LYNN — Fresh off a Super Bowl victory in Division 6 and two big-game appearances over the last five years, St. Mary’s football team kicked off practice Friday.
“I really like the group of kids we have and I think they have a chance to leave here, you know, just as special as the other group,” Coach Sean Driscoll said. “I like my core and I really like the kids.”
Driscoll said the “meat and potatoes” arrive next week, but after some introductions and a scrimmage against Quincy next Saturday, it’s go-time.
“We’re going to figure it out,” Driscoll said. “We’re going to get into the crawl-before-you-walk type of mode.”
There are some Spartans who won’t have to slow things down, however. One key returner is Joel Maggs, whom Driscoll describes as a “solid football player overall” who will get college looks after the season.
“One of the best defensive players on the North Shore,” Driscoll said.
Then there’s Ernie Panias, a versatile threat who may have been overlooked last season, according to Driscoll.
“Ernie got a lot of time running the ball last year for us, and playing defense,” Driscoll said. “He did some little things last year that were kind of overshadowed.”
When you throw for 727 yards and 10 touchdowns your sophomore season, that’s pretty good. Driscoll said he’s excited to see the progression of quarterback Tyler Guy.
“He took us, the last five games, to the Super Bowl,” Driscoll said. “He had a great offseason… One year older and he looks really good.”
Driscoll also credited his linemen who have been “working hard all spring and summer.”
But sometimes, to move forward, you have to look back first. St. Mary’s will take Manning Field without David Brown, Derick Coulanges, Tommy Falasca, and Jack Marks.
“Oh, yeah. We lost a lot of talented people and it was a special group overall that did a lot of different things for us. I think, now, it’s up to us as coaches and players to readjust and come up with a plan going forward,” Driscoll said. “Dave and Derick were special athletes and will always be remembered, as well as Tommy Falasca and Jack Marks. They’re in college now, getting ready for their seasons, and we’re getting ready for ours.”
As for how the Spartans get ready, Driscoll admits they won’t be as fast. That said, he believes his team’s versatility can make up for it.
“We have a nucleus of players returning that you might not have read their name in the paper all the time, but they played some key roles for us,” Driscoll said.
He also recognizes it won’t happen overnight.
“Obviously, we’re going to have to move a little bit slower teaching-wise,” Driscoll said. “Last year, the kids came in and knew exactly what we wanted. It’s like they didn’t even take a break from the year before.”
When asked which games excite him most, Driscoll took about two seconds to jump to a notable rival.
“Always Bishop Fenwick. It’s always a big rival and that’s week three,” Driscoll said. “They’re always right there and they do a great job.”
He mentioned Bishop Feehan, too, as well as a familiar opponent in Lynn.
“Across the street, which is turning into a rivalry now, is KIPP Academy,” Driscoll said. “Opening up with them is going to be a tough one. It’s a rivalry and it’s good for the city.”
A lot will be different for St. Mary’s this fall. One thing that won’t be: the excitement of Driscoll.
“Oh, having a lot of fun. It’s a great time of year. As I always say, the smell in the air is a little bit different, you know?” he said. “I think these kids have it. I think these seniors have it, but we’ll see.”
