'Cats' success team crafted.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Steve Kendall

COLUMN: Division 2 football

When people think Gardner football, the first name that comes to mind is Jamison Craft, and rightfully so. In eight games, the senior back has rushed for 1,162 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding another four TDs as a receiver/kick returner, and he is also the leader on defense at safety. Though Craft is a major contributor for No. 3 Gardner, now 9-0 after last night's win over Quabbin, don't be fooled into thinking he is the only one.

Fullback Garrett Robinson, quarterback Mark Guercio and running back Erik Haney have all contributed to the team's offensive machine, which is averaging 223 rushing yards per game.

"Everyone knows we have a great weapon in Jamison Craft, and he is as impressive a player and person as we have had here at Gardner," longtime coach Walt Dubzinski said. "But this is also as close-knit a team as we have had here in a long time, and Jamison is one part of a great team. He understands that, and that's what makes him such a great leader for us. He knows we have had success because of the efforts of every guy on this team."

Haney, whose primary role is as a blocker out of the backfield, said that though Craft has received a lot of publicity, it is not something with which the star running back concerns himself. Haney said that Craft "works hard just like everyone else" and is only concerned about the success of the team.

Haney added that when the team gets together every Thursday night away from the field, no one ever talks about touchdowns or rushing yards or tackles - all anyone ever talks about is winning.

"That's our only focus - how to win football games," Haney said.

"You never hear anyone talk about a touchdown or how many yards they have -it's always about getting better and winning games. That's the difference in this team."

Guercio's contributions are probably the most underappreciated to the offense. Entering last night's game against Quabbin, he...