Offense should soar for Falcons
By Matt Stewart, Sentinel & Enterprise Correspondent
PHOTO CAPTION: Captains Davin Summiel, Garrett Dellechiaie, Malcolm Brown-Simpson and Taylor Ekstrom
PHOTO CREDIT: SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE / Ashley Green
FITCHBURG -- There is no question that the 2015 season was a spectacular one of the Fitchburg State University football team. In addition to an 8-3 record and trip to the ECAC Robert "Scott" Whitelaw Bowl, the Falcons proved themselves to be one of the foremost powers in the MASCAC.
But 2016 is a new year and even though a few key pieces return on offense, a new-look defense combined with returning players trying to forge a new identity will highlight the upcoming season.
"Each season is independent of itself," said Fitchburg State head coach Pat Haverty, whose team opens at Becker on Sept. 2 and hosts Castleton University Sept. 10. "Every season you want to get better and with that said, it's a whole new season, a whole new group of guys.
We had a lot of senior leadership in the guys who graduated, and now you've got to find a whole new team. Last year's gone; we're all 0-0, and starting from scratch.
"Both sides of the ball were solid in 2015, but in most cases the defense would come through when called upon, including allowing just 11 points in an 11-10 loss to Alfred in the ECAC bowl.
Graduation hit the defense hard and how quickly and successfully the new defenders can acclimate could be the key to big team success down the road.
"Everything goes in waves," Haverty said. "I think last year our defense was really, really strong, and our offense was coming. This year we're going to be relying on that offense to get us going because we have more veterans and experience there now.
Although there will be some new faces on offense, one thing remains constant. Going into his fourth season as the starting quarterback, senior Garrett DelleChiaie will continue to take command of the Falcon offense.
DelleChiaie, a Leominster High alum, has improved each season. His total yardage and completion percentage continue to climb year after year with some oustanding numbers in his junior season. The QB completed 251 of 410 passes for 2,957 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, adding 93 carries for 305 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
"DelleChiaie is a great kid, a great leader, and just a pleasure to have around the program," Haverty said. "He works hard at getting better at football every day, and I'm sure he's going to work hard every day again and do well for the team. He's one of those kids who doesn't care about individual accolades, just what's best for the team."
Over the course of DelleChiaie's career, the senior signal caller racked up 7,718 passing yards and 77 touchdowns. He is on pace to eclipse the 10,000 career passing yards plateau, but his focus is on his team.
"Over the years I've tried to be a better leader and a teammate," DelleChiaie said. "Our defense definitely held it down last year and I'm definitely ready to step up. Our offense has been clicking lately and we're ready to take over."
Fitchburg State lost one of DelleChiaie's top targets in Ty Spencer, who not only racked up yards, but held a strong leadership position on the team. But last year's leading receiver is back in Devin Summiel (53 recs, 756 yds, 12 TDs), while Taylor Ekstrom (33 recs, 345 yards) and Jesse Lastra (42 recs, 547yds) return and will likely see more targets.
Running back is another position with experience returning, as leading rusher and senior Jevon Brown-Simpson (114 rush, 546 yards, 3 TDs) back behind the line, competing with a slew of others for carries.
The offensive line remains mostly intact, with older players ascending to roles that graduated seniors play. There is one huge mark of consistency in the experienced line, as Max Schiavone returns for his fourth year starting at center.
On defense, Cyrick Watford showed promise in his freshman season last year, notching 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks, and will anchor the line from the defensive end position this year.
"Watford was MASCAC rookie of the year," Haverty said. "He's returning and hopefully can build upon a great freshman season."
Malcolm Brown-Simpson, an outside linebacker with 41 tackles and two interceptions last year, will be a captain of the team, and provide leadership and experience.
"We all have to do our individual jobs well to make the defense work," Brown-Simpson said. "We had great year last year, and had some great players leave, but I'm confident in our defense to continue to do what we did last year."
Mamour Samb (67 tackles) is a returning linebacker that was second on the team in tackles last year and will round out the linebacking corps along with Tre Watson (37 tackles).
Graduation battered the secondary, but Ousame Samb (44 tackles) returns after starting all season at cornerback.