FCIAC Football Champs Have High Hopes

Already the winningest football coach in Staples High School history with a career record of 145-49,  Marce Petroccio commands respect in all areas of the practice field.

As he made his way around the familiar turf to different positional drills on Wednesday afternoon, the intensity sustained an unwavering and high level. Players smashed into each other and listened intently to the tutelage offered by Petroccio,  who is entering his 18th season at Staples.

The defending FCIAC champions will need all the coaching and guidance they can get this season, as they graduated a wealth of talent from a team that finished 11-1 and was ranked No. 1 in the state until losing to Cheshire, 28-21, in overtime in the Class LL title game. 

Gone from last season's squad are running back Matt Kelly, kicking standout Santiago Cuertas, signal-callers Brandon Pacillio and Keith Gelman and wideout Brandon Rankowitz. The Wreckers also lost punishing tailback Jake Santora, who lit up opposing backs with authority from his linebacker post on defense.

Throw in the graduation of two key linemen in Connor Bohling and Devin Graber, and there are major voids to be filled.

Still, the expectations are always high at Staples. The current players are primed to carry the torch and continue the Wreckers' tradition.

"Every day we're out here, every drill we get into, the guys are really working hard," Petroccio said. "Sure, we have plenty of work to do to get where we want to go, but the work ethic and the drive to get better is definitely there."

Newly annointed starting quarterback Chester Pajolek brings size and untapped potential under center for the Wreckers. The presence of  senior captain Pat Murray offers Pajolek a big and consistent target over the middle at the tight end position.

Tyler Jacobs will be another crucial weapon, as the running back/safety will strive to lessen the loss of captain Ryan Burke, the talented senior tailback who suffered a  knee injury in the spring and will be lost for most - if not all - of the season.

On the other side of the ball, the makings of a stout defense are firmly in place. With several battle-tested veterans,  along with a cast of promising athletes, Petroccio sounds like Jets coach Rex Ryan and his father Buddy Ryan – two defensive specialists - when talking about the keys to success this season.

The Wreckers' game plan will include a safe and conservative offense, an emphasis on time of possession and a  swarming, smash-mouth defense.

"We fully expect to compete every week," Petroccio said. "Defense and special teams are our strengths right now. Overall, our keys to success will be protecting the football and playing great defense."

The omnipresent linebacking duo of Rob Gau and fellow captain Matt Yaeger should spark many gang tackles during the season. Murray also provides the Wreckers with a strong run-stopping and quarterback-hunting defensive end.

Chris Coyne will bring the heat from the other defensive end and Jacobs will spearhead the Wreckers' secondary.

Staples kicks off its season next Friday at home against Trinity Catholic (3 p.m.)