Football Selected to Finish Sixth in Division in NEFC Preseason Poll
Framingham, Mass. — The Framingham State University football team has been chosen to finish sixth in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Bogan Division preseason poll in voting conducted by the conference's head coaches. The Rams were tied for the sixth spot with Fitchburg State, while Curry College and Maine Maritime Academy were selected to win their respective divisions.
The Rams, who finished the 2009 season with a 5-5 record overall and a 3-4 mark in the Bogan Division, return a solid core of veteran players led by running back Dave Leach (Chelmsford, Mass.) and defensive leaders linebacker Joe Treacy (Wakefield, Mass.) and safety Anthony Pappagallo (Malden, Mass.).
Leach, who earned second team honors in 2009, rushed for a school record 1,373 yards on 275 carries with 10 touchdowns, while also picking up two receiving touchdowns. FSU's leading receiver from 2009 James McCarthy (Newton, Mass.) returns for his junior season after making 60 catches for 705 yards with three touchdowns as a sophomore. The Rams offense will look to replace wide receiver Anthony Kewley, who made 45 catches for 504 yards. Kewley, who was an ECAC All-Star and an All-Division selection, was the nation's leading punt returner in 2009 averaging 16.7 yards per return with two return touchdowns.
Treacy, a second team All-Division selection in 2009, and Pappagallo were the Rams leading tacklers last season. Treacy led the team with 71 tackles, including 34 solo stops, to go along with two sacks and an interception. Pappagallo picked up 65 tackles in 2009 to go along with two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Corner back Brent Loveless (Billerica, Mass.) returns for his senior season after leading the Rams with 15 pass breakups and earning his first all-division selection in 2009.
The Rams open the 2010 season on Saturday, September 4th as they host Endicott College at Maple Street Field at 1:30 p.m.