The sparkling trophy case in Westfield State CollegeÕs new field house is already stocked with championship trophies.
But the 2004 WSC football team is certain it can find space in the case for another trophy as it prepares to defend the New England Football Conference Bogan Division championship for the third straight season.
Westfield State has compiled a 25-7 record over the past three years, including a perfect 18-0 division record. The Owls have played in three consecutive NEFC championship games and won the 2001 title when they earned their first NCAA Tournament berth.
ÒWe talk to the players about it all the time,Ó said 15th year head coach Steve Marino of his teamÕs impressive three-year championship run. ÒWeÕve started a tradition here and the players, even the freshmen, are all aware of it.Ó
As expected, defending the title wonÕt be easy. The Owls graduated a number of talented players from last yearÕs team, including wide receiver Matt Yvon and quarterback Chris Lapointe, who hold nearly every school receiving and passing record. All America center Rob Byrne and all-conference linebacker Mike Hurteau also finished their collegiate careers in 2003
In addition, the Owls will tackle another challenging schedule that includes rivals Fitchburg State, Bridgewater State and Worcester State, a team the Owls have beaten by a total of 10 points the past three games. WestfieldÕs crossover NEFC games are Nichols and Curry, the only two teams that defeated the Owls in 2003.
But the tradition has been established, the coaching staff has remained stable for the past six years, and the Owls have 13 returning starters.
HereÕs a look at the 2004 Owls by position:
Marino strongly believes the offensive lineÕs development into a solid unit is critical.
ÒThatÕs the whole key to it (offense),Ó he said. ÒWe are solid at the skilled position, the big question is whether or not we can get the blocking up front to protect our quarterback and give Don (Jones) running room.Ó
Returning starters are senior guard John Kelley (6-1, 290), junior guard Chuck Monfett (6-0, 295) and senior tight end Brian Maver (6-6, 280). Junior Chris Nuzzo (6-0, 265), who saw considerable action last year, is listed as the right guard. Freshmen center Jeff Bienvenue (5-11, 240) and tackle Harrison Fox (6-4, 250) are also scheduled to start.
Backups include sophomore center/tackle Paul Geary, freshman Sean Gilrein, freshman Nick Criscitelli, and junior Wayne Browning.
WestfieldÕs experience at this skilled position begins with Don Jones. The 5-6, 192-pound senior running back has been a workhorse for the past two years, carrying the ball 516 times in 21 games for an average of nearly 25 rushes per game. Last season he rushed for 1,281 yards; he has 2,761 career rushing yards.
ÒDon looks good, he looks strong and quick,Ó said Marino. ÒHe has a chance to finish his career with 4,000 yards if he stays healthy.Ó
Jones, who played at 200 pounds last season to withstand the constant pounding, has lost about 10 pounds in preparation for a big senior season.
ÒI believe it (192 pounds) gives me the correct balance between speed and power,Ó said Jones.
Providing depth in the backfield are junior Jose Molina, who rushed for 208 yards last season, and redshirt freshman Dan Stern, who is still recovering from a serious knee injury that he sustained in the first game last season.
The Owls are set at fullback with the return of junior Mark Puchalski, a talented 6-2, 230-pounder blocking back who also has running and receiving skills.
ÒI think ÒPuckÓ can be an all-conference player,Ó said Marino.
The veteran coach says quarterback is one of the strongest positions despite the departure of Lapointe. Returning is junior Mike Lorenzano, who filled in capably when Lapointe was sidelined for four games last season with a hand injury. Lorenzano threw for 478 yards and six touchdowns and ran for 74 yards and an additional two scores.
A key acquisition is senior quarterback Jon Meczywor, a transfer from the University of Maine. The talented 6-5, 225-pounder is making a strong bid for the starting spot with his passing and running skills.
Meczywor earned playing time at Division I-AA Maine as the starting punter. A native of Lanesboro, he also excelled in basketball and track and field at Mt. Greylock High School in Williamstown and was the Berkshire County Athlete of the Year in 2000.
Marino is also impressed with freshman quarterback Brett LeClerc, a 6-2, 195-pound quarterback from Bridgewater-Raynham High School.
Despite the departure of Yvon, the Owls have talent and depth here, starting with senior David Trueira (39 receptions, 493 yards, 5 TDs) and junior B.J. Holleran (13 catches, 138 yards). Also returning are Tim Tontonoz, Andrew Maxwell and John Walsh. Freshman to watch are Billy Stewart and Steve Yelle.
Marino says that the defense will set the tone for the Owls, and it begins with the line, which is led by all-conference and All-East Region end Jessie Holmes. The quick and athletic 6-2, 225-pounder from Springfield set a school record in 2003 with 14 sacks and finished the season with 61 tackles, including 20 for losses.
ÒJessie is a great player and has a chance to be an All American if we can have a good season,Ó said Marino.
Junior end Justin Sargent also returns as a starter. The Nashua, N.H., native was the sixth leading tackler in 2003 with 50 stops.
The starting tackles are familiar faces who were not with the team in 2003. Junior Casey Lawrence (6-2, 240) was called to active military duty last year and senior Stan PaÕu (6-2, 280) returns after a three-year hiatus.
Reserves include junior Adam Lapon and freshman David Monfett, the younger brother of offensive lineman Chuck Monfett.
Starters returning are senior Matt Wooliver, the second leading tackler in 2003, and senior Dave Granados, who ranked fifth in tackles last year. Junior Rick Colburn is slated to start at middle linebacker, while junior Jim Fennelly of Wilmington, a transfer from Division II University of Missouri Rolla, will see plenty of action.
Westfield has depth and experience in the secondary. Returning are juniors Ryan Riley (srrong safety), Jay Abair, Craig Skribiski and Ryan Togneri (free safety), and sophomore Dave Webster. Sophomore Tyler Charette and freshman Kyle Newton are vying for playing time.
ÒWe defend the run the well and we have some smart players who can defend the pass,Ó said Marino.
The Owls have a nice dilemma as Puchalski was one of the top punters in the NEFC last season, while Meczywor punted at Maine. Handling the placekicking chores is freshman Garrett Davis of Belchertown. Trueira, Abair and Stern are slated to return kicks and punts