Disqus - Latest Comments for James_2

Re: OK, here come the Turkey Day thoughts, sorry about the tardy nature …

James_2 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:59:53 -0000

I will go the Andover/Billerica game hoop game. My daughter plays varisty hoops at Billerica, so I see alot of the boys games as well and I'll make sure I hit the Andover game. I imagine that Miller must be a nightmare in the paint. The first thing I noticed when I saw him in Andover at the game was the arms, the kid looks like a workout warrior.

Speaking of Andover and hoops, I think the Girls Warrior team with Boudreau and the all world PG (Gomez ?) are hands on favorites for not only an MVC title but much, much more. There's always the CC and Zenevitch factor I know. But I think those 2 guards for Andover can carry the team a long way.

Re: OK, here come the Turkey Day thoughts, sorry about the tardy nature …

James_2 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:22:53 -0000

I thought it had to be the coaching, because I saw the Andover firepower, that offense was loaded. Brian Miller really stood out. I took one look at that kid and knew he was Division One ready and recruited. You can literally look at #80 and figure that out. What a stud TE he is going to be in college.

Thanks for the condolences. I was there and when the Everett player went low at his knees instead of hitting him high on the sidelines we all lost it in the stands. They took him out and are now at Gillette. A superbowl birth stolen from us 5 minutes into the game. Once LaSpada went out that messed everything up because we had to take our 2nd best WR and play him at QB and play a backup in his spot. Then with LaSpada out of his customary safety spot, Everett rips off an 89 yard run on the next play, that doesn't happen if LaSpada is there.

One good thing, our boy Nick got the Massachusetts Gatoraid Player of the Year, so that kind of took away some of the sting of the loss. He will be back and so will Billerica for the next two years.

One side note: At the end of the Andover/Billerica game in Andover, I noticed Brian Miller going out of his way to find, hug and congratulate LaSpada. Two great (Division One bound athletes) acknowledging each other was nice to see at that end of a tough game for Andover. Good luck to Brian whereever he ends up going to school.

Re: OK, here come the Turkey Day thoughts, sorry about the tardy nature …

James_2 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:31:38 -0000

As a Billerica fan, of all the teams in the MVC, the one that really scared me was Andover. I had seen their offensive fire power last season and I knew that they were all coming back this year. Johnson, McConnell and D1-bound Miller with Hennessey really made me wonder why they weren't better than they were.

Re: OK, here come the Turkey Day thoughts, sorry about the tardy nature …

James_2 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:09:42 -0000

Hec and John Stark, thank you both for the MVC football commentary, all great stuff.

I second Hector's comments on the Haverhill kids. GO HILLIES ! I went to the Billerica game in Haverhill and that group of Hillie players was overmatched by a Billerica juggernaut, but I saw each kid hang in there and fight to the end. You may have had a winless season, but you all had the hearts of lions. I saw the fight you had and good luck against Lowell.

I ask again Hec or John Starks. Has a time and location been decided for the Billerica/Everett clash ? I am on pins and needles over here waiting to find out.

Speaking of the Big Green of Billerica. Payback awaits the maroon and white of Chelmsford for years of Turkey Day disappointments. I really hope Coach Flynn plays LaSpada the entire tilt. Alot of people are going to this game to see this incredible talent show the world what he can do. Do not let us down Coach. Keep #7 on the field and do not let off the gas pedal. Run it up !

Re: Aftermath of a crazy Saturday …

James_2 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:43:36 -0000

As a Billerica fan, all I can say is. GO RANGERS !!!!! Billerica as you can imagine isn't real fond of Dracut.

Keep you ear open for Billerica/Chelmsford game updates. Billerica and LaSpada are going to run roughshod over that team. The lights will be turned out early on the Lions. Coach Rich as NO ANSWER for LaSpada. A nice prepper for our playoff game with Everett.

Re: Wow, the ‘Where is Hector?’ comments surface

James_2 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:50:18 -0000

John, I would never take a traditional powerhouse like Everett for granted. I know they're young and might be a year away from a rebuilt product, but they are still Everett. You and I know that Coach DiBiaso will have 10 scouts down at the Chelmsford/Billerica game and he'll have a game plan in place for LaSpada. I will take your word for it though, if you think Billerica can handle that team, I believe you, I just really don't know alot about Everett aside from a very athletic and quick defense and an offense that struggles at times with that sophomore QB.

I think an Xaverian/Billerica match up would be the cake of all cakes, I would rather see that than Billerica/BG. BG and that triple option put me to sleep. They came to Billerica last year and the Indians rolled over them.

Did you go to the CC/Billerica game ? If you did, what were your thoughts on LaSpada and his projection into the college ranks ?

