The Backbone of every Team Are The \”Unsung Heroes\”

By CNB Sports

The 2008 Gloucester Lions Football team has worked together since August 19. The summer double sessions are where the foundation is laid for a total team effort. These Lion\’s worked together through the heat of the mid-summer afternoon sun to bond the relationships needed to succeed.

The 2008 Lion\’s welcomed newcomer Zach Hans into the Lion\’s Den and immediately started working together to build a Championship and Playoff contender. After 7 weeks of games Zach Han\’s name associated with the Lion\’s 5 – 2 record. Yes, Han\’s has been the poster child for the 2008 Lion\’s. Yes, it is the name Hans plastered across every article about our beloved Lion\’s. Like the World Champions Philadelphia Phillies our Lion\’s have stars and role players. Pat Burrell contributed one hit, just one hit that turned our Phillies into the Champions.

Gloucester has its own share of Pat Burrell\’s. Our own Pat Burrell is many times overlooked, starting with #9 on the roster Kyle Stewart (Stewart will be honored this week by the Brooks-Irvine Football Club). If not for some unfortunate penalties Stewart would have many of the longest run of the season. All Stewart does is gain positive yardage. That #33 and #22 don\’t do a bad job either. #33 Ian Harter along with #22 Frank Heitman are the men who unselfishly give up the stardom so Hans or Stewart are able to run through the opposing defense\’s.

Linemen Joe Collins, Kyle Revens, Sonny Bryant, Colin Fitzpatrick and John Alberta work the trenches so Hans and Stewarts can run the ball and Quarterback Brett Darrow has time to throw. These men have done the dirty work without asking anything in return, their only reward, knowing they are part of the Lion\’s success. People who understand the game of football realize the importance on the young men. Not only Han\’s but every running back or quarterback have to be thankful for the hard work and dedication of these linemen.

Darrow gets credit for the pass completions and touchdowns but has anyone ever seen the coverage on Robert Filer or Owen Dobleman. Sure Darrow gets the ink but it\’s the work of these receivers that make these catches possible. They must not only run an assigned route but attempt to make a catch knowing at any time they will be hit and hit hard.

Injured Brandon Blackiston was one of receivers (a season ending knee injury) along with Byron Mc Elwee and Robert Filer. Blackiston worked extra hard as a sophomore to start at one of the end positions and unfortunately never had a reception during a game. Mc Elwee has one reception. Back-up Guy Alaimo would be a featured back at another school but at GHS his role as a back-up cannot be underestimated. Ever TEAM has its role player and a TEAM can never win without these men.

Mike Beese, missed time last season through injuries and just recently appeared to have been injured again. But his dedication to the Lion\’s football can never be over estimated. Matt Gorman has spent 3 years as a tight-end and until this past Saturday never had a TD.

All of these players along with 20 other players have made a commitment to the Lion\’s program knowing they are part of a program where friendships will last much longer than any football season. Every player will have the honor to return once they graduate to their second home. They will always remember the part they played whether it is practice, a tackle, a run or a catch while wearing the Lion\’s jersey.

It\’s a shame that EVERYWHERE this game is played you have so many unsung hero\’s. But without these young men your running backs or quarterback would never achieve the laurels they receive. Cleary\’s Notebook would like to thank these hero\’s and hope that through the pictures and this small article these player\’s know they are appreciated.