Published: 01/31/2008
Big Blue reunion awaits
By Hector LongoStaff writer
GLENDALE, Ariz. - At some point over the weekend, former Phillips Academy classmates Amanda Belichick and Zak DeOssie will cross paths here in the desert. Will the meeting be cold or confrontational? Of course not.
"Amanda was one of my best friends in high school," said DeOssie. "We still talk regularly. I called her the day after we beat Green Bay in the NFC title game. I'll see her this weekend. She's my friend, who just happens to be the daughter of the coach on the other team."
DeOssie, who visited Phillips during the bye week to catch up with old friends, including two-sport coach Leon Modeste, has been in contact with the Big Blue football boss recently
"I've talked to Leon, and he said everyone is excited at Phillips Academy," said DeOssie. "I just got a letter from the head of schools congratulating me and wishing me luck."
King of the hill
Corey Webster is with the Giants, but that isn't causing him to stop soaking in the credit for his alma mater, Louisiana State's national championship win back in early January.
"I'm king of the hill, and nobody can take that away from me," said Webster. "We've got a great opportunity for me. My college won it. And hopefully, we get to have the same success that they had this year."
Just a small-town boy
Patriots receiver Randy Moss noted yesterday that he hasn't been in contact lately with former high school teammate Jason Williams, now of the Miami Heat.
The fact that the two superstars came out of tiny Rand, West Va., is something that Moss proudly touts.
"Where we are from, guys don't make it out," said Moss. "I don't mean make it out of jail or anything like that. I'm talking about athletes in that area trying to go Division 1 or 2 to make it to the professional level. Guys from where we are don't make it. To be able to say we made it, that's a great accomplishment."
Living in a lonely world
Despite a myriad of struggles in the undefeated season, the Ellis Hobbs' media express continues here in Arizona.
Hobbs sounded off about his feelings once the football is thrown his way.
"It's mine," said the Iowa State product. "When the quarterback throws the ball, I feel like he's throwing it to me."
Hobbs picked off one pass this year.
"It might sound arrogant, but I live for moments like this," said Hobbs. "This is why you go through summer camp. This is why you throw up in the summer time."
