Trojans target big turnaround

Enterprise, The (Brockton, MA) - Tuesday, September 8, 2009

By Adam Riglian
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER

There's no easy game on the Bridgewater-Raynham High School football schedule this season. The Old Colony League is one of the toughest in the state, a Div. 1 league with Div. 1 talent. But unlike their college brethren, B-R doesn't fill its non-league schedule with Powderpuff U. or Directional State University.

The Trojans open Friday night at defending Div. 2A Super Bowl champion Duxbury, unbeaten a year ago. They follow that up with fellow Div. 1 school Durfee, Div. 1A Super Bowl runner-up Marshfield and then New Bedford.

"We play a very difficult non-league schedule and our league schedule is tough," B-R head coach Dan Buron said. "The thing about our schedule is I can't look on anyone at that schedule and think "That's a win.'"

Their non-league schedule also includes Catholic power Xaverian Brothers and defending, unbeaten Div. 1 Rhode Island Super Bowl champion LaSalle Academy.

The combined record of their opponents from last season is 72-49, a nearly 60 percent win percentage, and it could be even tougher this year, with Durfee unlikely to again go 0-10.

Daunting as it may be, Buron believes his team has the tools to do better than last year's 4-7 record.

"Our goal every year is to win the Old Colony League and we haven't done that in awhile, so we're hoping to do that (this year)," Buron said.

Depth and simplification are two factors Buron looks to as keys to success this season.

The Trojans' offense is led by a strong line and returning quarterback Kevin Bumpus.

"I think we have a lot of depth, especially in the offensive line," Buron said. "We have the ability to throw and run this year, so we can be less one-dimensional than we have in the past."

Running has been the main focus of the Trojans for the past several seasons, but with a line that can give Bumpus some time, the passing game may open up.

That, mixed in with the integration of some shotgun/spread sets, should get more touches for receivers Neil Harrington and Mike Connolly.

The B-R line is anchored by captain Don Sheridan at guard, Ryan Shaw at center and tackle Mike Duran, three of the more experience players on the squad.

"With our experience at quarterback and our offensive line, I think we should be able to do both (pass and run)," Buron said.

Sheridan is a defensive leader as well, anchoring the Trojans' 4-4 defensive formation at middle linebacker. Cornerback Kyle Reid, outside linebacker Jon Palmer and defensive tackle Mike Devin are all playmakers on a speedy defense.

"We have a lot of kids, so I think we can substitute and keep ourselves fresh," Buron said. "I like our team speed on defense."

Buron also wants to make sure he doesn't overload his players with plays and strategy, instead focusing on assignments and execution.

"I think, the last few years, we've done too much and didn't really get good at anything," Buron said. "This year, we are going to pare it down a bit and hope to get good at a few things."