In its first live action of the 2010 season, Andover football had an encouraging scrimmage against BB&N on Wednesday. Although neither team kept score, Andover scored multiple times and saw good performances from many new players. In the scrimmage, each team was given 20 offensive plays and 20 defensive plays, followed by 8 plays each for the second string teams. Then the teams finished the game with one quarter of normal four-down play. Said Coach Leon Modeste, “BB&N is a very talented team, and we fought hard with them. We have a few things to work on, but we have time before the first official game.” Jack Ward ’13 had an exceptionally good game, roaming the field for five tackles in the short scrimmage. Coach Modeste said, “We were able to make big plays when they were necessary. TJ Hickey [’11] must have carried seven opposing players into the end zone on one play.” Andover’s main focus leading up to its opener at Loomis will be its offensive line. Despite a few big plays, the team was not always able to prevent the opposition from rushing its passes and stopping its rushers. Said Coach Modeste, “We need to work on our scheme up front on the line, and we need to keep it consistent.” Even after losing talented graduates such as Bobby Vardaro ’10, Andy Vailas ’10, Eddie Von Kuhn ’10, Tom Dacey ’10 and Clay Cleveland ’10, Andover should be able to compensate and have a successful winning season, hopefully better than last year’s season. Coach Modeste said, “We have a new team this year. We have to retool and think about different strategies and different players. This change is exciting for the players, and it sure is exciting for the coaches. We had a great mini session in August, and our preseason is going very well.” Captain Malcolm Mason-Rodriguez ’11, its star cornerback, will lead Andover this year. Coach Modeste said, “Malcolm is the guy to go to on this football team. He is so fast and strong that he can cover any opponent in the league. I’d say he is arguably the best cornerback in New England.” Only two of last year’s offensive or defensive starters are returning this year, as well as quarterback and punter Tommy Shannon ’12. This year’s experienced impact players include linemen Ricky Marcotte ’11 and Tom Weaver ’11. Said Coach Modeste, “Marcotte and Weaver are very skilled players with size and speed, and both will be great leaders of the team as seniors.” Andover’s seven post-graduates are also very experienced players even though they are new to Andover. Hickey did very well in the scrimmage and will be a great addition to the rushing team, and Jason Buco ’10 and Ben Green ’10. Many great young players will be able to step up and contribute to the team. Linebacker and guard Ward will play a huge role on both sides of the ball, and returner Shannon will step in to be starting quarterback. Said Coach Modeste, “When you think of young talent the first player that comes to mind is Jack Ward. He is a player. He and Shannon have both been working extremely hard over the summer.” Andover hopes to rectify its mistakes in the scrimmage in preparation for its away season opener against Loomis.
