LYNN — KIPP launched its football program just seven years ago. In year six last winter, the Panthers advanced to the Division 8 Super Bowl before falling to powerhouse Hull.
Despite feeling “humble and grateful” for the success, Coach Jim Rabbitt said his team can’t get caught in a web of vanity.
“We can’t ride the coattails of what’s proceeded us,” Rabbitt said. “We are our own team.”
Indeed they are, but Rabbitt also recognizes what’s lost.
“Obviously, the big losses are Vic [Mafo] and Juan [Setalsingh] – two guys who we’re certainly going to miss,” Rabbitt said. “It doesn’t happen all the time that you’ve got two players of that caliber coming through at the same time.”
One of the beauties of high school sports, however, is the yearly occurrence of opportunity. Despite gaps to seal, their absence “opens the door” for new Panthers to pounce.
It starts with Chanel Gutierrez, who Rabbitt said was actually overshadowed by Mafo and Setalsingh.
“[He’s] an under-the-radar guy [with] close to 600 yards receiving and, defensively, 40-some-odd tackles,” Rabbitt said of Gutierrez, who caught multiple passes in the Super Bowl against Hull.
Then there’s Morenel Castro, who scored KIPP’s lone touchdown in the big game. Castro registered 900 yards receiving and more than 1,500 all-purpose yards with 19 total touchdowns last fall.
“He obviously put together a great season for us as a breakout wide receiver,” Rabbitt said.
On the ground, look no further than Jovan Machado, someone who spent lots of his time in pass protection last fall.
“But he can really run the ball,” Rabbitt said. “[He’s] a student of the game and really smart.”
Not forgetting Andrew Gonzalez, a 6-foot-4 receiver who broke out as a junior last fall, Rabbitt certainly has his options.
“I think it’s going to be more of a spread-the-ball-out mentality this year,” Rabbitt said. “No matter who gets the ball, it’s going to be an athlete in space.”
In order for skill-oriented players to thrive, they’ll need a strong offensive line. Rabbitt says they have that.
“We are excited about returning a really good core in our offensive line and defensive line,” Rabbitt said. “Guys in that unit knew that they had a lot of work to do last year. It was a concern of ours and those guys definitely stepped it up in the offseason – in the weight room, on the field, and in their own conditioning sessions.”
And now – with several players having practiced since winter break – it’s time. Year one or year seven, Rabbitt’s excitement remains.
“I think if you don’t get excited about coaching football season around this time, you know, it’s time to pack it in and retire,” Rabbitt said. “Their energy is contagious on me. It makes me more excited.”
Despite believing “every game is equally as important,” he won’t have to wait long for one that excites him.
“Week one against St. Mary’s. It’s a blast, you know?” Rabbitt said. “It’s an across-the-street rivalry [with] lots of mutual respect.”
The game is set for Sept. 8 at Manning Field (5 p.m.).
Rabbitt also spoke about the responsibility of representing KIPP.
“When we started the program seven years ago, that’s one of the things (Athletic Director) Anthony [Grimaldi] and I talked about – how football could be a culture-driver. People look to you as far as leadership in the hallways,” Rabbitt said. “Our ultimate goal is winning the state championship. In the same vein, we are very much a one day, one play at a time team and know we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves.”
