Football Vets Add New Arm to Arsenal

Author: Neil Onsdorff

This may be the first time in Middlebury College sports history that someone, who applied, was accepted and then willfully went to Williams College, will be mentioned in a Panther football article. But there is a first time for everything. Fighting for the starting quarterback position is Michael Keenan '05, a transfer from the mightily-hated Williams College Ephs. To the liking of all Middlebury fans he did not fit into the Williams offense plans — but has turned heads not only throwing patterns with Middlebury receivers during the offseason and during the few practices so far this year. With deep-threat weapons such as Denver Smith '03, coming off a season that will be ever etched in Middlebury lore, Keenan will have no problem putting up good passing numbers and a ton of points.
Yet besides this young, "foreign" talent, the Panthers return this year with four senior captains who have been fixtures in the lineup since their freshman orientations. Quad-Captain Andrew Angoff '03 anchors a line that returns all of its starters from last year plus several rotating members. "We came into preseason in great shape and with a lot of experience," said Angoff, "and we are looking comfortable as a unit and I feel that we can be competitive every weekend." Look for Lion Carter '05, Dave Nikiel '04 and Ross Carbone '05 as well as senior Mike Pepperman '03 to make up one of the biggest offensive lines in years.
Reaping the benefits of such massive linemen, keep an eye out for Quad-Captain Christopher Davis '03 and running back William Lazzaro '03 who will undoubtedly have another outstanding fall; the two combined for over 100 yards a game on the ground last season.
The Middlebury defense looks to bounce back after being so depleted by injuries a year ago that equipment manager Jerry was next on the depth chart. It has shown signs of a rebirth with the return of young guns, such as Richard Decembrele '05, and defensive end Tim Collard '04, who saw ample time last season. The return of linebacker Wills Allen '03, who was on hiatus last year, will be characterized by his starting talent and his flash for greatness. Also, look for Quad-Captain Romula Braga '03 to be a constant force along with his defensive line partner James Galuchie '05.
In the defensive secondary, do not be surprised to see Quad-Captain Pat Allen '03 have a monster year along with hard-hitting Ernie Miller '03 who said, "Our team has explosive speed and dominating strength. We have great chemistry throughout the team and we have one goal in mind which is to improve on a weekly bases." Another incredible defender that the Panthers posses is Craig Schuette '03 who over recent years has been the Deion Sanders of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) — shutting down big-gamers for the past two seasons.
With Head Coach Robert Ritter starting his second year at the helm, the Middlebury College Panthers have a fantastic opportunity to once again wreak havoc every Saturday during the fall. Take notice of the fact that the Panthers will make their home opener a week from Saturday against Wesleyian. But, undoubtedly, the biggest home game of the year will be against the Amerst Lord Jeffs the first week in October.
Poised for success and flush with seniors, the team appears to be on track for what could be its best season in years.