By Craig Larson, Boston Globe


Darryl LaForest is more than willing to put his imposing 6-foot-3 inch, 280-pound frame out on the island and line up at corner, a point he has made more than once to Bentley first-year coach Thom Boermann. And why not? Through the first five games, his seven pass breakups are tied for the lead in the Northeast-10 Conference.

Boermann and his staff appreciate the unselfish pitch, and certainly his versatility, but they like the senior tackle just where he is - pressuring the pocket, tying up blockers, and batting down passes over the middle.

He is the unquestioned anchor of a rebuilt defensive front that has bought into a new philosophy, one of “less penetration, more occupation,’’ under first-year coordinator Scott Boyle. All for the betterment of the team, a Falcons squad that is off to a 5-0 start (3-0 NE-10) heading into this afternoon’s showdown against high-powered Merrimack (3-1, 2-0) in North Andover.

“One team, one goal,’’ said LaForest, a legitimate NFL prospect from Roslindale via Belmont High who has sacrificed individual statistics this season in Boyle’s new scheme.

Boermann, a 24-year assistant under Peter Yetten at Bentley, said “The proof is in the pudding, we have been successful. Each player has a specific role, and they understand their role. Darryl has adjusted, even though he’s giving up some stats that would help with the pro scouts.’’

Merrimack coach John Perry calls LaForest “a beast, with an exceptional feel for the game,’’ he said. “There are some players that can impact the game without statistically impacting the game.’’

The ferocious play of LaForest, along with left end Matt Welch (a former fullback), right tackle Sal Ruffino, and right end Cetan Tyler, has freed up senior linebacker Matt Zahoruiko to roam sideline to sideline, and dominate.

“What we’re able to do starts with the defensive line,’’ said Zahoruiko, whose 58 tackles more than double any other Falcon.

LaForest, who has registered four sacks among his 18 tackles, said if it is a pass play, “It’s my job to go get the quarterback, and if it’s a running play, I have no problem eating up two to three blockers, and the linebackers make plays.’’

Making plays will be paramount against a high-scoring Merrimack attack (35.0 ppg) that is ranked third in Division 2 in total offense, featuring both the second-leading rusher (sophomore Anthony Smalls, 172.7 yards per game) and third-leading receiver (Chris Laham, 124.0 yards per game) in the nation, along with sophomore quarterback James Suozzo, a dynamic two-way threat who is averaging 101 yards rushing per game.

In his second year under center, Suozzo has made a huge leap, according to Perry, “where now we are having conversations about what the opponent is trying to do to stop us, and that’s the evolution of a quarterback,’’ he said. “We need an athletic quarterback that can throw the ball, and he does that very well.’’

The 5-8, 170-pound Smalls is exceptional at starting and stopping. “He can stop and change direction on a dime,’’ said Perry.

“Their numbers are staggering,’’ said Boermann. “But I have every faith in our defense, they are gritty.’’

His Falcons, with junior Bryant Johnson (12 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) connecting on 61 percent of his pass attempts, can move the ball, too.

LaForest says it all comes down to execution. “Our coaches have put us in the right position, and we have come together collectively. I will do whatever I need to help the team. My sophomore and junior years [at Belmont High], we went 0-22. I hate losing. If they ask me to play [offensive] guard, I’ll do it.’’