LYNN — KIPP’s football team got an early test from Tuesday’s scrimmage against North Reading, giving coach Jim Rabbitt a look at his team’s strengths and growing pains as the season approaches.
“We really have some great speed and I’m really happy with that,” Rabbitt said. “When we are confident in our abilities, we play really fast.”
That speed shows in several spots on the roster, starting with junior quarterback Elai Machado. Now in his second year as the starter, Machado has developed into a true dual-threat quarterback, according to his coach.
“Elai is coming back for a second year starting, and he’s really coming into his own,” Rabbitt said. “Physically, he’s developed a lot — he’s about 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, and he’s put in a ton of work in the weight room. With a full preseason at free safety, too, he had 10 interceptions last year and only played in seven of the 12 games. I don’t think there’s anyone in the division that can be as dynamic as him – as a runner and passer.”
Machado will be supported by a cast of playmakers that includes junior Aavian Peña, who will see time at receiver and running back, as well as receiver Joan Ortiz, who Rabbitt said can change a game with his speed.
“Aavian made some big plays for us last year as a sophomore,” Rabbitt said. “Joan will be one of the fastest kids on the field at any point. He’s one of our weapons.”
Up front, the Panthers will be relying on both experience and new faces. Three seniors are stepping into starting roles on the offensive line for the first time, while two-way standout Joseph Beato anchors the group alongside Carlos Sanchez.
“Joseph is a great athlete and player, but more importantly, he’s going to be a great teacher on the field,” Rabbitt said. “When another team stunts, slants, or changes up their fronts, Joseph has the experience – same with Carlos on the other side. They will need to help out the newer guys when we can’t coach them up during the plays.”
That mix of speed and inexperience was evident in Tuesday’s scrimmage, when Rabbitt saw moments of fast, dynamic play, but also room for growth.
“The thing we have to work on is: We have some inexperienced guys and new guys stepping into big roles at linebacker and the offensive line,” Rabbitt said. “We just need to make sure we coach those guys up because when we know what we’re doing, we move really fast and dynamic.”
Rabbitt noted KIPP’s schedule can make the preseason a little tricky, but said his players are responding well.
“We started on Aug. 20, so a lot of teams are in the middle of their camps, while we’re in school until 3:30 p.m.” Rabbitt said.
“It is what it is and we can’t control that, so we have to work even harder. We might make some mistakes and maybe not line up the right way in the beginning, but we can keep our energy high and keep our attitude up and control what we can control.”
The Panthers open the season Saturday Sept. 6 against Salem. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. at Manning Field.
