area receivers who are returning.

"I think he's a threat to take it to the house every time," Vitti said of Chiapparelli. "He's got really good speed, very agile, good quickness, great hands, and he's fearless."

The line features three two-way starters from last year in twins Anthony and Joseph Spadaro and tackle/defensive end Ryan McNally.

On defense, that group will be joined by defensive ends Oliver Shirley and Keith Dalbon, who have already made an impact in the first week of training.

"They've been wrecking a lot of practices," Vitti said.

The secondary is led by free safety Jared Allen, a transfer from Cheshire Academy (Conn.).

"He's been all over the field," Vitti said. "He covers a lot of ground and he arrives with an attitude."

Besides its new league opponents, Mamaroneck will start the season against Arlington and also must face state finalist New Rochelle.

"We're all excited to get started," Vitti said. "You can't wait to hit another color jersey this time of year. We're going to grow as a team and find out our true identity."