Defending champion Keenan looks to hold onto title
By KEVIN BERCHOU
That cool breeze the last couple of nights usually signifies the arrival of two things: autumn and interhall football, which kicks off this weekend.
Not surprisingly, opening day is filled with many intriguing matchups. In Blue League play, two-time defending champion Keenan looks to reprise past successes in a game against Morissey on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Keenan will be hard pressed to repeat last year's 7-0 mark, as they were hit hard by the loss of numerous graduating seniors. A talented corps of freshmen, led by quarterback Billy Ellsworth, looks to aid in the reloading effort.
"We're happy with his progress," said junior assistant coach Herb Giorgio of Ellsworth. "He's been working hard."
Senior middle-linebacker and coach Joe Kopp anchors the defense along with fellow coach and defensive back Dong Min. Assistant coach Nick Costanzo will be relied upon heavily as a steady two-way player.
Morissey looks to provide the defending champs with a difficult opening test. Anchored by four-year stalwart linemen, center Eric Depke, and right guard and coach Matt Wohlberg, the offense will feature a running attack.
"We'll go with more of a straight ahead style this year," said Wohlberg. "Last year we tried a lot of technical plays. This year it's more like straight football."
Though the running game will be used often, senior quarterback Dan Sullivan's talents will allow for a great deal of offensive variation.
Neither team has relished of favorite, with both captains demonstrating, at least outwardly, a great deal of respect for their opponents.
"We've heard they're the team to beat," said Keenan captain Herb Giorgio. "We'll see what were made of right away."
Morissey captain Matt Wohlberg, however, would have none of that. "They haven't lost in two years. They're obviously the frontrunner," he noted. "We've been pointing towards this game ever since we started practice four weeks ago."
All signs point to an exciting opener, with the big question being Keenan's ability to three-peat.
In Gold League action, St. Ed's takes on Fisher on Sunday at 1 p.m. in a week one
showdown.
St. Ed's, the self-described "Bad News Bears" of interhall football, will look to improve on last year's 0-2 campaign, during which the team was disbanded due to lack of participation.
Sophomore tailback Judson Penton will lead the offensive attack while fellow second-year man, middle linebacker Mike Garofola, takes charge of the defense.
"We're learning real quick," said sophomore coach Nick Sciola. "I think we're already better than last year."
Fisher will prove a valid indicator of St. Ed's improvement by providing a stern opening day test. Led by sophomore captain Dean Korolis, Fisher will look to better last year's 1-2-1 mark.
Junior quarterback Zack Allen's speed and great field vision will open up the offense allowing for plenty of balls to be tossed in the direction of junior wide receiver Steve Dougherty. The defense will look to stifle the St. Ed's rushing attack on the strength of
sophomore defensive lineman Dahx Marrs, who provides excellent support up
the middle.
"It'll be a good game," said Korolis. "They should be great competition."
Let's hope so, students don't want to be disappointed when they put homework aside to take in some interhall action.
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 17, 1999
