“[James] has a motor that’s hard to find, and he has tremendous grit,” said Costabile, who is 193-106 with two state titles over 28 seasons at Shawsheen.
“With his wrestling background, when he gets hold of a ball carrier, he’s tough to get away from. And he’s also an intelligent player. He’s grown into a very good blocker on offense, but his biggest impact is on defense.”
Wrestling at 144 pounds, Tildsley has won 117 consecutive matches and led Shawsheen to 58 straight dual meet wins. He’s never lost a match at home, is ranked No. 18 in the nation by Sports Illustrated, and is a two-time New England and All-State champion.
The senior has led Shawsheen in tackles each of the past three seasons and spearheaded a defense that allowed just 5.1 points per game en route to the Division 5 Super Bowl last fall. His numbers: 256 career tackles, 24 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns.
Shawsheen’s defense remains strong with seniors Jake and Eric Banda returning alongside Tildsley, and Dyllon Pratt leading the secondary.
“James has grown tremendously as a leader the past four years,” Costabile said. “He leads by action and example. He’s always ready and plays every play fully to the whistle, more than any player I’ve ever coached.”
Friday, No. 5 Central Catholic at No. 3 St. John’s Prep, (6 p.m.) — Prep has had the edge in this regional rivalry over the past few seasons and the Eagles should be able to ride a balanced offense to a home win in Week 3. Pick: ST. JOHN’S PREP.
Friday, No. 16 Milford at Wellesley, (6 p.m.) — By returning most of the offensive line from a 5-6 team, Milford appears poised to compete against all comers. The Scarlet Hawks just scored an impressive win in Leominster. Pick: MILFORD.
Friday, Everett at No. 2 Xaverian, (6 p.m.) — After warming up against a couple of Greater Boston League foes, Everett gets the first of two tests against Catholic Conference powers, with a Thursday game against No. 9 BC High up next. Pick: XAVERIAN.
Friday, Apponequet at Archbishop Williams, (6 p.m.) —Star freshman quarterback Hudson Garrity debuted with 287 total yards and four touchdowns in Week 1 and will lead Archies against a Division 6 contender after a bye week. Pick: ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS.
Friday, No. 18 Methuen at No. 20 Tewksbury, (7 p.m.) —Methuen dominated on the ground last week after losing quarterback Josh Danella to a collarbone injury. With elite linebackers led by Emeka Olu, Tewksbury will be tougher to push around. Pick: TEWKSBURY.
Friday, Norwell at No. 7 Scituate, (7 p.m.) — Scituate could have a letdown after scoring the program’s first regular season win over rival Duxbury. Jack Luccarelli and Norwell will be looking for a statement win. Pick: SCITUATE.
Friday, Springfield Central at No. 6 Mansfield, (7 p.m.) — Coming off a big win at Bedford High in Michigan, Mansfield hosts the top team in Western Mass. Pick: SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL.
Friday, Chelmsford at No. 14 Andover, (7 p.m.) — It’s the home opener for Andover under new coach Jay Fielding and a tough MVC crossover test against a sizable Chelmsford squad. Pick: ANDOVER.
Friday, No. 17 North Attleborough at Taunton, (7 p.m.) — Taunton opened with blowout wins over New Bedford and Durfee and North Attleborough is coming off a physical battle with King Philip. Pick: NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH.
Saturday, St. Sebastian’s at Milton Academy, (6:30 p.m.) — For the first time, the Mustangs open the season at Curry College under the lights. These star-studded prep schools are competing for a shot at the NEPSAC Class B championship with the ISL disbanded. Pick: MILTON ACADEMY.