LYNN — Behind every touchdown, big gain, and goal-line stand is the glue: the offensive and defensive lines.
When asked what his team’s identity could be this fall, St. Mary’s football coach Sean Driscoll jumped straight to the boys on the line.
“I think, for our football team this year, what we’ll be leaning on are our offensive and defensive lines,” said Driscoll, who has helmed the program since 2018 and earned his 100th career win last fall. “We’re really happy with their progress. We like what we have so far and we’ll see if that survives throughout camp (August 16).”
Adding he has big expectations for the two groups, Driscoll pointed to Christian Mejia, Adrian Lule, and Jake Peterson as some players to watch, among young talent.
Then, the skill positions. Tyler Guy (last season: 40 receptions, 489 yards passing, 4 TDs, 63 tackles) returns as a do-it-all asset, while Yaniel Belliard will be starting under center.
“He is our starting quarterback going into year two and had a nice year as a sophomore,” said Driscoll, whose Spartans finished 6-5 last fall. “He’s been working hard all offseason.”
Behind Belliard are three running backs who make up Driscoll’s “triple threat” in Maxwell Parent, Rowan Merryman, and Demetri Koutsouflakis, who transferred to St. Mary’s from Winthrop.
“It’s always good to have depth and we’re excited,” Driscoll said.
Among other key returners, according to Driscoll, are linebackers Nate Cutone – “He had a great year last year and has been working his tail off” – and Matthew Lule.
The 7v7s, summer competitions, and offseason workouts are just about done. With players returning with improved strength and speed – qualities Driscoll looks for – excitement is at a high over on Tremont Street.
“We’re happy with what we have so far,” he said. “I think we’ll be OK, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Speaking of looking forward to things, Driscoll believes opening night is always big – no matter the opponent. That said, it’s even better when it’s against Swampscott.
“This year, opening up with Swampscott (at Blocksidge Field), it will be a good thing for us as it’s one of the better programs on the North Shore,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that.”
Just a week later, the Spartans strap on the pads to face KIPP Academy, a matchup that’s “turning into a rivalry,” according to Driscoll.
“A lot of the players know each other and we’ve played them the last two years,” he said. “Some really good games (22-20 win for St. Mary’s last season) and that will continue.”
With Bishop Stang, Bishop Feehan, and Archbishop Williams returning key players, among other programs in the Catholic Central Conference, Driscoll said “The league is up for grabs.”
Last but certainly not least, Bishop Fenwick. The Crusaders took care of business, 48-16, last season, and Driscoll can’t wait for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
“In my opinion, it never should have stopped to begin with – I think it’s our natural rival,” he said. “I think it’s a good thing for both schools. We’ll, hopefully, get it back to the tradition it was before.”
The traditional rivalry game was last played in 2018, when the Crusaders won, 60-0. This will be Driscoll’s second Thanksgiving game against Fenwick.
But, there are a lot of games to get through before that one. St. Mary’s has a Week 3 bye.
“As the year gets going, I think the key for us will be how much we mature,” Driscoll said. “The first two games will be a good tell-tale of where we’re at. The school is ready.”
