Guilford Courier   September 17th

Football

At times outmanned and outgunned by teams with bigger rosters, Guilford (4-8 in 2008) no one could doubt the Indians’ heart and resolve last season. The graduation of 13 seniors has created opportunities for younger players and for Coach Tom Unger, that’s the heart of the team.

“Our youth is the strength,” said Unger. “Players are hungry to form an identity and step up. The loss of 13 very good seniors is tough and there were some great players—AJ and Kevin Leary, Brian Duggan, Kyle Lundberg, Jon Criscuolo, and Stewart
Lamberton to name a few—and time will tell if we are simply rebuilding/competitive or a contender.”

Senior captains Mike Ficorilli (OT/DE) and Adam Dear (QB/OLB/kicker) go into battle with fellow seniors Mike Severino (RB/CB), Nate Ashcroft (FB/OLB), John Loricco (WR/S), and Ryan Gill (WR). Other key players are Andrew McCloskey (OL/DL) and Tony Serra (RB/ILB), who are three-year starters.

“Will Stitilis is a great wide receiver who gets better every day on defense [and] has turned into the most consistent and one of the hardest hitters on the team,” Unger added. “Jesse Iassogna is doing a great job at safety and wide receiver. Ethan Curry, a junior, is the frontrunner for quarterback with Adam Dear also competing.”

Unger said the sophomore class will get a chance this year to make a major contribution, particularly Matt Hoey, Mike Knapp, Ian Rourke, and Kyle Mahoney who Unger said “will see a lot of time.”

“We have a great core group of players who have put in some serious time,” said Unger. “They took first at a weightlifting competition in March, performed well in our summer passing league, and have been competitive in our scrimmages with some very good teams. I’m excited to start year two and continue to build a solid program in Guilford with the help of a great group of parents, players, and community.”