Junior Lincoln Moore (42) pulls in one of Foxboro’s three interceptions in the Warriors 36-14 win over Canton at Martinelli Field. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
FOXBORO, Mass. – Foxboro came into the new season with a roster filled with underclassmen being asked to step into major roles on both sides of the ball. After a tough start to the fall, losing the opening three games, the Warriors seem to be turning a corner.
The youth movement was on full display on Friday night at Martinelli Field. Sophomore Mike Marcucella threw three touchdown passes, including one to freshman Rashaan Lewis and another to classmate Nolan Gordon, and the defense forced four turnovers, to come from behind and beat Canton 36-14.
“Once we focused a little more, we were able to do a lot of different things,” Foxboro coach Jack Martinelli said. “We threw, we ran the ball. It’s such a young team that it’s hard to put a finger on whether it’s going to be a slow start or a fast start. All in all, the kids played tough.”
It was a game that had playoff implications for both teams. Despite a losing record, Foxboro was the No. 9 team in the latest Div. 4 rankings, while Canton was No. 21.
The Bulldogs needed a win to climb back towards the top 16 and they came out of the gates with a strong start. On fourth and three from the Canton 16-yard-line, Ben Angelini (eight carries, 61 yards) was stopped for no gain by Luke Richards and James Robbins. On the second Foxboro possession, Robbins sacked Marcucella on first down and Josh Richards jumped on a tipped ball to get the interception.
After the return, the Bulldogs started at the Foxboro 19. On third and 11, Godson Ofonagoro (18 carries, 97 yards) took a sweep around the right side, bursting past the Warriors front seven and scoring from 20 yards out.
Foxboro started its next drive at its own 15. Marcucella (12-of-18, 206 yards) hit Gordon for a quick first down. Two plays later Brandon Mazenkes-O’Grady took the handoff to the left side of the line, cut it upfield, and then raced away leaving the Canton defense in his wake on a 72-yard touchdown.
The extra point was no good, so Canton held onto the lead into the second quarter. After forcing a three-and-out, Foxboro got the ball at midfield. Marcucella fired a pass underneath to Tony Sulham (four catches, 63 yards) for 23. On first down, the Foxboro QB threw a ball down the right sideline to Lewis and the freshman laid out at full stretch to haul in a 27-yard score.
On its next possession, Canton faced fourth down and one from its own 29. Fallon sensed that his team needed a boost and had confidence that his line could hold its block to get a yard. Owen Lane (6-of-18, 72 yards) had trouble fielding a high snap and Sully Kenneally was in the backfield to bring him down for a five-yard loss.
“It was half a foot,” Canton coach Anthony Fallon said about the decision to go for it. “I know it was bad territory but I was looking to build some momentum. Our linemen were feeling confident, they were getting off the ball, I thought we were playing some really good physicality.”
“We had it if we didn’t drop the snap. It’s tough to put your defense in a hole like that but I thought it was time to try and get a little momentum. Just didn’t work out.”
Foxboro only needed one play to take advantage of the short field. Marcucella, despite taking a big hit from Julian Prentence, was able to get the ball away down the field and Gordon out-jumped the coverage bringing down the 28-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion failed, but the Warriors led 19-7.
After the fourth down gamble didn’t pay off, things got even worse for Canton as Lincoln Moore jumped a route and picked off a pass to give the hosts the ball at the 26. Canton’s defense came up with a big stand, including a good tackle by Jack Flaherty on third down to force a 37-yard field goal by Sam Carpenter.
Nick Crowe returned the ensuing kick 44 yards to give Canton good starting field position. On third and 10, Lane hit Ofonagoro on a screen pass and he broke free for what looked like it was going to be huge gain. Mazenkes-O’Grady showed off his speed to chase down the Canton running back from behind and force a fumble, which Sulham recovered.
“Forty-four (Mazenkes-O’Grady) made a great play on that screen there,” Fallon said. “Godson looked like he was gone there, the kid caught him and made that play. I thought even after halftime we were going to come out and throw some punches and we did okay but they just wore us down a little bit. We just made too many mistakes in the first half.”
The Foxboro defense started the second half with another turnover. Sophomore Kaden Hassett picked off Lane at the Canton 38. Mazenkes-O’Grady got 10 on first down and 27 on the second play. Moore capped the drive with a one-yard plunge to make it 29-7.
“We had planned to play a seven-game box against them but 21 (Ofonagoro) is a good runner and 14 (Lane) is a good runner and we had to make some adjustments after the first touchdown they scored and the kids adapted well,” Martinelli explained.
Payton Francis and Anthony Porazzo combined to stuff an option attempt for a loss of five, forcing another Canton punt. Foxboro’s offense needed just one play to turn that into a bigger lead. Marcucella hit Eddie Feldman across the middle and the junior broke free, bursting away from the secondary and finding the end zone on a 66-yard score.
While the final result was a foregone conclusion, the Bulldogs weren’t quitting and put together their best drive of the night, going 79 yards on 13 plays to get back on the scoreboard. Ofonagoro has a 14-yard run to get out to the 45. On third and three, Lane got four on a keeper and then he hit Richards for 11 to the Foxboro 33. Ofonagoro had gains of 12 and 15 yards before he went around the right side for a five-yard TD.
“We’ve had three losses where we’ve had the last drive of the game to either tie or win and just weren’t able to pull that off,” Martinelli said when asked about his team overcoming an 0-3 start to the season. “I think being youthful has a lot to do with it but it’s good experience for the kids.”
Foxboro (3-4) has won three of its last four games and is tied for first in the Davenport division. The Warriors will head to Oliver Ames next week. Canton (3-3) will host Blue Hills on Friday in its final game of the regular season.
Outlook: After experiencing some growing pains against a tough schedule last season, the Bulldogs boast a good number of returning players looking to have a bounce-back year in 2022.
