Red Raiders poised for a Super Bowl run
By Chad Garner
Staff Writer


FITCHBURG -- If the Fitchburg High football team has any
notion of going to the Super Bowl, this year may be the Red
Raiders' chance.

And why wouldn't it?

With 21 seniors and an offense loaded with talent on 12-year
coach Ray Cosenza's squad, the Red Raiders hope they have
all the key ingredients to be one of the most dominating
teams in Central Mass.

"I don't think I've coached a year here that we haven't
expected to compete and win," said Cosenza, whose Red
Raiders open the season at home, 7 p.m. tonight against
St. Peter-Marian of Worcester.  "I think we have some of the
ingredients (to contend for the Super Bowl), but a
lot of other things have to happen. It's way too early for
us to say."

After a dismal 1-4 start last season, the Red Raiders got
back to doing what they do best -- that's playing
smash-mouth football. The Red Raiders refused to simply give
up on the season and reeled off their last six games for a
very respectable 7-4 record.

But this season, the Red Raiders hope to get off to a fast
start.

Led by senior left-handed quarterback Jason Twomley, senior
tailback Frank McDonald and junior fullback Norman Cole, the
Red Raiders' multiple I-formation, run oriented offense
appears to be extremely explosive.

"We've had faster kids, but I think all three backs can take
one to the house," explained Cosenza of his potent
backfield.  "MqcDonald has very good vision and above
average speed, Jason Twomley has proven he makes big plays
running with the football and throwing the ball, and Norman
Cole is very quick for a big kid. I think we can be
explosive, but what I think people will see more is us
sustaining drives."

When the athletic Twomley gets the nod to pass, he will have
John Shea, Ryan Davenport and Jesse Forrester at his
disposal at the wide receiver positions.

In order for Fitchburg to sustain long, time-consuming
drives, the offensive line will be the key to the success of
the 2000 Red Raiders. Led by center Tim Caron, guards Marcus
DiNatale and Josh Raboin, tackles Anthony Fanelli and Sean
Roy and tight end Jim Alexander, the Red Raiders will go as
far as the offensive line will take them.

"We've always had great skill kids here, but the key is
always the people up front," said Cosenza. "We have an
experienced group. Although we're not big, I like the way
this line has come together. They are going to be the key to
our success and they know that -- we tell our teams that
every year."

The base-50 Red Raider defense, which prides itself on team
speed and technique, may not have that one big play
defender, but they will use a total team concept to shut
down the opposition.

Tim Roy and Ernie King start at the tackles, between
sophomore nose guard Aaron Storm, while Mike Thomas and Tom
Foote look to shut down the sweep plays at the defensive
ends. McDonald leads the linebacking core, alongside Steve
Marrella and B.J. Fitz. Corey Nass and Shea start at the
corners, Ryan Logan and Twomley will split time at free
safety and the hard-hitting Alexander starts at strong
safety.

"We have the type of defense where everyone has got to play
well, everyone has a responsibility," said Cosenza. "We
don't run a passive defense. I don't think you'll see one
person dominate that side of the ball. We need 11 people
going to the ball and that's our philosophy."

Even though the Red Raiders have one of the more difficult
schedules in Central Mass., facing defending Super Bowl
champions Nashoba Regional, Division 1 powerhouse Xaverian
and St. Peter-Marian at home, and traveling to Brockton,
Cosenza knows his team will be ready each and every game.

"Our kids take the field every week expecting to have an
opportunity to win -- I don't care who we're playing," he
said.  "That's the way we coach, that's the way our kids
come out to play ... they're not intimidated by teams. Our
kids and our staff like challenges."

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