For more than a decade, no Eagle-Tribune area running back approached 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Just a sophomore last year, Greater Lawrence’s Gustavo Varela very nearly reached that fabled plateau.
Varela rushed for a whopping 1,912 yards in 2023 — the most for an area athlete since the 2012 season, when Haverhill All-Scholastic Chance Brady ran for 2,063 yards.
Is this the year Varela tops 2,000 yards? He’ll have every shot, with head coach Tony Sarkis and his coaching staff’s love for the running game. Varela also led the region in rushing attempts (245), and was second in touchdowns (21) last fall.
Through two seasons, Varela has rushed for 2,618 yards. As long as he stays healthy, he’s on pace to take down the Eagle-Tribune career rushing record, owned by former Salem great Jerickson Fedrick (4,568 yards).
Greater Lawrence will have some serious speed this fall. Top receiver/defensive back Elizardo Melenciano was an Eagle-Tribune track All-Star in the 110 hurdles (14.84), Varela placed second on the Commonwealth Conference Championship in the 100-meter (11.33) and running back/defensive back Johan Tamayo was fifth at CACs in the 200-meter (23.88).
“We finished last season strong, winning our last four games,” said Sarkis. “And they continued their success over the summer by qualifying for the Northeast Regional 7v7 Championship Tournament.”
Whittier young but dangerous
Whittier was hit hard by graduation, losing 22 seniors from last year’s squad, including Eagle-Tribune All-Star running back Nick Almanzar. But coach Kevin Bradley believes his Wildcats still have what it takes to contend.
“Whittier can still make some noise in the area, should we get senior leadership,” said Bradley. “But developing the youth is key for the future. The future looks bright for the Wildcats.”
One very dangerous weapon that is back is All-CAC running back Anderson Pineda, who rushed for 924 yards and scored 14 touchdowns last fall. Billy Galvin caught two touchdowns as a receiver last season, and is now playing quarterback. Linebacker Eric Talley is a returning All-CAC selection.
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