Extra work pays off for Cathedral's Buoniconti
By CHRIS KENNEDY
Union-News
Staff writer
12/03/98


During a preseason scrimmage, Cathedral senior halfback Mike
Buoniconti snapped off a touchdown run of some 80 yards.

The effort was sign of what was to come from Buoniconti, not
to mention one that signaled his off-season work had been
worth the effort.

"I hadn't really had that breakaway speed," the senior
said. "This year, though, I have had plenty of breakaway
runs."

Buoniconti, also a linebacker, has proved a standout on both
sides of the ball for Cathedral, which meets Fitchburg in
the Western Massachusetts-Central Massachusetts Division I
Super Bowl Saturday at WPI in Worcester. The 3:15 p.m.  game
features each region's only unbeaten team with the Panthers
entering at 10-0 and the Red Raiders 11-0.

"He's a great athlete," Cathedral coach Matt Ballard
said. "He had a great off-season as far as his strength
workouts. It helps him on defense, too. He is so athletic
that he get around blocks and make plays."

Buoniconti, who led the AA Conference in touchdowns (15) and
points (94), wanted to be faster and stronger so he went to
work. "I lifted and had a running routine that enabled me to
be more flexible," Buoniconti said.

The rushing numbers Buoniconti has posted have come on just
84 carries. He is averaging, in fact, an impressive 10.7
yards per carry and has 27 career touchdowns.

His 1998 numbers are a clear indication of the balance of
the Panthers, who are averaging 32.8 points per game and
have been held under 25 points on just two occasions. Other
key elements of the attack include senior quarterback
B.ĪJ.  Lawlor, junior halfback Vin Buoniconti and senior
fullback Will Torres. Junior John Piascik has contributed at
the fullback position as well.

Torres has nine touchdowns and each of the others in the
backfield have at least three.

"We definitely like to use a lot of weapons," said Lawlor,
who provides excellent speed to the outside.

Lawlor has thrown seven touchdown passes, three to Vin
Buoniconti and two each to tight end Chris McDonald and
split end Mike Rivard. Lawlor's passes are not always
pretty, but he has been able to make some crucial
connections, including two in a 14-6 victory over
Longmeadow.

"I like to run, but I like to throw too," Lawlor said. "We
didn't really have to pass too much this year, but we did
open it up a little bit at the end."

The Panthers have used that balance to defeat one opponent
after another. "Any of the backs can do the job," senior
offensive lineman Anthony Luvera said.  "Vinnie Buoniconti
is excellent catching passes out of the backfield.

"Will runs hard, and Mike is just tremendous. I just can't
describe the moves he makes."

Torres, for his part, overcame some injuries late in the
season to have two-touchdown games against Agawam and
Westfield to close the regular season.  Piascik (5 TDs)
stepped in and played well, most notably in a crucial 14-0
victory over Holyoke at midseason.

"There are a lot of guys in our backfield," Mike Buoniconti
said. "You can't just watch him, because we have my brother
and me. My brother can do things as effectively as anyone."

Cathedral's also has depth at quarterback. Reserve Mike
Martin could start for a many teams in the region. The
junior has made the bulk of his contributions this season in
the defensive backfield.

Lawlor, like many of the seniors, appreciated this year's
Super Bowl opportunity. It comes two seasons after a 1-8
campaign. The program can now win its 14th straight game
Saturday at WPI.

"There's no doubt we've come a long way," Lawlor said. "We
realize the work that went into it."

Fitchburg High School Athletics and Competition Home Page