SOMERSET BERKLEY FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Raiders set to defend title

SOMERSET – Talent plus desire should make Somerset Berkley Regional one tough foe this season. And the too-often tropical weather marking this preseason has done nothing but make the head coach even more convinced the 2018 Raiders are willing to do what it takes to succeed.

“They’re a bunch of eager kids who want to perform at a high level. We definitely have good senior leadership," head coach Nick Freitas said on Thursday. “They seem to like being in the heat. They like working. Great, positive attitude.”

Yes the Raiders (7-3 in 2017) graduated top-flight skill players Chase Stafford (quarterback) and Herald News Player of the Year Steve Fralick (running back), but when it comes to skill players, SBR never seems to suffer from Ole Mother Hubbard syndrome. Instead it’s more like shark’s teeth, one falls out and a replacement drops into place.

Somerset Berkley, the defending SCC Large School champion, is blessed with a handful of veterans, and two of those, senior Jake Meehan (quarterback) and Michael Gagliardi (running back), will enjoy increased workloads withthe football.

A top-notch wide receiver last season, Meehan filled in for the injured Stafford in a win at Falmouth and rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns and his lone pass was good for 52 yards. Meehan, Freitas said, has made it his passion to be as prepared as possible for this season.

“He’s got a determined attitude. He’s definitely a dual threat. He’s improved his speed in the offseason,” Freitas said. “He’s looked good. He dedicated his summer to working out.”

Gagliardi, a captain, has been in the SB running back mix for three years and has produced when called upon. A solid 5-foot-6, 175–pounder, he has strength, speed, quickness, and the honors student is a virtual unpaid assistant coach.

“He’s a great kid, really smart,” Freitas said. “We talk to him quite a bit about game plans, schemes. Both sides of the ball he knows what he’s doing.”

Saadi Saade, a 5-10, 230-pound lineman and captain is a force on and off the field. “He’s our weight room general,” Freitas said.

Captain Ben McMahon, another three-year starter, this season comes out of the trenches and into the backfield. The 6-2, 220-pound senior, has been moved from offensive guard to fullback, where he can power for yards while still putting his considerable blocking skills to use. “He’s athletic. It’s nice to have a big back,” Freitas said. “We haven’t had a big back in a long time.”

Somerset Berkley football practice pic.twitter.com/3KvtFzCOiI

— Greg Sullivan (@GregSullivanHN) September 6, 2018

Jaden Cranshaw, a 5-10, 270-pound two-way lineman, and Max Cabana, a tight end and outside linebacker, are yet two more three-year starters.

Sophomore running backs Brendan Medeiros and Ethan Robidoux will both get “varsity reps”, Freitas said. The coach said junior Bryce Garretson will function as a utility offensive player (tight end/running back) while starting at linebacker.

Sophomore Patrick Kennedy is a two-way lineman while junior Robert Shaker is described as a “real solid” wide receiver and quarterback.” Reed Fortier, a 6-3 senior, gives Meehan a big target at wide receiver.

Somerset Berkley opens its season by hosting Durfee on Friday at 7 p.m.

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Email Greg Sullivan at gsullivan@heraldnews.com. Follow him @GregSullivanHN.