BILLERICA – If Shawsheen Tech soccer gamers are in search of any further motivation of their residence opener on Friday, they should look no additional than their very own sidelines.
Coach Al Costabile is closing in on gridiron greatness, sitting simply three wins shy of victory No. 200 of his illustrious profession. And whereas he is aware of the magic quantity is getting shut, he’s nonetheless staying centered on this weekend’s motion.
“I’m really more concerned about the next game,” stated Costabile, 67. “But to put something like that in perspective, honestly what that means is that I’ve coached them. Throughout this whole thing I’ve yet to make a tackle or throw a touchdown. I’ve coached a lot of good kids and had a lot of great assistant coaches with me. You can’t do it without those two.”
A Belmont High School graduate, Costabile first took the pinnacle teaching reigns at Bishop Fenwick for six seasons, earlier than shuffling off to Shawsheen. He’s been coach of the Rams for the final 25 seasons, together with the previous 17 within the twin capability as coach/athletic director.
Entering his thirty first season on the varsity sidelines, the coach has loved his journey.
“I happened to coach at two great schools,” he stated. “So you’re getting that community support, and a staff that really works hard at it. The relationships I’ve built with the players I’ve coached and coaches I’ve coached with, that puts that in perspective. To be around that long and have that many relationships makes you feel lucky.”
So what has stored him within the sport the previous three a long time? The reply is easy.
“I love the sport,” stated Costabile. “I love the kids and the coaches. I love everything about football. I still love preseason camp, the excitement of the student body and the feeling coming into school on Monday after a big win. In a lot of ways, it keeps you young.”
Friday’s residence opener will maintain the crew on its toes.
“I think the school is excited about it,” stated Costabile. “It’s great high school football, one of the things that makes America great.”
After having fun with some candy revenge towards Bedford final Saturday, Shawsheen returned to the follow subject this week with residence cooking on the thoughts.
The Rams play host to Triton on Friday evening in what is anticipated to be one other traditional showdown. The Byfield-based Vikings are contemporary off a 25-6 street win towards Randolph and look each bit a Cape Ann League Large contender. And with each groups off to 1-0 begins, one thing has received to offer.
“Triton is a very good program with three levels of football, an excitable coaching staff and a lot of athleticism,” stated Costabile. “They have a real good quarterback, and we’re going to have our hands full. It’s going to take a great effort, but we’re excited. It’s a Friday night home game, so that should provide a lot of excitement and get a good student body rooting section out there.”
Costabile has motive to be assured. His crew is coming off a 30-26 come-from-behind street win towards Bedford.
A Div. 4 powerhouse, Bedford blitzed Shawsheen 42-12 a yr earlier, and held a snug 20-6 cushion Saturday. However, the Rams rumbled its strategy to an unimaginable comeback with Mavrick Bourdeau main the cost. The senior co-captain helped put the sport away, catching a 10-yard cross from quarterback Sidney Tildsley en path to the win.
“We feel good about how we played Week 1,” stated Costabile. “I was very happy with the way we played all four quarters. We had a very tough game against Bedford last year and started off the year on a bad note. They really had their way with us. We knew it was going to take a full effort and I’m really proud that a number of players stepped up. That started in the trenches with the offensive and defensive lines. They were giving away a lot of size, but our kids battled.”
Based off their energetic follow classes this week, the gamers don’t plan on sitting on their laurels heading into this weekend’s contest.
“It was a great team win,” stated Bourdeau. “But we have to put it on the blindside. We’ve got to get ready for this week. New team, new game. We’re not going to keep winning if we keep thinking about the last game. We’ve got to keep working.”
Shawsheen co-captain Kevin Ackerley echoed these sentiments.
“Over my career we’ve had a lot of success, but a lot of times after success people get content,” Ackerley stated. “We can’t do that this week, because Triton is a good opponent.”
Costabile is assured his two senior leaders will assist maintain the crew motivated.
“I’m very proud of these two captains,” stated Costabile. “They’re great leaders. They’re in good shape and they play every minute, all 44 minutes.”
It’s a piece ethic the gamers plan to hold as they lead Costabile to magic win No. 200.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”