FHS looking to turn heads
By Ross Edwards

They say that hunger is the best spice, and no one is
feeling that hunger now more than Fitchburg High football
coach Ray Cosenza.

After a difficult 4-7 campaign last year, the Red Raiders
are looking to shoot back to the top of Central Mass. by
utilizing a powerful combination of veteran leaders and
young, athletic talent.

"We haven't had too many years like that, so it was tough to
take," admitted Cosenza about Fitchburg's previous
season. "Our kids have worked hard and we feel that we're
definitely better than last year."

The first step back to the top must look like a mountain for
the Fitchburg though, as the Red Raiders open their season
against an extremely potent Xaverian squad on
Saturday. Cosenza has already reminded his troops what
they'll need to do to be able to win the difficult task at
hand.

"Xaverian is one of the best teams in the state, last year
they played in the Eastern Mass. Division 1 playoffs, "
explained Cosenza. "They're just a great program, so we're
going to have a major test right away. We want to control
the clock; we want to keep their playmakers off the field
and sustain drives with our offense, that's the key. If we
have a lot of three-and-outs, they have too many weapons."

Of course, Fitchburg has its share of weapons as well,
including quarterback Jeremy Kimber, who could play a vital
role in rebuilding the Red Raiders' record. The value of
having a skilled and athletic quarterback who's only in his
second year of high school is clear: Kimber can only get
better with time, and has three more seasons to perfect his
game.

Despite being only a sophomore, the strong-armed youth
already has experience at the position from last season, and
has improved both his physical skills and his leadership
qualities over the offseason.

"He's done great things in the preseason," said Cosenza of
Kimber. "We feel that he's done very well, but he's going to
become very good over the next three years, it's going to be
a little tough for him with our first couple of games."

Fitchburg's ground game should compliment Kimber's passing
attack well, as the Red Raiders enjoy skilled depth in the
backfield. Fullbacks Jesus Ramos, Ken Phasay and Matt
Fraticelli have all shown Cosenza that they have something
to offer Fitchburg, and should all log minutes during games.

The speedy combo of Brett Barrows and John Gomez at halfback
should also help jump-start the offense. No matter who
carries the ball, however, the backfield should get a big
boost from the bruising Fitchburg offensive line, which
Cosenza described as an extremely physical and athletic
bunch.

Defense is where the Red Raiders should really shine,
though. Fitchburg is returning an arsenal of seven starters
from last year on the defensive end, and will combine a
fleet-footed secondary with a hard-hitting line that will
seek to shut down opposing backs.

"We kind of feel that we've got some pretty good depth on
defense and guys who have seen a lot of action," said
Cosenza. "We're going to count on those guys to lead us on."

Strong safety David Garay and cornerback Josh Matthews are
each entering their third year as starters with the Red
Raiders, and should provide invaluable leadership to the
younger members of the team.

Cosenza pointed out that the Red Raider season also got a
big boost this year thanks to the generosity of Leominster,
which consented to have the rivalry game moved to Fitchburg
because of the work being done on Doyle Field.

In the Twin Cities, where seasons are often defined by the
way a team performs on Thanksgiving Day, Fitchburg will have
another chance to take on the Blue Devils at Crocker Field
after losing last year's decision.

"Playing them is excitement enough," Cosenza said of the
Leominster. "Financially it makes a huge difference for us
in our budget and it's something that we need this year. I
think it was a great gesture on their part."

Cosenza went on to say that, while it's a good feeling to
know they'll be playing at home this Thanksgiving, his
players don't need any extra motivation to get up for the
game, as the Leominster rivalry is easily the biggest game
of the year.

As for the season as a whole, Cosenza says that he feels
pretty confident that Fitchburg will bounce back from last
year's rocky record. The coach added that he has been
extremely pleased with the effort and heart put forth by his
players so far in getting prepared for Saturday's game.

"It's going well," he said. "The attitude and the work ethic
has been great from our kids. We're real happy with the way
this group is coming around. I like this group. I love the
way they come to work every day. I think we're going to be
more prepared than last year, and I hope that shows in our
record, but I'm just pleased with the effort these kids have
put in day in and day out."




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