Shawn Donovan, Abington’s senior running back, is more explosive than a year ago.
“Believe it or not, you got to know him, but [Donovan has] gotten a little better this year,” Green Wave head coach Jim Kelliher said.
Donovan, who was instrumental in the Green Wave’s Division 5 Super Bowl victory last season, spent the offseason adding to his skill set. Touted for his big-play ability — five of his 11 touchdowns last season came on plays of 45 yards or more — his junior season culminated in the state title game at Gillette Stadium when he ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns.
Advertisement
But the Division 5 All-Star still saw improvements that could be made.
“He’s a little bit bigger. Good for durability,” Kelliher said. “Other teams better know where he is on the field.”
Without question, the talented back has set himself up to break through as one of the top players in the state this season, but it will be important for Donovan and his fellow upperclassmen to not get ahead of themselves. Kelliher said he wants his players, namely the eight returning seniors, to know that nothing is guaranteed.
Kelliher, who is entering his 43rd season as the helm of the Green Wave, is simplifying things for 2015. He’d rather see his players improve on a game-by-game basis rather than feel they are entitled to a conference title or even a Super Bowl appearance.
“We’ve sort of changed the way we’re looking at things,” said Kelliher. “The games will come and they will be played. But we’re not worried about anything other than what we’re doing on a week-by-week basis. Right now, that’s [week 1 against] Westfield.”
Kelliher, Donovan, and the Green Wave host Westfield at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.
More high school football
Richard Morin can be reached at ricky.morin@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @BigRickMorin.
Advertisement