Rocky Nelson Quotations

Last year we opened with Swampscott and Medford and beat them pretty easily. In both cases the starters were pretty much out of the game by halftime. That didn't help us going into Burlington (a 28-25 loss). We needed to change. Everything we do is to try and get ready for Middlesex League competition.

The schedule says we have to play Burlington first, and there's nothing you can do about that. They are the defending Middlesex League champs, with a great program and great players and coaches, and I think this game will have great implications on how the Middlesex League turns out.

He's got some experience at quarterback. I expect him to step up and I think we will be fine. We expect to run the ball most of the time anyway.

They knew that we couldn't throw it and they ganged up on us.

They completed some passes on that first series and scored, but I felt we would be OK. Then we moved the ball on our possession and I had some good vibes after that.

Ryan was a triple threat for us. He could run, pass, and kick. He was a great receiver as a junior and a very athletic quarterback. He threw well over 100 passes for us and never got picked off. Ryan was a competitive kid who had a great high school career.

I don't know if they were looking ahead. But we respect them. They had a great win over Lexington and were very impressive. They have some outstanding backs and appear to have changed their offense. We can't overlook anyone.

Our attitude and work ethic have been great with this group. This pre-season went above and beyond my expectations. But, we have inexperienced players who do not have a lot of (varsity) game experience. But, I feel good about being able to compete.

We were sleepwalking for a while, but we got after the team at halftime and challenged them. They responded. We played some great defense.

Playing teams like Acton-Boxborough and Billerica should prepare us better than in the past for our league season. That can only help us. But we also have to stay healthy.