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Salem's Sousa set for steep challenge

Friday, September, 14 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

At some point tonight at Grant Field, Londonderry's Ryan Griffin will turn the corner with nothing but Salem's Chris Sousa between him and glory.

That's Griffin, one of the biggest backs in area history at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, challenged by Sousa, at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds.

"Bring it on," said Salem's Sousa. "Big game, tough opponent with a big kid like Griffin coming in. It's a great test, and you have to love the challenge."

Sousa, a three-year starter for the 2-0 Blue Devils, has been making plays at the outside linebacker spot since his sophomore campaign, which is impressive but by no means unique.

It is in coach Jack Gati's offense where Sousa might know more about the intricacies of those straight-T and double-wing sets than anyone.

As a sophomore, Sousa was a running back, but was moved to starting guard for his junior season. This summer, Sousa was headed for platoon duty at fullback until a need arose at tight end, where he now starts.

"Every year I don't know what I'm going to do, but it just happens," said Sousa. "Tight end is a real important position in this offense. (Coach Gati) wants me on the field. My blocking is down from playing guard. Learning the different pass routes is the toughest thing."

Sousa took a little time this week for a Football Friday conversation:

Moving from running back to offensive line can be humbling to a high school athlete. How did you take it? "I didn't take it personally. I just looked at it as a challenge. It was probably too much of my mom's cooking. Now, to play tight end, I've thinned down and muscled up. As long as I'm playing football, I'm happy."

Five N.H. Division 1 teams now play home games on artificial turf. Which do you prefer, grass or rug? "Artificial turf is much better. You feel faster. My game is all about speed and you just feel faster on the turf."

How does this Salem team compare to last year's, which played in the title game? "Everybody on this team wants to step up and be a leader. We've been to the title game twice. This is the group that wants to go out and win out."

A night talking football with Tom Brady or a date with Jessica Alba? "Absolutely Jessica Alba! Have you seen what she looks like. That's all I have to say about that."

Who's funnier, Will Ferrell or the Granite State's own, Adam Sandler? "Will Ferrell is hilarious. I really think Blades of Glory was great. Even though Sandler is a New Hampshire guy, I have to go the other way."