Telegraph file photo by TOM KING Former Campbell quarterback Adam Breton took his licks on offense with the Cougars, but defense was more his favorite. Breton is at Castleton University in Vermont preparaing for Saturday's annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

Adam Breton was used to doing a lot of things at Campbell High School – including playing under pressure.

Breton, who will take the field at Castleton University Saturday as a member of the New Hampshire squad in the annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, certainly couldn’t have experienced more pressure than quarterbacking two Division III state title games.

So Saturday vs. Vermont should be a piece of cake.

“Once you get the first part out of the way, you settle in a little bit,” said the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Breton, who was a three-year starter at the position, but may play defense only on Saturday.

Also joining Breton on the New Hampshire Shrine Team is former Cougar teammate and two-way lineman Logan DeCarolis.

But ironically, both could be on defense on Saturday, especially Breton, who says that he may play the “mike” position as a strong side linebacker or safety. He played linebacker and strong safety as a Cougar.

Not surprisingly, he likes defense

better.

“I get to hit people,” he said with a chuckle.

But he was versatile at Campbell.

“They used me in a lot of different ways,” he said. “Offensively, defensively, special teams. On offense I threw a little bit, I ran a little bit; on defense I moved around depending on the scheme for that week.”

Breton’s work at QB for the Cougars, though, was certainly appreciated by his teammates.

“Oh my gosh, he basically ran the offense,” DeCarolis said of Breton. “He knew everyone’s position, exactly what they were going to do. He brought it every time, made us serious in the huddle, got us ready for the game. He wasn’t very social but he made up for it with his leadership.”

Meanwhile, Breton is just soaking up the week.

“They’re putting us to work, and it’s a great cause, too,” said Breton, who likely will play quarterback at Dean College in Franklin, Mass., this fall.

It’s a position he took pride in learning how to play.

“The coaches (at Campbell) definitely worked with me,” he said. “We progressed from being under center my sophomore year to going to more of a spread, single wing type of team. I was definitely comfortable, very comfortable in the offense.”

A lot of weight wasn’t put on Breton’s shoulders in terms of throwing as there were a lot of talented backs to give the ball too.

“I just had to make the occasional play and to block too,” he said.

That’s (blocking) a little different for a quarterback but Breton got better at it after his sophomore year.

Breton feels this week is giving him valuable experience.

“It’s putting us in a place similar to college,” he said. ” Better competition at every position. Everyone’s competing at the same level, and it will be the same next year.”

Breton’s whole high school career was about making adjustments, including going from one coach (Greg Gush) to another (Glen Costello).

“Even though we knew Coach Costello (who ran the Cougar defense under Gush before taking the reins last year), switching coaches is definitely a big thing. Going from one coach to the next, to now, definitely helps.”

But, added DeCarolis, the Cougars success came from the numerous quality coaches on staff.

“The coaching is awesome there,” he said. “It’s not a huge team, so everyone gets special coaching, everyone focuses on everyone (else). We also have a lot of teammwork and chemistry.”

Breton liked the small school atmosphere at Dean, which will also give him the opportunity to play lacrosse. He’l be studying exercise science. He also felt comfortable with the coaching staff. But really, he’s used to change, and the pressure that goes with it.

Meanwhile, at 6-0, 245, DeCarolis will be headed to Plymouth State a couple of weeks after Saturday’s game, set to study business and play for the Panthers.

“I think they want to play me at D-tackle, but I’d play offensive line again if they want,” he said of his college future. “I’ll go wherever the team needs me. That’s just basically what I am for the team. Wherever they need me, I’ll try it.”

DeCarolis says this week is just what he needs to prep for college.

“This definitely helps,” he said. “We’re going against the best of the best every day. It’s three-a-days, two hours each, we’re going hard against everyone, getting good looks.

“It’s really different from high school, more like college. Everyone wants to be there, everyone wants to work hard.”

Watching all the publicity surrounding New Hampshire’s other charity All-Star game, the CHaD Game in late June, got DeCarolis pumped up for his opportunity for the Shrine Game.

“It’s definitely our time to shine,” he said. “It’s for a great cause. We get to stay a week, meet our teammates, get a little chemistry,meet some of the kids from the Shriners Hospital and know what we’re playing for.”

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