Thornton’s focus is team Falcons at a glance

Falcons potent on offense, need to improve on ‘D'

Courtesy of the Worcester Telegram
By Steve Kendall CORRESPONDENT

FITCHBURG- Last year, Marlon Thornton made a name for himself. This year, the Fitchburg State senior running back wants his team to get the recognition.

Thornton finished 2007 with 1,296 yards and 15 touchdowns in just nine games. He was also FSC's second-leading receiver with 27 catches for 359 yards and two TDs. Almost from the first time he touched the ball, Thornton drew the attention of opposing defenses. And even then, they had trouble containing him.

Thornton's exploits earned him all sorts of honors: New England Football Conference first ream, ECAC first team, Division 2/3 New England Football Writers All-Star. It was a great breakout season for the transfer, who was barely recruited out of high school in Bloomfield, Conn., because of his diminutive size (5-foot-7, 195 pounds).

"All the personal stuff and the stats and the yards were great, don't get me wrong," Thornton said, "but I want to win. Everyone on this team wants to improve on last year. It's a lot more fun when everyone is having success and the team is doing well, and that's what I want this season."

Once again, Thornton will be the centerpiece of a potent offense. In addition to its star running back, Fitchburg State returns nearly its entire offensive line and senior quarterback Jim Miller as it tries to better last year's record-setting season.

FSC ranked 15th in the nation in offense (453.6 yards) and 14th in passing (304.6). The Falcons averaged 32 points a game.

Miller was 29th in the country with 2,484 yards passing, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and was named a conference all-star. His TD-to-INT ratio, along with his completion percentage (51.2), are two areas coach Paul McGonagle expects Miller to improve upon.

"Jim is a talented quarterback with a solid arm and a good understanding of the game," McGonagle said. "With another year of experience under his belt and a better understanding of what we're doing, we expect him to take another step in his development."

Though Miller lost two of his top weapons in receiver Dan Langlois of Oxford and tight end Bobby Kirko of Uxbridge, he does have some talented receivers. Devon Jennings (25 catches last year) and Carlos de la Rosa return, while transfer Steve Austin and freshman Jeremy Kimber of Fitchburg also should make an impact.

The line should also be strong with the return of James Foltz, Bobby Brouillete of North Middlesex Regional and Anthony Cavossa.

"The line did a great job last year and I think they should be even better this year," Thornton said. "The line is the key to our offense, so we expect good things this year."

Though the offense should again challenge records, the only way FSC will improve upon last year's 3-6 record is for the defense to get better. Last season, the Falcons surrendered an amazing 38.2 points and 458 yards per game, and 45 total TDs.

"The defense needs to play better, no question about it," McGonagle said. "I think people didn't realize we were starting 11 new guys on defense, and it takes time for guys to learn their roles and responsibilities. We played better the last three games (all wins), and we expect us to be even better this year."

Captain Dale Whittredge and senior defensive back Alex Bourassa lead the defense, which returns nearly intact. Senior linemen Tim Beane and Steve Witherell also return, senior Eugene Boakye (South High) is back at DE/LB after missing a year, and newcomers Sean Golden and Andrew Cavanagh should add some depth at defensive back.

The Falcons will get tested on both sides of the ball right away when they host Springfield College on Thursday in the first home night game in school history.

Coach: Paul McGonagle (second year, 3-6).

League: New England Football Conference (Bogan Division).

2007 record: 3-6.

Top returnees: Sr. RB Marlon Thornton (above), Sr. QB Jim Miller, Sr. OL James Foltz, Sr. DB Alex Bourassa, Sr. OL Bobby Brouilette, Sr. LB Dale Whittredge, Jr. WR Devon Jennings, So. WR Carlos de la Rosa, Sr. DL Tim Beane, Sr. DL Steve Witherell.

Key losses: WR Dan Langlois, TE Bobby Hirko, LB Ryan Miller, LB Josh Croft.

Notable newcomers: Jr. WR Steve Austin, Fr. DB Andrew Cavanagh, Fr. DB Sean Golden, Fr. WR Jeremy Kimber, Sr. DE/LB Eugene Boakye.