When Dante Focarelli had to undergo surgery for an injury to his shoulder joint last January, Robbinsville High football coach Jason Gray figured there was no sense trying to over-do it with the senior lineman this year.
So much for those plans.
“We were hoping to play him only on offense this season,” Gray said. “But due to two linemen going down for the season and a lack of numbers, Dante is starting both ways and performing at a high level.”
The Ravens’ captain is playing right offensive tackle and defensive tackle, and playing both ways is nothing new to him. But this year he can appreciate it even more after having some apprehensive moments.
It started during his junior season, when he tore his labrum in preseason camp.
“Basically, I fell on my arm awkwardly a few times, which only tore through slightly,” Focarelli explained. “But the repetitive contact on top of the already weakened cartilage eventually tore completely through and ended up breaking my glenoid, too, from the bone-to-bone impact.”
It was the first serious injury that Dante experienced during his football career but, despite the pain, he gutted it out through the entire campaign.
“It absolutely (takes a mental toll),” he said. “However, I was glad that despite the injury, I was able to finish out my junior season without missing any games.
“I was initially worried that I would miss all of the preseason and most likely a few games. I dealt with it by staying close with the team and going to the weight room every day and doing lower body workouts.”
Had Focarelli sat out, it would have been his first autumn on the sidelines since he began playing at age 7. Dante started with the Hamilton PAL Football League, as Robbinsville’s youth program had yet to be developed.
His reason for playing football was basically a process of elimination.
“I got started because I realized I was too big and slow to play soccer,” he said with a laugh. “I have always been on the line. I used to play center and defensive end up until my freshman year.”
When Focarelli got to Robbinsville, he played for a freshman team that consisted of “about 13 guys.” He went right to the varsity as a sophomore, playing tackles on both sides of the ball.
Although the physical toll is tough for a two-way lineman, there are some mental benefits as Focarelli understands what his opponents are thinking.
“Overall I think it’s an advantage to play both ways, because you pick up the game a lot faster,” he said. “But if you aren’t conditioned for it, you’ll become less effective at both positions.”
After managing to get through last year with his injury, Focarelli had surgery before undergoing the tedious process of physical therapy.
“That lasted for about six months,” he said. “It was pretty tough to see how truly limited I was. But I was honestly excited to go to therapy and get better and stronger.”
And despite Gray’s concerns, Focarelli has been strong enough to help on both sides of the ball.
“It’s been great,” Dante said. “I’m really happy I’ve been able to help the team out in that way.”
As a defensive lineman, he can get a little more notoriety through sacks and tackles. Offensive linemen, of course, get no such accolades.
Focarelli enjoys it nonetheless.
“I love the physicality of the position,” he said. “And knowing that every single play of the game it’s going to be your will power and skill versus someone else’s. The competition and intensity is awesome.”
Focarelli and his linemates – tackle Tyler Gildner, guards Nate Smith and Steve Dranoff and center Connor Harding have imposed their wills well this year as Chad Scott and Kyle Alston have emerged as one of the more talented tailback duos in Mercer County.
“Dante is one of our many unsung heroes who is providing holes for Kyle Alston and Chad Scott to run through,” Gray said.
And when he’s not opening holes, Focarelli is plugging them.
Even if it wasn’t in the original plans.
