Two years, two state finals.
That is certainly a great accomplishment for Masco, one that would make all but two other teams in the state jealous. However, the Chieftains boys soccer players returning know there’s plenty of unfinished business ahead of them.
After all, both of those state finals resulted in Masco losses – to Oliver Ames in 2015, and to Nauset in 2016. With a good core of that 2016 team back, the Chieftains hit the reset button and were back to work in August to prepare for the 2017 season.
“We’ve had a good scrimmage against Andover already, where we saw some things we like and some things we need to improve upon,” said head coach Jared Scarpaci. “I think [the 2017 team] is a little smaller in size than 2016, but I think we are a little quicker and fitter than last year. The general technical ability is pretty high.”
Masco came into the 2017 preseason already riding high, after winning the Northern New England Challenge Cup, a summer tournament. A team of a mix of Masco varsity and JV players earned the Chieftains’ third straight year.
“That is a very competitive tournament in Maine,” said Scarpaci, who by MIAA rules was prohibited from coaching that team. “They played some strong teams from Maine, where coaches are allowed to coach their players in the off-season. It’s not just summer league, there are players who are looking to impress their coach for the upcoming season.”
Scarpaci was unable to make it to any of the Challenge Cup games this year, but could see the effect the off-season win had on his players. They came into the preseason ready to go, not missing a beat and not having to take any gradual ramp-ups in intensity.
The team brings back three captains who give them leadership on different ends of the field in forwards Mike Budrewicz and Austin Dziadosz and defender Connor Fitzgerald.
“They’re excellent. They’ve all been a part of the last couple of years’ success,” said Scarpaci. “they add to a good group of guys we’re glad to have back, from goalie Michael Duest to forward Matt Dzwil, Ben Lockhart, Devin Ralph, Connor O’Toole and Bryan Romanowski.“They are seasoned players who have played in tough games. They’ve had some tough losses and some great wins,” added Scarpaci. “That’s what makes this year a little different. They certainly know what it takes to get the job done.”
At the forward position, the Chieftains will be pushed by veterans Budrewicz (a returning First Team Cape Ann League All-Star), Dzwil, O’Toole, along with newcomer Haolan Zhan. The Masco tennis standout is “a very good and very strong player,” said Scarpaci.
Lockhart, Ralph and Dziadosz highlight the midfield. The Chieftains also got a newcomer with varsity high school experience in Grady Kozak, a transfer from Marblehead.
“He is looking really solid,” said Scarpaci.
On defense, Fitzgerald and Romanowski will be joined by Harrison Warshafsky and sophomore Dom Gecoya, showing that the Chieftains are grooming some young talent for future leadership.
Last year, Michael Duest saw some action behind incumbent Derek Davidson and shined in his times in net. This year, it is Duest’s net.
“He got some great leadership from Derek. They really pushed each other,” said Scarpaci. “Mike made Derek better and Derek made Mike better. Mike was outstanding last year.”
The Chieftains’ first goal is, of course, winning the Cape Ann League championship.
“Pentucket and Hamilton-Wenham both have a lot of players coming back,” said Scarpaci. “I was extremely impressed with Newburyport last year – they played us in two great games. Manchester Essex was great last year, as well.”
Masco also loves to mix upt he schedule with incredibly challenging non-league games, including a rematch of the 2015 state final with Oliver Ames, on Sept. 23.
“We open up with St. John’s Prep. That’s a strong tradition for us,” said Scarpaci. “We will also play in the Kicks for Cancer event at Concord-Carlisle High School. That Saturday, there’ll be like 20 games going on at Concord-Carlisle. It’s really cool. We’ll play a good game for a good cause.”
