Natick High’s football squad will open its season on Friday, Sept. 7, at Needham and coach Mark Mortarelli is hoping his forces not only start off with a positive result, but also display solid team chemistry as the Redhawks strive to overcome the loss of 23 seniors who helped spark NHS to a 9-1 regular-season record last year.
Mortarelli has a variety of goals for the 2018 season and they basically focus on daily and weekly challenges.
“I want our players to be disciplined, unselfish and mentally tough,’’ he emphasized. “If they achieve those things, then the results will be good. As far as our team objectives go, it’s all about being in the present. We want to have great practices every day, to improve daily and think no further than our upcoming opponent. We always aim for the Super Bowl but talk about that will come later in the season.’’
The 44-year-old Mortarelli knows his team will be young but he’s upbeat about its strengths. He lists talent, technique, size, speed, leadership and football IQ as plusses but he’s quick to temper expectations with reality.
“I’m excited about our current group but we lost a tremendous senior class,’’ he noted. “We’ve got plenty of work ahead but we need to mesh as a team and replace the outstanding senior leadership we had last year. Our experience and depth will be tested.’’
Mortarelli, who’s starting his ninth year as head coach, is bullish on his four senior captains, noting they were chosen by their teammates. They include Gio DeJesus (defensive back/running back/receiver), Colin Ghilan (receiver/defensive back), Max Ferrucci (receiver/defensive back) and Hunter Ferrera (linebacker/running back).
“They all lead in a variety of ways,’’ Mortarelli said. “Gio is an all-around player whose versatility is an big asset. He’s excellent on punt returns. Colin is a talented, tall receiver who’s fast and mentally tough. Max is a big-play guy who’s quick, has good hands and runs good routes. He can also play defensive back. Hunter is a physical, instinctive linebacker who can be our short-yardage back.’’
Sophomore Will Lederman is ticketed to start at quarterback. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder gets high marks from his coach. “Will is a tremendous worker who’s a natural leader,’’ Mortarelli said. “He throws well and he can run. Will relies on good instincts.’’
Lederman will have a solid corps of receivers, led by Ferrucci. Other key wideouts are seniors Angel Lebron (5-9), Declan McMahon (6-1) and Ghilani (6-1). “Max and Angel were Bay State Conference all-stars last year,’’ Mortarelli noted. “Angel is quick, works hard and has experience. He’s a threat to go all the way. Declan also is a hard-worker, a possession receiver who’s got good hands and is a red-zone threat.’’
DeJesus will be joined in the backfield by sophomore Jalyn Aponte (5-9, 215) and junior Terrance Cherry (6-2, 220). “Gio is fast and he catches and blocks well,’’ Mortarelli said. “Jalyn is young, has natural ability and he’s explosive. He’s fast, runs north to south and he’s got great potential. Terrance is a big, bruising back. A north-to-south runner, he’s tough to tackle.’’
Senior Ramathan Makayu (6-0, 220) and junior Jakobi Holiday (6-3, 300) will be key components in the offensive line. Mayayu will play guard and Holiday is a tackle. “Ramathan is a wrestler who’s athletic and has quick feet,’’ Mortarelli said. “Jakobi plays basketball. He’s got quick feet, too, and he’s got good balance. Both are effective run and pass blockers and they work to keep improving.’’
Senior Matt Hodge (6-2, 290) and junior Garrett Bean (6-2, 195) will also buoy the offensive line. Hodge will play center and Bean can play guard or tackle and also play end on defense. “Matt is a good run and pass blocker who’s smart,’’ Mortarelli said. “He’ll probably call plays on offense. Garrett is all business, very coachable and mentally tough.’’
Junior Josh Atwood (6-2, 300) was a BSC all-star last year and he should have a dynamic season at defensive tackle. Mortarelli likes his ability and athleticism. “Josh has great balance and flexibility,’’ he said. “He runs well and started for us as a freshman. There’s no limit to his ceiling.’’
Bean likely will see action on defense along with junior tackle Adesotu Woghiren (6-1, 215). Mortarelli likes Woghiren’s “explosive style and raw natural ability.’’
Ferrera will headline a group of linebackers that include Cherry, Aidan Brogan, Aedan Knowlton, Nick Bishop and Tommy Wester. “Cherry will play the middle,’’ Mortarelli said. “He gets to the ball quickly. Aidan will be on the edge and he’s tough and physical. Aedan is an outside linebacker who’s instinctive, solid and physical. Nick and Tommy will be in the mix. They’re seniors, good leaders and will battle to get playing time.’’
The defensive secondary will feature DeJesus and Ghilani, who rely on toughness and quickness. Junior Felix Ferrucci will also be in the mix. “Felix is instinctive and he plays the angles well,’’ Mortarelli said. “He’ll be our quarterback on defense.’’
Mortarelli was still working to find a punter at Local Town Pages deadline but junior Sam Waltzman definitely will handle kickoffs and be the field-goal kicker. “Sam won the job in Week Three last year,’’ Mortarelli recalled. “He’s very accurate.’’
Natick’s assistant coaches are returning and a familiar face will be added to coach the freshmen. “I wouldn’t trade our staff for anybody and it just got better because we added Tom Lamb,’’ Mortarelli noted. “He’s a legend wherever he’s coached and he’ll direct the freshmen.’’
Having led Natick to three Herget Division titles in his eight years, Mortarelli’s philosophy of coaching remains a constant. He’ll focus on his players’ reaching their potential and to enjoy their football experience. “If that occurs, then winning follows,’’ he emphasized. “We also want our players to learn life lessons, like responsibility and leadership. Overcoming adversity is another excellent life lesson that sports teach.’’
When pre-season practice began on Aug. 17, Mortarelli stressed the need for his players to be positive, efficient and organized. He’s acutely aware that those attributes set the tone for a successful season.
Three Herget Division titles and six playoff berths in eight years are a testament to that mindset.
Issue Date:
September, 2018
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