LYNN — It’s simple. If you ask coach James Runner, Lynn Tech’s football program has all of the pieces and camaraderie it needs. Therefore, “We’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
“My captains have done an amazing job at building team camaraderie – that’s what is important to me,” said Runner, who has coached the Tigers since 2010.
But to move forward, sometimes, you have to look backward first. Ethan Prum, Cesar Reyes, and Alvaro Ossambo graduated this past spring, all of whom were effective in Tiger red and blue.
“Those are all guys who contributed to our program, but we’ve got some young guys who are coming up,” Runner said.
Among returners, Runner jumped to a few standouts.
First things first, quarterback Jadiel Ortega (last season: 800 yards passing with 8 TDs, 670 yards rushing) officially begins his high school career after a strong eighth-grade campaign.
Runner calls him “one of the best athletes in the state,” and you could say it’s hard to argue that. Ortega, in California, won his second gold medal this year for Team USA.
Yes, two gold medals by age 14.
“He’s the football prodigy everyone’s been talking about. I’ve known Jadiel his whole life, and I’ve never said he needs to be a Lynn Tech Tiger,” Runner said. “I’ve been in this position before. Steffan Gravely was one of the best running backs in Massachusetts history, so I know how to handle very, very good talent. This young man is so humble, so respectful, and is the last person to finish his drills.”
Then, there’s Joshua Louis, a soon-to-be four-year member of the Tigers.
“He’s going to be one of our leaders on the offensive and defensive lines, opening up holes and leading us,” Runner said. “He’s been recruited by Columbia, Framingham State, and Southern Connecticut State.”
And when it comes to offensive lineman Eli Ramirez, Runner said he’s been lifting, running, and practicing like a madman.
“He’s as strong as an ox right now,” Runner said. “He had surgery in the offseason and he’s come back stronger than ever. Those guys are going to be big contributors.”
Runner also mentioned Angel Figueroa, last season’s sack leader with 13.
Lately, Runner said Tech has scheduled tough opponents to earn points within the MIAA’s power-ranking system. It’s leaning vocational this fall.
“Just to get back to the roots of our program and get the kids’ morale back up,” he said.
As for opponents he’s excited to play against, Runner pointed straight to Nashoba, Whittier, and, of course, KIPP Academy in Lynn.
“Nashoba is always a pivotal opponent for us – that’s our only home game this year – and Whittier. Those are two teams we look forward to playing,” he said. “And, obviously, KIPP Academy. When you have a rivalry that’s within 100 yards of your school, that’s who you’re supposed to be worried about.”
KIPP won last year’s Thanksgiving Week battle, 45-19. The two programs meet again on November 27 at Manning Field.
As for Tech’s identity, Runner admits to being a run-first team.
“We’re a running team and everybody knows we’re a running team, but I dare a team to put eight against us in the box this year,” he said. “You want to see your program redevelop and find a new identity. I’m looking forward to another big year.”
Complete schedule
9/13 – @ Malden – 6 p.m.
9/20 – @ Monty Tech – 6 p.m.
9/26 – @ Saugus – 6:30 p.m.
10/11 – @ Keefe Tech – 7 p.m.
10/18 – @ Whittier – 6 p.m.
10/25 – @ Lowell Catholic – 7 p.m.
11/1 – vs. Nashoba – 5 p.m.
11/27 – vs. KIPP – TBD
