Shrewsbury – Mike Coggeshall, the junior quarterback, has his team at 3-3, which is good enough to be in a four-way tie for second place in Division 1. With the field wide open, Coggeshall and the Colonials look to make a Super Bowl run.
How's the football season going so far?
“The season is going well so far. Our team is progressing week by week. There have been many changes in personnel, as well as different schemes on both sides of the ball, so it takes time. We'se playing well though, and we'sl keep making progress.”
What's it like to be a quarterback at this level? Are you comfortable running the offense?
“I love my position. I wouldn's have chosen to play that position if I wasn's willing to lead my team. I just love having the ball in my hands, and being able to lead a great offense.”
Who's your favorite target in the offense?
“I don's have a favorite target. We have so many offensive weapons and I utilize them by throwing to whoever's open.”
As a freshman, did any older players help you get accustomed to Shrewsbury High School's (SHS) football?
“No, not so much the older players, but the coaches really helped. Coach Diamantopoulos was the SHS quarterback himself once. He really helped me at the start of my high school career.”
You'se a three-sport athlete – football, basketball and baseball. Which is your favorite to play?
“That's a tough question to answer. I love them all. It depends which season it is.”
Can you see yourself playing a sport in college? Which one?
“I have a long way to go until the next level. I have to keep working every day in all sports. However, I could see myself playing either baseball or football in college.”
Have any college coaches reached out to you yet?
“To be honest, I haven's looked at any schools at all. Haven's talked to any coaches either.”
Which coach has helped you most develop as an athlete?
“All of my coaches have helped me a great deal. Coach Diamantopoulos has helped me a lot. Coach Walles as well. He believed in me, and allowed me to lead the team as a sophomore. Coach Machado has also been a great influence on me not only in basketball, but in life. He has pushed me and improved my skills a great deal. Athletic Director Jay Costa also helps me develop by pointing out little details that can improve my game.”
Which game in your high school career has meant the most to you?
“I's say the Marlborough game this season. It really proved that our team won's give up in the final minutes of the game. It also proved that our offense is capable of scoring at any time.”
Which NFL quarterback do you look up to most and why?
“Both Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady because of his amazing poise and leadership skills. Rodgers because of his determination and will power.”