BROCKTON — The podium on the Marciano Stadium turf was positioned outwards, facing a row of cameras and reporters.
After an introduction from principal Cynthia Burns, former New England Patriots tight end Jermaine Wiggins stepped to the microphone, took out a sheet of notes and made his opening remarks as the new head coach of the Brockton High football team Friday afternoon.
That was until midway through what was an 11-minute speech, when the 48-year-old East Boston native turned to his right and faced his new players, who all sat together on the distant bleachers.