Football: Crespi is Bryan Bennett’s team this time around

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Bryan Bennett couldn’t have expected to play much for Crespi last year. In reality, there wasn’t a real need for the sophomore to see the field, not with Kevin Prince around as the team’s quarterback. But when the Celts’ starter went down with an injury in the first game of the season, guess whose number was called ...

Go ahead an give yourself a pat on the back if you said Bennett.

Remarkably enough, the inexperienced signal-caller filled in admirably, leading Crespi to an impressive postseason run. Nearly 12 months later, the 6-foot-3 and 175-pound junior has taken over the leadership role for the Celts and heads into his first real test of the season Friday against Birmingham with plenty of confidence.

With senior teammates such as Austin Shanks, E.J. Woods and Joseph Fauria around to help during his trial run a season ago, Bennett didn’t have to do much. Making the spectacular play wasn’t necessary. However, playing within himself and making the smart play was necessary. These numbers indicate he did the job well.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Division I scouts. Several high-profile programs have been in contact with him recently, including Notre Dame, UCLA and USC. Needless to say, all eyes will be on Bennett against the Patriots, a City Section power. And I have a feeling he’ll do just fine with a year of on-the-job training underneath his belt.

-- Sean Ceglinsky