Jack Hennessy and Matt Hawes ’10
Web Sports Editor and Staff Writer
This Friday and for the rest of the season, the Staples Wreckers will take the field without their captain, leader, and starting quarterback, Brandon Pacilio ’10.
On October 24, Pacilio was brought down by a Harding President linebacker. This unfortunately resulted in a season ending broken ankle. “The official diagnosis of the injury is that I broke my fibula in three different places and messed up the alignment of my ankle to the rest of my leg,” Pacilio said.
At first, the team was optimistic, hoping their quarter-back could hobble off the field with just a minor sprain. This was not the case as x-rays at the hospital confirmed the severe injury. It was a broken fibula in three different places which required surgery.
“The scene around the injury was surreal. At first I did not think anything was really the matter, neither did anyone else.”
During the surgery, which went perfectly as expected, a plate and seven screws were put in to mend the broken bone and ligaments around the ankle. This surgery has a 100% recovery rate which will not harm his future in football at a higher level, seeing as he will be healed come mid December.
Pacilio will be in attendance for the rest of the games, motivating the team and giving everyone support.
“I’ll be there for my teammates when they need me,” said Pacilio.
Pacilio’s teammate, former back-up quarterback, Keith Gelman ’10, will be taking over the reigns of the potent Staples offense.
“Keith is a very good quarterback. He knows the offense very well and can execute every aspect of it. He is smart and able to make the right decisions on the field. He will do a great job in leading the team the rest of the way,” said Pacilio.
The rest of the team, as well as the coaching staff are eager for Gelman to fill in.
“We have all the faith in the world in Keith,” said Coach Petroccio. “Brandon has a stronger arm and is stronger physically, and has more experience starting 17 straight games, but on the other hand, Keith has quick feet and good technique. Gelman is also very good at reading the option.”
Many of Gelman and Pacilio’s teammates have great confidence in Gelman, but still feel the hole that Pacilio leaves.
Senior quad-captain Devin Graber ’10 said, “Brandon brings a certain leadership element to the game, and a physical prowess that no other player has.”
The Wreckers will continue their season without Pacilio, but look to rule the FCIACs.