Something is stuck deep in Barrington High Football coach Bill McCagney's craw and he won't let go. McCagney's crew made its scrimmage debut as a Division-One squad Thursday night and despite a performance that at times bordered on dominance, McCagney was less than pleased.

"We controlled that game," said the coach. "We kicked their butts — to allow three deep passing plays late like we did is inexcusable."

As his team practiced Friday afternoon the coach repeatedly made mention of the secondary breakdowns. His frustration was evident but balanced by an excitement to test his squad's craft at the highest level of Rhode Island football.

That was the temptation that led McCagney and Barrington away from Division Two and the chance to defend last year's Super Bowl crown. It's a challenge. And McCagney's Eagles don't shy away from challenges.

"I'd always rather play at the higher level," said junior lineman Joe Goniprow. "Winning the Division-Two championship doesn't mean nearly as much as winning Division One."

Armed with a deep and mature class of juniors and better than half of his starters from last year's Super Bowl team, that's exactly what the Eagles are hoping to do.

Offense

Last season the Eagles' attack matured as the season progressed. Matt Coffey was arguably the division's most consistent weapon at halfback. The Eagles built a power running game on the broad shoulders of the Bridgeton Academy bound back and the Eagles' beefy front line.

But Coffey, as well as offensive line stalwarts Stefan Marszalek, Ben Miga and Matthew DeSisto are gone now. In their place Pat Brockway (SR), Rob Fazioli (JR) and Brendan Azar (JR) will join incumbent starters John Anderson (JR) and Goniprow on the front line.

"I'm hoping we'll be able to overpower opposing lines again," said McCagney.

Goniprow is taking a wait-and-see approach and added that if opposing lines do own a size advantage, he has faith in his trenchmates to out-technique their opposition.

Matt Capone grew into his role as the signal-caller last season. By year's end he proved himself as a reliable and accurate passer and an adept runner of the option play.

A third-team, all-division selection as a sophomore, Capone may be asked to open the offense up a bit more this season. If so, he'll most often be taking aim at the sure hands of tall wideout Sean Wirth.

By season's end Wirth and Capone had established some chemistry on sideline routes including some crucial connections in their Super Bowl win over Cumberland.

Power runners junior Dan O'Connell and senior fullback Doug Coffey will burden most of the running between the tackles this year with junior Keith Lopes serving as a second-half, game-breaker.

Lopes electrified Eagles' fans late last fall with some exciting runs as a change-of-pace back behind Coffey and graduated Jeff Wardyga.

His long, gliding strides chew up yardage once he's earned the corner or broken a seam. Mark Dolan may also be asked to shoulder some of the Eagles' power running.

"We've got about 90 percent of our system in but I'm a little concerned," said McCagney. "I've had teams come and just start clicking right out of the gate. We're not doing that. We're not blocking at all."

Defense

Last year's defensive line was able to overpower its smaller and weaker opponents. But without Miga and Marszalek, run-stopping duties will be left to Ryan Callahan (JR), Coffey, Azar and Goniprow.

"Right now Callahan is at the doctors," said McCagney. "We miss him. Callahan is a big, strong aggressive tackle. He's a veteran. He's important to us."

Behind the D-line will be linebackers Dolan and Anderson.

O'Connell has caught the coach's eye with his ability to lead and to play. The junior defensive back will have some big shoes to fill as he picks up for Coffey as the Eagles' 'Monster Back.'

"He bulked up over the off-season," said McCagney. "He went from 165 to 190. He's going to be strong for us."

As evidenced by the North Kingstown scrimmage, the one point for early season concern has been the defensive backfield. Last season, the Eagle's Achilles' Heal was pass coverage. McCagney worries the same may be true this season inside a division more prone to pass.

Five players will serve as defensive backs incumbent starters Wirth, Lopes and Capone. Mark Cirillo (JR) and John Terhune (SR) will also earn time behind the line.

Leadership

One hole the Eagles won't be able to account for is the leadership void left by All-Staters Wardyga, Coffey and Marszalek.

"Nobody will fill their shoes," McCagney bluntly stated. "Everyone is going to have to step up and know their roles and know their jobs."

The Eagles named seniors Callahan, Ryan Wirth and Brett Azar captains this summer and will look first to that trio for guidance.

The Eagles also have the luxury of a deep sophomore class that earned plenty of experience last fall.

"Guys in my grade who started last year are going to have to step up again this year," said Capone. "I'm not really a vocal leader. I try to lead with my play on the field. Wirth, Azar and Callahan have been doing a great job as captains so far. Callahan is our emotional leader."

"I'm not worried at all by expectations," said Goniprow. "I have high expectations for everyone. We should expect big things from the sophomores who started last year."

Outlook

The goal for any team entering the season, whether it be its first year in a new division or not, is the playoffs.

As Friday's practice concluded McCagney grouped his team together and charged them up for what would prove to be a confidence-booming scrimmage versus East Providence.

"People don't think we can stay on the same field as East Providence," he told his team. "But we will be on the same field as them tomorrow."

McCagney seemingly has embraced the role of underdog in his team's new surroundings and may have his team motivated by the us-versus-them mentality.

Like last year, the Eagles boast a deep and talented team, but now play in a deeper and more talented division.

"We won't know anything until we know our competition," said McCagney, still gnawing at the thought of his team's three Thursday-night miscues.

The three lapses may have been what separated Barrington from perfection that night. Perfection after all is the only real expectation from McCagney. To climb the highest hill in R.I. football, the Eagles may have to be perfect.

BY ADAM COTE

sports@eastbaynewspapers.com