Re: Wow, the ‘Where is Hector?’ comments surface

James_2 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:50:12 -0000

I agree John Stark, I think Coach A did a tremendous job with that team. For them to go in and beat Dracut says alot. They had a great season. No question there was a major talent difference between Billerica and CC, more so on offense than on defense. Coach A went into this game and he said it himself, he wanted his two star LBs to shadow LaSpada and not let him bust any of his classic 70-yard TD runs. They did that, Lutrell and the other kid played their hearts out and watched him like a hawk. LaSpada really only busted one long run and it was that 50 yarder. Yet with that said, I think Flynn knew this and wanted to open up the passing attack, I think he wanted Nick to stay in the pocket more and look downfield which is exactly what he did and we all saw the results.

I haven't seen Everett play. I hear they have a tremendous, athletic defense, yet offensively, I think they're adequate at best. Everett hasn't seen anything like LaSpada yet so it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with him. The game as all the playoff games are will be on field turf. That is a huge boost to Billerica and their speed and passing attack. Not to mention LaSpada on field turf will be a nightmare in and of itself. Should be a good game though and here's hoping we can all see Nick take the field at Gillette, he is worth the price of admission.

Re: Wow, the ‘Where is Hector?’ comments surface

James_2 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:33:07 -0000

Ah c'mon Hec with the "Central was flat" stuff. How about this. CC got whooped by a better and more talented team. Like I said before though, there is no shame in losing to a talent like LaSpada, he's done that and will continue to do that to alot of teams in the playoffs this year and the MVC the next two years.

Speaking of the playoffs Hector, we are now set to pair up with Everett on 12/1, two questions: Do you know what school is hosting that game and how do you think this Billerica team stacks up against Everett?

Re: LaSpada, Billerica dominate Central Catholic

James_2 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:19:53 -0000

Congrats to CC, they had a great, great season and will finish strong by beating Andover. I was there last night, Coach A, calls LaSpada superman, I have to agree, he was playing on his own level, which is above everyone elses. He's just too good. Oullette played his heart out, he had some nice runs, just couldn't get the ground game going as Billerica was ready for it. No shame in losing to Nick LaSpada, if there's a better QB playing right now in Mass, I would like to know who it is. He's a surefire Division 1 college prospect being molded right before our eyes. Everett will have it's hands full with this kid, assuming we play Everett. Good luck against Andover and to 2 CC greats in their respective futures (Oullette and Lutrell).

Re: History lesson leads to my CC-Billerica prediction

James_2 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:42:30 -0000

Steve, I tried telling this to Hector, but I guess he just had to see it for himself last night. I was there, this stud put on an absolute clinic out there. He was playing on a different planet than everyone else. He is going to go down as the greatest player to ever play in the state of Massachusetts. I said it before, I'll say it again. He's a touchdown waiting to happen. Runs like a deer, busts tackles, did you see those lazers he was firing all over Lawrence Stadium last night. This star is a sophomore, can you believe that. USC, Notre Dame, any prolific D1 offense are going to be flying this kid out to take in Saturday games just like they are doing now with the Brockton kid. BC will be lucky, and I mean lucky if they can get LaSpada in there. Coach A said it, the kid is Superman. He's already a high school legend, and he has two more years left. YIKES !!! Hector, you told me to calm down before about him, how do feel now after watching him tear the place up last night?

Re: Days away from the MVC showdown …

James_2 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:16:51 -0000

Flynn isn't kidding. LaSpada at 6'2" and 190lbs of absolute muscle runs like a deer, explodes out of the pocket like a flash of lightning, runs through tackles and he has all the moves. He is built for the game of football, pure and simple. If there is a more exciting, more dominant football player in the area, please tell me who that is. He is it.

As a pure passer, he can make all the throws, sideline to sideline, down the seams and down the sidelines. He has a lethal, cannon arm. He is the definition of a "touchdown waiting to happen", we've heard the phrase, he defines it.

This kid has busted punts, kicks and returned picks for touchdowns. He is flat out dominant and he's only a sophomore. Mike Esposito of Wilmington a great player in the 70's to my knowledge was one of only a remote handful of players to play in the NFL from this area, Strahan from Burlington another. LaSpada has all the makings to be included in this elite group.

Re: If Thanksgiving 2008 wasn’t enough proof for you …

James_2 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:38 -0000

John Stark, who do you like in the CC / Billerica match up ?

Re: Just got off the phone with Kevin Bradley and …

James_2 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:10:34 -0000

Thanks for the update. I'll be honest, I haven't seen CC play at all this year other than on the Lowell Sun feed against Chelmsford. I do know that they have a great ground game, a solid defense and a pretty good QB in Oullette.

