Jets have high hopes for the fall

As the kids head back to school this week, all eyes will be on the East Boston Jets football team and its new coach John Parziale.

Parziale has worked under the Boston City League dynasty created by John Sousa over the past 14-years.

Parziale will be assisted by coach Ryan Conway and former Jets player Brandon Ciaccio.

The former coach’s son, John Sousa Jr. will round out Parziale’s staff as they take on Austin Prep opening night on Friday, September 10.

Always humble, Parziale told Globe reporters that this season is not about him but about the players and team.

"It’s about East Boston high football. It was here before me, it’s gonna be here after me," he said.

Anthony Whitney was named as Eastie’s quarterback this season, replacing Troy Williams who graduated last year after a stellar season.

Parziale is already keeping his eyes on the prize and is looking to surpass its rival Madison Park this season.

Last season, Madison went 6-4 but the the Jets easily cruised by Madison Park 29-0 to clinch the North Title last season.

That win also extended Eastie’s win streak to 8 and finished the season 8-2 on the season (their only other loss coming against Austin Prep).

However, as with a new coach, the Jets are a brand new team. Eighteen seniors graduated last year leaving a lot of holes on the team.

"There’s a lot of young kids," Parziale told reporters. "Some kids had spot duty or played special teams. Or they were backups … But we have no skilled people."

Also, East Boston High soccer and cross country will kick off this week as the fall sports season commences.

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