Biography

In 1985 Rich Puccio, along with teammate Steve Connolly, paired up to be the first and perhaps best tandem of offensive guards in the inaugural season of North's famed Wing-T offense. An imposing figure at 6'2" 225 lbs. Rich led the way for thousand-yard-rusher Mike McCarthy. Whether pulling around the comer or trapping inside, Rich Puccio did it all with a speed and force that can only be found in a Hall of Fame player.

A standout two-way performer, Rich was involved in over 65 tackles while anchoring the defensive line of an outstanding North defense that yielded only 60 points all year. Through his tireless effort and speed, Rich was regularly seen chasing down opposing running backs along the sideline rushing for little or no gain, and wrecking havoc on Hockomock League offenses. Among his most memorable plays was a tenacious goal line stop against league rival Canton that resulted in a fumble and secured a I 2-8 upset win over an outstanding Bulldog team. Rich also led the way on defense in a 28-0 shutout of arch rival Attleboro on Thanksgiving Day.

A Hockomock League and Sun Chronkle All Star, rich went on to have an outstanding career at Harvard University, culminating with his All-Ivy League selection and performance in a college all star game held in Japan.