• Sat, 11/19 | Football vs. Central Connecticut L, 42-21 (Final) BX | RC | PH
  • Sat, 11/12 | Football vs. Saint Francis (PA) W, 45-34 (Final) BX | RC | PH
  • Sat, 11/05 | Football at Albany W, 31-17 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 10/22 | Football at Robert Morris W, 34-27 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 10/15 | Football vs. Monmouth L, 40-35 (Final) BX | RC | PH
  • Sat, 10/08 | Football vs. Stonehill W, 42-7 (Final) BX | RC | PH
  • Sat, 10/01 | Football at Duquesne L, 31-28 (Final) BX | BX | RC
  • Sat, 09/24 | Football vs. Wagner W, 30-28 (Final) BX | RC | PH
  • Fri, 09/16 | Football at Sacred Heart W, 26-6 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 09/10 | Football vs. American Int'l W, 27-16 (Final) BX | RC | PH
 

September 2, 2009

LINEBACKERS AND SECONDARY BACKBONE OF BULLDOG DEFENSE

September 1, 2009

LINEBACKERS AND SECONDARY BACKBONE OF BULLDOG DEFENSE   

 Senior linebacker Paul Polomski of Franklin, MA www.dspics.com

Another position with excellent experience returning for the Bulldogs in ‘09, the linebacker position graduated just one, Dan Curci, from last year. Curci was a starter before a season-ending injury sidelined him two games in. 
    
With Curci out, the Bulldogs saw the emergence of sophomores Franck Tebou (Mattapoisett, MA) and Jason Riffe (Newton, MA), who both excelled in his place. Tebou played in all 11 games, registering 27 tackles including five for a loss.  Riffe was steady at middle linebacker, finishing fourth on the team with 48 tackles including eight for a loss and three sacks. 
    
Senior Nick Candito (West Boylston, MA) is another regular who has played in 29 games over his three-year career. 
   
The key for Fine and the defense is the return of Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA) for his senior season.  A starter since his freshman year, Polomski was named co-captain by his teammates.  His versatility and nose for the ball will be the driving force on the defensive side this season. 
    
Polomski led the team with 67 tackles and three sacks, picking off three passes on the year.  He enters his senior season with 191 tackles and eight interceptions in his three years.
   
Sophomores Luke Steinke (Rutland, VT) and Mike Abany (Mansfield, MA) and seniors Jackson Davis (Basalt, CO) and Dan Weaver (Bloomfield, PA) give the team excellent depth as well.

SECONDARY


It will be hard to replace team MVP Bryce Martins at the safety position.  Martins not only finished second on the team last year with 61 tackles, but also made his presence felt with his hard-hitting style.

While Martins will certainly be missed, the Bulldogs bring back plenty of experience with the return of senior co-captain Michael Morgan (New London, CT).  Morgan was a medical redshirt after an injury in the second game of the ‘08 season forced him to the sideline for the remainder of the year.  After a solid spring, he's ready to regain his starting position at corner.  

Sophomore Samad Wagstaff (New Rochelle, NY) gained valuable experience in his first season in ‘08, when he picked off five passes.  Classmate Michael McGowan (Attleboro, MA) also saw action last year. He'll compete for a starting position at corner with veterans John Suarez (Woodcliff, NJ) and Manny Frangiadakis (Westwood, MA). 

Strong safety Andre Whyte (Bennington, VT) has linebacker size coupled with excellent speed.  Whyte was third on the team behind Martins and Polomski with 51 tackles to go with four pass breakups and two interceptions. 

He'll be backed up by senior Kevin Menawonu (Providence, RI), who missed last year due to injury. 

Junior Addison Lynch (Braintree, MA), who also filled in as a regular because of injuries, saw action in all 11 games last year and finished with 45 tackles and five pass breakups.  He also led the team with three forced fumbles and two recoveries.
   
Sophomore Tyler Carter (Baltimore, MD) will back up Lynch while senior Anthony Castelli (Cranston, RI) should see time at strong safety as well.  Last year, Castelli had a fumble recovery for a touchdown in Bryant's road win at Wagner.

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