The 2014 football season is just around the corner and as part of our preview, we have compiled a list of players that play offense in the Hockomock League that people should keep their eyes on. The players are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Click here to see our ten players to watch on defense.
Thomas Belin, Attleboro - Senior Running back
After sitting out his sophomore season, Belin didn't see action until the third game of 2013, but he immediately showed the ability to break the game open with his speed. This year, the senior will take on an even bigger load of the Attleboro offense after the graduation of Tim Walsh. He is a shifty runner that has the explosiveness to turn a small opening into a big gain. He is also adept at catching the ball out of the backfield and can be a weapon in the screen game.
Jake Gibb, Stoughton - Junior Quarterback
Jake Gibb is one of the other quarterbacks that will be returning with experience this year after taking over the reigns of the Black Knights’ offense last season as a sophomore. Gibb showed incredible poise during his tenure as starting QB last season, especially during Stoughton’s playoff run. His play quickly caught the attention of opponents and he helped the Black Knights edge rival Oliver Ames and then almost helped bring Stoughton back against Plymouth South. He has shown he has a strong arm and is comfortable in the pocket, but if needed, he can get tuck the ball in and run it. His playoff experience is something that could be vital for the Black Knights.
Joey Girolamo, Stoughton - Senior Running back
When it comes to a true combination back, Stoughton’s Joey Girolamo fits the mold. He’s one of the most powerful backs in the league but also has an incredible burst. He can run through defenders but he can also beat defenses around the edge if needed. One attribute that Girolamo possesses that every coach wants in a running back is his ability to take a hit and keep going. He’s not the type of back that will go down on the first tackle attempt.
Mark Glebus, King Philip - Senior Running back
King Philip went into the 2013 season with a two-headed running attack in Joe Johnston and Christian Flaherty but it didn’t take long for it to become a three-headed monster. Mark Glebus literally burst onto the scene last year and looks to be one of the top backs this season. Glebus has incredible speed and as soon as a hole opens up, you’ll more than likely see Glebus come running through it. Glebus was a change of pace from the other KP backs last year and has the ability to get around the edge and up the field. He’s also strong in the return game.
Steven Harrison, Taunton - Senior Running back
Taunton boasted one of the deepest and most talented backfields last year with Gerald Cortijo, Domingo Jenkins and Steven Harrison. The good news for the Tigers is that Harrison will be back for another year and will more than likely be getting a large majority of the carries. Harrison is strong cutting up the field and is versatile in the sense that he can run north/south as well as east/west. Harrison was often sent in motion last year and thrived in that role, coming across the line. He follows his block well and is patient waiting until the hole opens. Another positive for Harrison is his ability to catch out of the back field, something that will help for a new quarterback. Harrison is just one of two players to make both offense and defense players to watch lists.
Brendan Hill, Mansfield - Senior Tight End
If you’re wondering who that player is that seems to be ahead of the pack in the Player of the Year race, it’s Mansfield’s Brendan Hill. Hill has shown over the past two years just how dangerous he is, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Hill hauled in a team-high 53 catches last game for a team-best 811 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hill is obviously a big time mismatch for defenses, with his speed and size creating issues for whoever he is matched up with. The biggest challenge this year will be the loss of receivers Michael Hershman and Kyle Hurley but Hill is clearly talented enough to beat defenses on his own.
Franklin Holgate, Oliver Ames - Junior Wide Receiver
When you look at the Oliver Ames receiving group, it’s really a take-your-pick for a player to watch. Franklin Holgate has been catching touchdown passes for the Tigers since his freshman year, beating his coverage all over the field. He stretches the field for OA with his ability to get behind defenses and beat them deep but he also can take a short catch and beat the first defender and could be at the top of the yards-after-catch category at the end of the season. Another strong attribute for Holgate is his blocking ability. What might be scarier for defenses is beyond Holgate, Oliver Ames has wide receivers Sam Kelly, Tim Kelley and Cooper Johnson as well as tight ends Andrew Callachan and Kevin Geary - who impressed in the 7v7 Under Armour pass competition - to complement Holgate.
Brenden Massey, Attleboro - Senior Wide Receiver
Brenden Massey emerged as one of Tim Walsh’s favorite targets last year and will be one of Attleboro’s leaders on offense this year. Massey has good speed and can get behind the defense on deep routes. He also has good leaping ability and can go up and get it. Massey is the kind of receiver that demands attention from more than one player in coverage and will more than likely beat one on one coverage deep and has the ability to turn and come catch the ball.
Nolan Rogers, Foxboro - Senior Quarterback
The Warriors are just one of four teams bringing back their starting quarterback and Nolan Rogers is arguably the top one of that group. Rogers boasts the most experience at the position in the entire league after getting some starts his sophomore season and then starting all of last year. Rogers has emerged as a true leader for the Warriors after tossing 13 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards last season. Another advantage for Rogers is the familiarity with his targets as pass catchers Balazs Busznyak and Derek Gilreath are both back.
Pete Schuler, Milford - Senior Tight End/Wide Receiver
Milford only had one Hockomock All Star last year but the good news for the Scarlet Hawks is that he’s back. Pete Schuler is versatile pass catcher that not only can beat the defense on a go-route on the sideline, he can go across the middle as well. He lined up on the line as a tight end and out wide as a receiver last season and saw success in both spots. He creates matchup nightmares for defenses - too quick for linebackers and his size is a huge advantage over the secondary. One strong part of Schuler’s game that goes unnoticed is his blocking, both on the line as a tight end and spread out wide as a receiver.