Football: Marlboro was among the first local teams to begin preseason practice this week

MARLBORO - The group sprinted excitedly across the court, belting out chants and hyping themselves up as they gathered for a huddle toward the far corner. It almost resembled the pregame routine of a basketball team, minutes before tipoff.

But this was the Marlboro football team, three weeks before kickoff.

A passing thunderstorm interrupted the start of their first preseason practice Monday afternoon, forcing the session into the high school gymnasium. The players received instruction for more than an hour and, in lieu of the linemen colliding, garbage bins were used in simulation as they installed some blocking schemes.

Still, the enthusiasm never waned.

“Everyone was excited to get outside with the helmets on, so it was a little disappointing to have to change it up on our first day,” senior Sal Montaperto Jr. said. “But we knew to stay focused and locked in. We can’t not take it seriously because we’re inside.”

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Because this was a day many area athletes had awaited since last November, their anticipation intensifying now as summer winds down. Marlboro was among a handful of local football teams that hit the field early as practices begin this week for fall sports.

“We’re looking forward to getting back out there and having a good season,” Iron Dukes coach Ryan Brooks said. “The guys worked hard and bettered themselves throughout the offseason, and now they’re eager to show it.”

As the calendar quickly flips toward September, there often is a quiet excitement about the first day of school, and a louder optimism about the upcoming sports season with most teams believing this could be “our year.”

And, with reason, after what was a banner year for nine local teams that won section championships last fall. Four of them reached at least the state tournament with the Spackenkill boys soccer and Millbrook volleyball teams getting to the state finals.

Haldane football begins its practices on Saturday, the team full of vigor and hope after making an improbable run to the state semifinals and coming within a play of pulling an incredible upset. The Arlington boys and girls soccer teams, both of which won Section 1 titles, figure to again be among the contenders. Our Lady of Lourdes and Beacon also have soccer teams projected to be among the elite.

Marlboro football was one of the eight local squads that fell short in their respective section finals and that, Brooks said, has his players especially fired up.

“We’ve got that taste in our mouths from getting so close to our goal last year,” the coach said. “There’s definitely some additional motivation in wanting to get back there and get over the hump.”

A replenishing phase?

The Dukes graduated eight seniors from last year’s roster, and most of them were standouts, including a star lineman, quarterback, edge rusher and running back. Nevertheless, players insisted, this shouldn’t be perceived as a rebuilding season.

“We have more depth than last year and there’s a lot of talent in there,” said Montaperto Jr., who excelled last year as a hybrid runner and receiver, linebacker and defensive end. “We still have great players, and I don’t think we’re taking a step back.”

The program’s track record would support that. Marlboro has been among the best football teams in Section 9 for about 15 years, reloading almost seamlessly and routinely having once-obscure players thrive in key roles.

“Replacing the people we lost won’t be easy, and game experience is important, but these guys are ready for the challenge,” Brooks said. “We’ve got kids who’ve been getting practice reps behind those big names for years. They know what came before them, and everyone wants to contribute to the legacy of the program.”

Marlboro figures to again have a solid offensive line with a wealth of speed behind it. Mike DiViesti, a Journal All-Star last fall, begins his fourth varsity season and will anchor the line at center. Sam Garitta, another senior, brings experience and technique, and Brooks called Dylan Sanchez a promising talent who’ll shift from guard to right tackle.

Carter Riviecchio is the frontrunner to start at quarterback, the former wideout potentially filling the shoes of all-star Miles Brooks. Montaperto Jr. will be a do-it-all weapon and his physicality complements their power running style. Chris DeNatale is a playmaker at receiver and a ballhawk at cornerback.

The Dukes rode a dominant defense last season, holding opponents to 7.6 points per game en route to the Section 9 Class B final. Replicating that success will be difficult after losing three of the four starting linebackers. Sean Robertson, an explosive athlete, returns to the position. Admittedly, Brooks said, the up-and-coming players there “have some big shoes to fill.”

“I couldn’t be more excited, especially being a senior,” Montaperto Jr. said. “I’ve been looking forward to it since second grade, looking up to the big kids. Now I’m a big kid and I’ve gotta be a leader.”

Fútbol en España, football en Marlboro

When Jesús Cediel Echeverri arrived in the United States last summer, his first objective was to brush up on his English. As a transfer student from Spain, he thought that learning the language would ease his transition into a new continent and school. And not long after he learned enough words to communicate, he began inquiring about America’s most popular sport.

“I didn’t know anything about it until I got here, but it looked interesting,” Echeverri said of football. “Everything I know, I’ve learned in the last 10 months. It’s new to me, but I like it.”

The senior grew up playing soccer in Valencia, a city on the eastern coast of Spain. But football grabbed his attention last fall, watching the Buffalo Bills on TV and attending Marlboro High School games. He soon forged relationships with the coaches and his future teammates as they taught him the basics.

Echeverri now is the Dukes’ placekicker, his strong leg being entrusted with field goals and point-after tries. He’ll also be pulling double duty, playing for the boys soccer team.

“We’ve had kids in the past who’ve played soccer and kicked for us, and they’ve done well,” Brooks said, referring to some former stars like Nick Mongelli and Sam Lofaro. “Jesús is talented and has shown a lot of growth,” Brooks said. “He works hard, and he takes feedback and applies it.”

The mechanics aren’t all that different from an outlet pass in soccer, Echeverri said, except “instead of kicking the ball to a person, I kick it between (the uprights).” As well, he said, his teammates have treated him “like family.”

Montaperto Jr. said half of his family is Spanish so he understands the culture and speaks some Español, which has helped the two bond. He even serves as an interpreter if anything is lost in translation.

“We love having on the team,” Montaperto Jr. said. “He’s a good kicker, but he’s also fun to be around and brings great energy. You can tell how much he loves this game.”

It’s his first intercontinental love ― just slightly ahead of New York bagels.

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Football: Marlboro was among the first local teams to begin preseason practice this week