Another day, another new team swings through the Captain’s Corner. This time we move north to a Class A contender that will now move into Class AA this fall: Fox Lane.
The Foxes weren’t one of Class A’s fantastic four that still has everyone talking, but they return some talent this season. We’ll here from some of those players in the coming week, but first up is one of those you’ll see carrying the rock on Friday nights, fullback Anthony Grasso.
As always, if you have a captain or two you’d like to hear from, shoot me an e-mail at jthomson@lohud.com.
Name: Anthony Grasso
School: Fox Lane High School
Year: 2012
Jersey number: 44
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 200
Offensive position: FB
Defensive position: LB
What is your favorite part about football?: Just playing, getting the chance to be in a physical game and battle with other kids from other schools. The opportunity to go out every day and grow closer to other kids in your school and then getting to play in those one-score, nail-biter games that we all live for. And to just go out there for the love of the game and to have fun with the opportunity we have.
What do you do to prepare for games?: I work my hardest to prepare individually and as a team and try to make sure everyone is on the same page. On game day I go right home from school, eat a bowl of pasta, put on my headphones and put my pump-up playlist on and get in the zone. I make sure that everyone is on the same page and focused, make sure all the equipment is ready to go and try to help my teammates to be less nervous.
What did it mean to be named a captain?: It meant a lot to me because my name was thrown around with some of Fox Lane’s greatest high school players. I tried my best to work hard both in-season and off-season and also I try to give a 100 percent effort into football both on and off the field. I am so exited to be a captain and be able to lead my team in the right direction.
As a captain, what will it take to be a leader?: Initiative, self-motivation and leadership — stepping up both mentally and physically and also keeping my emotions stable. I need to lead by example and push myself to a new level and hopefully that will motivate my teammates and we will be successful. It’s going to be all about staying together and being consistent the whole way through, no let ups. We need to be hungry and ready every week for a new opponent and be ready for any challenge.
Who is your team’s best teammate? Why?: Kevin Sears. He has a ton of heart and passion for the game and is kind and compassionate toward everyone on the team. He is at every practice and every game, ready to play, and always goes out and gives 100 percent. No matter if he wins or loses, he does it with class and respect. He is definitely a role model for other players because his display of heart every day during the season is remarkable.
Who is the best athlete on your team? Why?: Cameron Stephens. He is incredibly big and strong and also has a lot of quickness and knows a lot about the game. He understands the ins and outs well. He not only knows how to work through tough situations but he is also able to help talk his teammates through them too. In addition, Cameron always is prepared for practice and games and also he is early to everything, which is a valuable trait.
Who is your funniest teammate?: Kevin Sears — great sense of humor, never in a bad mood.
What are your team’s goals for the season?: To be a strong team physically, mentally and emotionally and to be consistent in our effort to come out every game and do our best and see how far we get. Also, to be a hard-working team that other schools fear to go against.
What will it take for you to achieve them?: Lots of time and preparation both on and off the field as well as leaders stepping up and keeping the team motivated. Additionally, it will take a lot of individuals to come together and work together and make things happen. Many people need to gain trust in each other and make it work. Teammates need to become like family.
After high school, what’s your next step?: To go to college and achieve success both on and off the field. To work hard in the classroom and also on the field. Hopefully, that takes me somewhere. I would really love to study and find a job in an area that I feel passionately about.
Previous Captain’s Corners —
June 20: Joe Magardino, Horace Greeley
June 21: Jaylen Amaker, Mount St. Michael
June 22: Dan O’Connell, Panas
June 23: Justin Kennedy, Dobbs Ferry
June 24: Giuseppe Deluca, Eastchester
June 25: Gustavo Larramendi, Horace Greeley
June 26: Eddie Fanning, Dobbs Ferry
June 28: Tom DiCarlo, Eastchester
July 2: Nick Cevallos, Westlake
July 3: Michael Longo, Iona Prep
July 5: Tim Perley, Iona Prep
July 6: Anthony Vitiello, Rye
July 9: Donnie Simmons, Stepinac
July 10: Peter Tucci, Rye Neck
July 12: Connor Eck, Rye
2 Comments
Josh .. In response to your comment “What they must prove is that the skill players aside from Near are solid enough to replace what was lost, most notably RB Brian Murray.”
Check out Dillon Mitchell’s stats from last year (from Max Prep):
Passing – 15-21 for 258 yds., 3 Touchdowns.
Rushing – 74 carries for 479 yds., 4 Touchdowns
Punt Returns – 9 attempts for 133 yds.
Kickoff returns – 7 attempts for 222 yds.
MVP of State semi final game (20 carries, 121 yds., 2 TD)
A bit of research might have been in order !
A couple responses I’d like to clear up:
1. I don’t want anyone to confuse this. I was saying that Bronxville was the best team in its given class and went into the 2010 season with the best chance to win a championship. That does not mean I feel Bronxville could defeat New Ro or the top Class A teams. I wanted to clarify that.
2. This was not intended to say Bronxville has no skill players returning. However, I did do my research and the team lost more than 2,600 rushing yards and more than 30 TDs. That is a lot to replace, so I stand by what was written.