LAWRENCE — Even because the rain poured down, John Sexton was all smiles.
On Thursday morning, below the management of first-year head coach John Sexton, Central Catholic joined dozens of different MIAA applications throughout the state in starting soccer observe forward of the 2023 season.
The sight was an unfamiliar one to those that have adopted the Massachusetts highschool soccer scene for the final 20 years. Beginning in 1997, Chuck Adamopoulos manned the sidelines because the Raiders’ head coach, profitable three Super Bowls earlier than stepping down following the 2022 season. Sexton was beside Adamopoulos for all however two of 4 seasons, becoming a member of the Central Catholic workers in 2001 earlier than taking up as offensive coordinator in 2011.
“To say I’ve been excited for our first practice is an understatement,” Sexton mentioned. “The offseason training and 7-on-7 the kids do is all great, but there is something special about the first day of practice with everyone out here.”
Sexton will proceed to name the offensive performs as head coach whereas Jason Fielding is the brand new defensive coordinator. Adamopoulos steered the group’s protection throughout his tenure.
“Our kids have put the work in, which is the big thing,” Sexton mentioned. “I think we have a lot of potential with this offense but we will have to execute.”
Central Catholic is inexperienced in lots of respects however has no scarcity of gamers with over 160 signed up all through this system. Clemson-bound quarterback Blake Hebert is a family identify. Up entrance, the Raiders are led by left deal with Thomas Galusha, whereas Presley Titus leads the move rush. Jackson Pereira spearheads the secondary.
Adamopoulos has not traveled far. He spent the morning helping with the line of defense.
Source: www.bostonherald.com