BEVERLY — The Endicott football team knows exactly what to expect this season.
After the Gulls underwent a coaching change in 2018, the 2019 preseason has been a much smoother process.
“There are advantages,” coach Paul McGonagle said. “Not only do we get to know the personnel better but they know us as coaches. They know all of our coaching styles, where last year each side was getting to know each other and feeling each other out. This year the routine is a lot easier. It helps to focus more on the X’s and O’s part of things.”
The Gulls are coming off a turnaround season with a 7-4 record (5-1 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference), falling a few wins short of a CCC crown. Now Endicott returns a deep roster for 2019, starting up front with a strong offensive line.
“Our offensive line is a big strength,” McGonagle said. “We have four returning starters that were successful last year. Kha-lil Goodman (right tackle) was the CCC Offensive Lineman of the Year and the rest were either first or second-team all-conference.”
Quarterback Joe Kalosky also brings experience to the offense.
“I think at any level when you have a quarterback that’s returning with experience, that’s huge,” McGonagle said. “I would say our main strengths are o-line and quarterback right now, even running back. John Kinney (running back) played the first four games last year and got hurt, so hopefully we can keep him going.”
On the defensive side, the Gulls will have some holes to fill. But a handful of key returners will make that task a bit easier.
“I think losing Will Rivera, an all-conference linebacker, it’s tough to replace him but we have Grayson Maddox who is a captain there,” McGonagle said. “Kevin O’Brien returns there and we also have Tim Russell, a transfer from Hamilton who has done a great job. I actually recruited (Russell) out of high school so it was good to finally get him a few years later.
“In the secondary, we have both our corners back and a safety,” McGonagle said. “On the defensive line Sam Opont is a wrecking ball in the middle. Ayinde Johnson and captain Tom Lorusso are also there.”
The Gulls also feel optimistic about the leadership they carry, with Goodman, Kalowski, Maddox, Lorusso and offensive linemen Isaiah Gibbs and Shane Toland being named captains for 2019.
“Some people may say, ‘you have six captains that’s a lot,'” McGonagle said. “But we have a good sized roster. It also shows the type of leadership our team thinks we have to vote for six guys and not just three.”
McGonagle expects another year of tough competition in the CCC for the Gulls.
“It’s a tough conference,” McGonagle said. “We play Husson now who joined after winning their previous conference the last couple years so right there conference wise we have two NCAA playoff teams this year. We open up with Framingham again and they’re an NCAA playoff team. We pretty much on paper play three playoff teams from last year so it’s tough. The conference has some great coaches and it’s pretty competitive.”
Last year Endicott dropped its opener to Framingham State 34-13 and the Gulls are ready for another shot at the Rams at home Friday (7).
“I know they’ve gotten the better of Endicott the last couple years,” McGonagle said. “The good news is we all know each other a little bit better now. Any game one, no matter who it is, there are always mistakes. You play that game later it could be different. It’s been a good rivalry over the years. (Framingham coach) Tom Kelly does a great job, he’s won championship after championship in (MASCAC). It’s a good test for our guys.”