Football Veterans Look to Lead Bulldogs into 2008

August 20, 2008

PICTURE PERFECT

The Bulldog football team went through the annual photo day under the warm sun at Bulldog Stadium Wednesday morning.  

Following a morning video session and morning walk-through, the team cruised through picture day before heading off for some lunch and rest before an afternoon practice. 

The Sports Network came out with its preseason poll this week and there's one Bryant opponent listed in the top-10.  Massachusetts, the NCAA runner-up two years ago and perennial powerhouse, is ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll. 

Appalachian State was the unanimous pick for No. 1 after winning the NCAA Championship last season. Bryant will travel to UMass October 25.

GETTING DEFENSIVE

They may have allowed a stingy 24.1 points per game last season, held opponents to 171 yards rushing and only 17 rushing touchdowns a year ago, but the Bulldog defense is going to rise to the occasion in 2008.  This year's opponents (Division I) will feature much faster tailbacks and offensive weapons quite unlike those seen in year's past.

While Bryant loses standouts Jay Stahl and Mark Gunther from the defensive line, the Bulldogs will look to defensive end Don Smith (Attleboro, MA) and the Gauthier twins, Pat and Peter of Woonsocket, RI to lead the way up front. 

Smith tallied 22 tackles including four for a loss and three sacks last season, but it was his speed and strength at getting to the quarterback that made him one of toughest defenders for opponents to block.

"Don's our fastest guy on the team," said coach Fine during a break between sessions. "He's has lightening quick speed off the ball and added some strength over the summer that should help him have an excellent year." 

The Gauthier's, both juniors and coming into camp at a robust size of 6-foot-4, 290-plus pounds, will be key cogs along the line against the run.  Pat Gauthier had 26 tackles not to mention an interception in 2007.

Backing up the defensive line is a group of experienced linebackers.  Dan Curci (Hasbrouck Heights, NY), Nick Candito (West Boylston, MA) and Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA) are all back.  Curci and Polomski were tied for third on the team with 62 tackles a year ago with Candito not far behind with 42. 

"We're pretty solid at the linebacker position and we're going to need the defense to come up with some big plays this year," added Fine.

All three started in every game in '07, playing a key role in the team's second-straight conference title and second playoff berth in as many years.  Curci is a co-captain along with senior corner back Bryce Martins (Uncasville, CT).  Martins, along with fellow corner Michael Morgan (New London, CT) are the only two starters in the secondary returning.  The pair combined for 78 total tackles and 15 pass deflections in Bryant's championship season. 

After nearly two weeks of practice and the season-opener (at Central Connecticut, Aug. 30) looming, the veterans are focused on the task that awaits in '08.

"We've been working hard together and making progress," said Polomski.  "We're excited about the season and ready to go."