I haven't missed a Billerica game in two years, home and away, I've seen every snap. You are correct, I think the field turf favors Billerica because of Billerica's great offensive arsenal. LaSpada on field turf is a nightmare for any defense and the skill position players are potent for Billerica. I also think people underestimate the Billerica defense, which I think is a mistake, this defense has really been coming on strong, they held a great Andover offense to 14 pts last week. They held Hennessey, McConnell and Miller in check for the most part.

Friday can't come soon enough, I can't wait.........

Re: Just got off the phone with Kevin Bradley and …

James_2 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:16:39 -0000

Central Fan, I hadn't heard about CC being banged up at all, was that from the Methuen game ?

I do have a question, the game is being played at Lawrence Memorial Stadium correct ? Is that field turf ? Let's hope weather doesn't impact this game. Hoping for a nice clear, cool night and see how it all plays out.

Re: Just got off the phone with Kevin Bradley and …

James_2 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:59:00 -0000

Hector, Billerica with the LaSpada and the high-powered offense and CC with the solid defense and ground game. Who do you like ?

Re: It’s just another manic Monday …

James_2 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:11:33 -0000

Hector, keep up the great work, I love reading your blogs, very insightful and great humor. Keep it up.

Now onto Billerica/CC, the classic that awaits in two weeks for all the Large MVC marbles. How do you think this game is going to turn out ?

Re: Ten quick thoughts to end a Friday night …

James_2 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:32:48 -0000

Billerica / CC will be a classic. Can't wait for that one. Two great teams playing at a really high level right now.

Re: Could the MVC come down to Central-Andover on Thanksgiving? Looks like it to me

James_2 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:49:47 -0000

You are correct, he did struggle in that game and if I remember, he was put out at WR and low and behold he caught a TD pass if you remember in the corner of the endzone.

Look Raider55, you guys have a great team this year, and with Andover losing to Methuen it looks like it's going to come down to CC and Billerica and what a huge game that is going to be in Lawrence. I will be there, I can't wait for that one. Both teams are playing at a high level right now. But believe me when I tell you, ask the Haverhill Hillies, LaSpada right now as a sophomore is a Division 1 prospect that can single-handedly take over any football game.

Re: Could the MVC come down to Central-Andover on Thanksgiving? Looks like it to me

James_2 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:35:52 -0000

I was at every Billerica game last season and the only time he was benched was in the Dracut game when yes the game was completely out of hand. Grimard was a one man wrecking ball and he was the man that night. LaSpada was only a freshman playing in a huge football game, ESPN was there writing an article about him and he just tried to do to much that night when the team got behind and he has learned from that experience.

This kid is only a sophomore who plays at an elite level on both sides of the football, not sure we can say the same for Oullette and Hennesey, who I know are great QB's but they are not the threats on every snap that LaSpada is from kick returns to safety to QB. This kid is an elite athlete and only a sophomore, I believe Hennessey and Oullette are both seniors.

The head to head games with CC and Andover coming up will show the proof, my money is on LaSpada.

He was already named Large MVC MVP by Ventura of the Herald. Not to mention, he's the only sophomore from this area to be listed on the country's Max Preps top 100 of 2012.

http://www.maxpreps.com/new...

http://www.hssinsight.com/H...

Re: Andover football: Start of something special?

James_2 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:21:36 -0000

No one is stopping Billerica and LaSpada can't wait for this match up. Andover might want to stop thinking about CC, Billerica is the best in MVC Large. That Tewksbury loss was a complete fluke, a rainy, muddy field, dropped passes because of it. Actually the winning TD pass was flat out dropped in the last minutes, not to mention All World sophomore LaSpada was in street clothes. If he plays, Billerica is undefeated right now with a Dracut win in their pocket. Andover still hasn't played Dracut yet.

Re: Could the MVC come down to Central-Andover on Thanksgiving? Looks like it to me

James_2 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:40:51 -0000

Hector, believe me when I tell you, Nick LaSpada is the best player in the state right now and he'll end up being better than Mastrullo. Mastrullo (and I've seen both) was every bit the athlete as Nick is, but he doesn't have LaSpada's size and strength. LaSpada is a nightmare right now as a sophomore, can you imagine him as a junior and a senior after he adds more size and strength to the 6'2" 190lb frame? Look out !

You are correct about the field, I was there Friday night, it was a mess and has been for years now. We see Woburn and all of these other towns, even Chelmsford just put in a new field and we can't seem to do anything field wise in this town. For a great sports town like Billerica, it's hard to believe how bad the playing facilities are.