A strong 'D'
By Ross Edwards
Article Launched: 09/07/2007 10:05:22 AM EDT
The Leominster High School football team practices at the school, last
month. (sentinel & enterprise / sarah britain)The Leominster football
program has stepped through the looking glass.

After two years of being able to rely heavily on their offense, the
Blue Devils suddenly find themselves with a powerful defensive unit
that may have to shoulder the load until the inexperienced players on
the other side of the ball can find their bearings.

"We're getting a little better from scrimmage to scrimmage and the
kids are getting some experience," said Leominster coach John
Dubzinski. "We have to replace a lot of people on offense."

There are some key returners on offense, however, who should provide
plenty of leadership to the new faces. Linemen Matt Whitney, Kyle
Salisbury and Chris Daigneault return after a great season last year,
as does fullback Dan Creed.  Creed was perhaps the biggest surprise of
last season for the Blue Devils. Buried on the depth chart at the
start of the season, there was no reason for anyone to expect the
5-foot-10, 175-pound back to make a name for himself, but that's
exactly what happened.

Creed rumbled for over 500 yards on the ground, became a viable option
as a receiver out of the backfield and, most importantly, helped open
up huge holes for superstar Jon Hernandez. Leominster will have to do
without Hernandez this season, and will have to find its offensive
firepower elsewhere.

"It's going to be difficult to replace Jon, but we have a couple of
kids who are doing a good job there at tailback," said Dubzinski.

Alex Rivera, 



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