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Staples High School football was one overtime period away from winning a state title last season, but it might as well be ancient history to them now. Coach Marce Petroccio and his players say they are not going to let the past change how they prepare for the coming season. But that's not to say getting so close to a title is completely removed from their thoughts.
"I'd like to do everything the same," Petroccio said. "We had tremendous leadership from the seniors last year, but we're getting tremendous leadership this year. We had a magical season last year and yes, we came up a little short, but now it's just motivation for us to get back there."
Staples dominated on the defensive side of the ball in 2009, leading all schools in the state in sacks and interceptions. It finished second in the state in total defensive tackles. The 2010 edition of the Wreckers will likely be defensive-minded again, with many of their starters returning.
Despite its projected dominance on defense and the team's success last year, Coach Petroccio knows that in a division like FCIAC, there is not a single team on their schedule that can be taken lightly.
"We're taking every game like it's our Super Bowl," Petroccio said. "In this league, the minute you take one team for granted, you're going to get beat. Game one is going to be tough and they're all going to be tough."
Staples opens its 2010 schedule at home against Trinity Catholic on Sept. 17.
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