2022 Season Preview: Governor’s Academy “Football”

<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":437004,"width":335,"height":335,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/Governor_s_Academy__MA__Governors_2_Logo-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-437004" width="335" height="335"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our next Preseason Team Preview is the 2022 Massachusetts Governor's Academy, on their quest for another NESPAC ISL League Championship. Governor's Academy competes in the 16-team Independent School League (ISL), which consists of selective college preparatory schools in and around the greater Boston area from as far north as their home field in Byfield, Massachusetts to as far south as Newport, R.I. All ISL schools are members of NEPSAC, the New England Private School Athletic Council, which governs all interscholastic play for independent schools in the Northeast. The Football program has an annual selection of college recruits that college coaches are alway interested in and recruiting. They are known for being a very tough football program with a winning tradition within the ISL and NESPAC. The Head Coach is long time veteran coach Jim O'Leary. Coach O'Leary, who was a great quarterback in his playing days at both Salem High and Northeastern. Coach O'Leary took over in 2011 from long time Coach Mark Gerry who retired after 18 seasons. Coach O'Leary is known to always credit former Coach Mark Gerry for the tradition and pride of the Govs football program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview:</strong>  The Govs play a challenging eight-game schedule in the very competitive Independent School League (ISL). Annual games against rivals Brooks School and Belmont Hill School are traditional classics that highlight their season. Since 2011 the Gov's football program have won a ISL Championship and have shared <strong>Co-Championships </strong>three different times. The program is on the rise again this coming season and one can expect them to be in the running for another ISL Championship and NESPAC Bowl appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021 Season Results:</strong> In 2021 the Gov's Football program had an unusual season last year finishing with a 5-3 season. Gov's had close scoring games in all of their losses with the only exception of 2021 ISL champions Milton Academy team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Toughest Losses to Graduation:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10139382">Peyton OLeary</a> (WR) Michigan; <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13446611">Jordan Fuller</a> (RB) Holy Cross; <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13446606">Kevin Gillis</a> (DT) Holy Cross; [player_tooltip player_id='371477' first='Huriel' last='Calice'] (LB) Phillips Academy; <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13493162">Dane Whiston</a> (DB) Southern Methodist University; Triston Aboud (QB) Transfer to Phillips Academy; <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11079927">Charlie Williams</a> (TE) Transfer IMG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch</strong>: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6316672fc249b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["367965"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Has good size at 6'1u0022. Sideline to sideline speed is good.  He uses his arms well while shedding blocks. He can read plays quickly.   He knows when to come up for run support and is well versed in protecting the edge.  Has a visible burst that can be seen when he identifies run. Was selected as a  2021 Class A All-NEPSAC along with All-ISL.  He currently has a offer from Middlebury College along with additional interest from a few other schools.    A productive solid senior year campaign will continue to bring college interest during and after the season. Hudl: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12026144/6178349b578d4b09b4d97d99u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/12026144/6178349b578d4b09b4d97d99u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/mattshaw3304/status/1508559512948649985?s=20u0026t=lIZ-MhQzkmoxA6oRgDHYZA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mattshaw3304/status/1508559512948649985?s=20&amp;t=lIZ-MhQzkmoxA6oRgDHYZA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317425b08f2f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403630"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A Div 1 FBS recruit that is committed to Boston College after a slew of offers he received.  u0022Symondsu0022 is a 6'6u0022 TE/DE that has Basketball skills also.  A lot of great tight ends have a basketball background and this kid may be next. He is putting in the work in the off season and still has time to develop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HoldenSymonds1/status/1531800887399792640?s=20u0026t=C7OyIf1Ps6oK6bK2y-JzNg","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HoldenSymonds1/status/1531800887399792640?s=20&amp;t=C7OyIf1Ps6oK6bK2y-JzNg </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317480d08f31","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["367799"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'1u0022 270lbs u0022Copelandu0022 is a very good inside plug run stopper DT. He comes out of his stance low to the ground and with quick feet.  He extends his arms to shed blockers which allows him to easily react to the ball carrier.   He maintains his gap control while always looking for the ball carrier. He finishes each play strong while playing to the whistle. Relentless energy that shows aggression. He currently holds an offer from MidAmerica Nazarene University that came in January 2022.  A strong senior season will likely have more schools interested to during and after the season. u003cstrongu003eHUDL:u003c/strongu003e u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15868706/619acacd066bbd059497fd9bu0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/15868706/619acacd066bbd059497fd9bu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/xcopeland23/status/1481438307225640963?s=20u0026t=9KWo-AOCzT4jfJqKJCjElQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/xcopeland23/status/1481438307225640963?s=20&amp;t=9KWo-AOCzT4jfJqKJCjElQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>More Names to Know:</strong> 2023 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13493137">[player_tooltip player_id='386964' first='Owen' last='Umansky']</a> (QB); 2023 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16781259">[player_tooltip player_id='383689' first='Krystian' last='Pothel']</a> (WR/DB); 2023 Zach Spataro (OL/DL) 2024 Hunter Kingsbury (WR/DB) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='384161' first='Parish' last='Souza'] OL/DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022 Schedule/Games to see:</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><td>Date/Time</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Location</td><td>Must see</td><td>League</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Wed Sep 14 4:30 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo1009.png">Austin Prep</td><td>Governor's Acad.<br>Football Field</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Sep 24 1:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">St. Sebastians School</td><td>St. Sebastians School<br>Turf 1</td><td>Must see</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Oct 1 3:30 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Brooks School</td><td>Governor's Acad.<br>Football Field</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Oct 8 3:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Buckingham Browne Nichols School</td><td>BB&amp;N - Nichols Field<br>BB&amp;N - Nichols Field</td><td>Must see</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Oct 15 2:00 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Milton Academy</td><td>Governor's Acad.<br>Football Field</td><td>Must see</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Oct 22 2:30 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Middlesex School</td><td>Middlesex School<br>Football Field</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Oct 29 1:00 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Thayer Academy</td><td>Governor's Acad.<br>Football Field</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Nov 4 2:30 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Lawrence Academy at Groton</td><td>Governor's Acad.<br>Football Field</td><td>Must see</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Nov 12 1:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Belmont Hill School</td><td>Belmont Hill School<br>Varsity Field</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notables: </strong>The Governor's Academy is the oldest boarding school in New England. Founded by bequest of Governor William Dummer in 1763, Govs opened its doors more than a decade before our nation was born. The school sits on a beautiful 456-acre campus, once part of a working farm with crops of rye, fruit trees, and grazing sheep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Championship History: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ISL CHAMPIONS 2011 2012 2013 2014</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2011 ISL Champions - 2011 Jack Etter Bowl Champions - Undefeated Season (9-0)<br>2012 ISL Co-Champions - 2012 Tom Flaherty Bowl Champions - Undefeated Season (9-0)<br>2013 ISL Co-Champions - 2013 Kevin Fleming Bowl Champions - (8-l)<br>2014 ISL Co-Champions - 2014 Wayne Sanborn Bowl Finalist - (7-2)<br>2019 Todd Marble Bowl Finalist (7-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->