'We don’t care how big your school is': Carver football ready to take on anyone

CARVER — During a grueling football season, small wins become important steps towards an ultimate goal.

But for Carver High, the Crusaders are tired of their small-school label. The standard of success for the football program is rapidly changing. Friday's 18-14 win over Division 6 Sandwich in a scrimmage was not cause for celebration for Division 8 Carver, but instead a reason to keep pushing forward.

“I think (there’s) the small school chip on their shoulder,” said Carver coach Ben Shuffain. “The other towns around here kind of look down upon them because there’s only 300 kids at the high school here.”

“We love to beat teams that are bigger than us. That’s our favorite thing to do,” senior captain Jack Balzarini said.

The Crusaders have an impressive class of 17 seniors this season, with most of those upperclassmen at the skill positions. During the 7-on-7 competitions this past spring, they made the Northeast semifinals. But now this is a game with full-pads, blockers and three phases.

With senior captain and quarterback Tyler Lennox having a multitude of weapons at his disposal, the bar is set high. Friday's 18-point showing isn’t even half of their expectations.

“We have a goal set that we want to score 40 (points) a game,” said Shuffain.

Shuffain knows his team may not score that much every week, but it’s the mindset needed. With seniors like Balzarini and Patrick Attaya, each of whom scored Friday with Lennox under center, they have that potential.

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In Friday's scrimmage, Lennox finished 7-of-13 passing with a touchdown. As a junior, he broke the single-season school record with 2,219 passing yards. He threw 24 TD passes and ran for three more.

Although Carver has athletic seniors in the skill positions, there were still hiccups inside the box. A false start brought back what would’ve been a touchdown. A holding penalty and fumbled snaps kept the Crusaders from coming close to the 40-point benchmark.

There’s still some small details that need to be worked on.

“I’m not disappointed in the performance,” said Shuffain. “I think we left two touchdowns on the field in the first half, which is all I’m pretty much paying attention to. We need to work on some inside run blocking and linebacker issues that I saw.”

The Crusaders walked off the field knowing they had more work to do. Aside from their aspirations for an explosive offense, their ultimate goal is the biggest it can be.

“I expect us to win states,” said Balzarini. "That’s all I care about."

No-huddle

On Friday, the starting defensive group spent a lot of time in Sandwich’s backfield. Senior captain James Callahan grew two inches over the summer and is now listed 6-foot-4. Teagan Zakrzewski is a sophomore linebacker who attacks the gap with force. As an outside linebacker, Balzarini disrupted a designed run by intercepting the toss from the quarterback. Seniors Brian Quimby and Shawn Williams are each on the offensive and defensive line. Senior captain Jameson Helms also was solid at the outside linebacker position. Defensive back Nathan Helms intercepted a pass.

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The Crusaders offense has a cast of fast and strong guys. With Lennox under snap, he showed great chemistry with Balzarini, Josh Grimes, and senior captain Robert Peterson at receiver. Seniors Attaya, Ryan Rutherford, and junior Darrian King are their running backs. Senior Nathan Darado is the kicker, who made an extra point and field goal.

2022 recap

The Crusaders finished the regular season 2-6 and missed the playoffs. Their lack of experience played a key role mixed in with facing tough teams like Division 8 champion Hull and Division 7 semifinalist Cohasset. Carver picked up regular season wins in shutouts against Saint John Paul II and Randolph.

Three players to watch out for

Patrick Attaya, RB: He broke off an 65-yard touchdown run against Sandwich. Captains Lennox and Balzarini said his speed is what makes him lethal.

James Callahan, DE/OL: He only missed one day of lifting, and that was due to a dentist appointment, according to Shuffain. He was an all-state player and is expected to take another leap in his game. Expect him to be getting a lot of sacks this season.

Jack Balzarini, OLB/WR: Along with a touchdown reception, he also finished with an interception just a few plays before. His 6-foot-2 frame makes him a tantalizing target for Lennox.

They said it:

Lennox’s expectations on the season: “We want to beat everyone, we don’t care how big your school is, we’re a small school but we think we can beat anyone. Our plan is to go 8-0.”

Shuffain on how to reach the 40-point goal: “Pass-heavy, give the athletes some space, we got a ton of athletes, we have a very good quarterback. If we can do that, give the quarterback four seconds, they can do what they want to do. We just have to do the little things.”

Carver’s 2023 schedule

Saturday, Sept. 9: at Nantucket, 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 15: vs. Tri-County Regional, 7

Saturday, Sept. 23: at McCann Technical, 1

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Martha’s Vineyard, 6

Friday, Oct. 6: vs. Cohasset, 7

Friday, Oct. 13: at Randolph, 7

Friday, Oct. 20: vs. Hull, 7pm

Friday, Oct. 27: at Mashpee, 7

Thursday, Nov. 23: vs. Middleboro, 10 a.m.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 'Our plan is to go 8-0': Carver High football 2023 season preview