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Photo by Nicole Harnishfeger
Junior quarterback Taylor Hughes keeps the ball on a running play against David Prouty High School during Saturday's home scrimmage. |
By Peter Martin
I&M Staff Writer
Last season, the Nantucket High School football team was once again a force to be reckoned with. This season the Whalers will begin the more difficult task of maintaining that success.
“The expectations and goals are more intangible this year. We are looking for more commitment than last year, getting kids to come to practice and work hard,” head coach John Aloisi said. “We want to be showing up and doing our best and having fun. We don’t focus on records, we want the kids to become better players, and to be better teammates, and be good football players.”
The Whalers posted a 6-5 record last year, including a 5-3 mark in the Mayflower Small League in Aloisi’s first season on the sidelines. Aloisi, a member of the Whalers from 1993-1995, led the Whalers to their first finish over .500 since 2006 and by doing so created some renewed belief and excitement about the program, which was evident in a series of weekend scrimmages against Worcester-area schools St. Peter-Marian and David Prouty High, and a Tuesday preseason tilt against Winthrop High School.
That program-building is already beginning to pay off. With 46 players in camp this week, the Whalers should be able to field a full junior varsity squad this year, as well as the varsity, allowing the younger players to get more experience both in practice and in games.
“That is one of the nicest changes this year. We have a full JV team,” Aloisi said. “The younger kids will get more chances and better reps. It is really exciting for the program.”
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