Canton has key pieces in key spots on the field and has a total of 22 seniors on the roster. The defense will be filled with veterans including a talented group of linebackers that include seniors Jack Flaherty (captain) and Hayden Rose along with junior captain Owen Lane. While the linebackers are likely to be the heart of the defense, the Bulldogs also have some key experience – and some noticeable size – on the defensive line with seniors Julian Prentice (captain) and Jack Digirolamo. In the secondary, Charlie Cox and Josh Richards will man the safety positions to anchor the secondary unit.
The Bulldogs have a familiar face back at quarterback in Lane, an athletic lefty that can make plays with both his feet and his arm. As just a sophomore a year ago, Lane gained valuable experience and will be looking to build on a solid campaign. He will work behind a somewhat inexperienced line that is anchored by senior captain Matt Lesser at center with Nathan Levis and sophomore Luke Richard at guard, and junior Giovanni Disasio and sophomore Luke Laguerre at tackle. Senior Godson Ofonagoro has transferred in and will be in the mix at running back along with James Robbins, Cole Ouellette, and Michael Sayers.
Canton opens the season on the road at Dighton-Rehoboth but then hosts back-to-back non-league games as the Bulldogs look to build some momentum before their first meeting with Mansfield since 2012.
Outlook:
Foxboro narrowly missed out on a trip to Gillette last year, falling in the Div. 5 state semifinal. The reigning Davenport division champions will have to replace the production of league MVP Dylan Gordon, but the Warriors have a host of younger players ready to step into bigger roles this season and will be excited about adding league title drama to their Thanksgiving Day rivalry with Mansfield.
Even graduating its starting tailback and quarterback, Foxboro will have a lot of depth in the skill positions this season with several underclassmen showing that they are ready to contribute right away. Sophomore Mike Marcucella will take over under center and will have plenty of options in the backfield and at receiver. Junior Lincoln Moore has the strength and quickness to be a dynamic runner along with junior Brandon Mazenkas-O’Grady, senior Jaiquann Williams, and sophomore Ben Angelini. Senior Payton France will be an option at wideout, junior Tony Sulham adds speed wherever he lines up, and sophomore Nolan Gordon will be a big target on the outside. The offensive line is loaded with size this season. Senior Andrew Finn will be the leader of a group that includes junior Nate Urman and sophomore Jonathan Balde. Sam Carpenter is one of the league’s top kickers and gives Foxboro the chance for points every possession.
Defense has always been a focal point for the Warriors and they have plenty of experience returning to be a strong group. As one offense, Foxboro will have plenty of size up front. Finn and Mazenkas-O’Grady are constant threats from the ends with Urman and Balde helping out in the interior. Moore was a standout linebacker as a sophomore and he leads a group that includes Williams and Angelini. Sulham is a lockdown corner and Gordon, Francis, and Marcucella will all add depth in the secondary.
“If the players and coaches are patient and are mindful that you never pick up where you left off, assuming nothing, this can be a good football team, characterized by senior strength and tremendous underclass talent,” said Foxboro coach Jack Martinelli.
Outlook:
It usually doesn’t take Mansfield long to rebuild and the Hornets come into the new season with an experienced core of returning players, particularly in the skill positions, that is poised to challenge not only for the program’s first Davenport division title but also to make a deep run in the state tournament. With nearly all of its production back from last year, Mansfield will be counting on that year of experience to be ready for a tough schedule meant to prepare the Hornets for the playoffs.
The Mansfield offense should have plenty of balance to it this season. Senior Conner Zukowski will be back under center for the Hornets and he has a host of weapons to take advantage of in both the passing and ground games. Seniors Drew Sacco and Rocco Scarpellini will be in the backfield this season and both are dynamic runners who can grind yards or break big plays. Juniors Brian Butler and Nolan Bordieri could also be added to the mix. Junior Connor Curtis will give another option as a running QB. Junior Trevor Foley emerged as one of the top receivers in the league last season and junior CJ Bell, Bordieri, and junior Brandon Jackman give the Hornets a lot of depth on the outside, while senior Ryan DeGirolamo gives Zukowski a big target at tight end. The line should also be deep this season, led by seniors Jephte Jean and Colton Johnson and newcomers senior Dexter Harris, and juniors Aidan Gleavy, Matt Tryon, and Jason Riley.
Experience is a strength on the other side of the ball as well. Foley and Bell give Mansfield playmakers in the secondary that will cause havoc with opposition passing attacks. Bordieri and Jackman will add to that defensive back group. Jean was an imposing force on the defensive line and he will be helped by Gleavy and Harris. DeGirolamo gives the Hornets a threat from his defensive end position and Riley could step into that role on the other side. Scarpellini and senior Caden Colby will return at linebacker.
“Depth and experience at offensive skill positions with the return of about 95 percent of the team’s production from last year,” Mansfield head coach Mike Redding said of his team’s strength. “Defensive group is also experienced with the secondary returning three of the four starters and two of the three linebackers, so good experience there as well.”
Outlook: Buoyed by a productive offseason, Oliver Ames is looking to get back into the heart of the division title race this season. The Tigers have a strong nucleus of players back and are hoping a strong line – both offensively and defensively – will pave the way for success this season.
Three of the Tigers’ five captains call the offensive line home so OA will lean heavily on that unit to pave the way for the offense. Columbia University-commit Jaden Hinton has transformed into one of the best two-way linemen in not only the Hock but in the state. He will be joined by fellow captains Chris Young and John Carey, as well as classmate Luis Fernandes. The unit will be in charge of creating holes for four-year starter and captain Chad Silva. After handling lead blocking duties last year, Silva will likely be the feature back for the Tigers and has a great combination of power and speed.
Senior captain Wayne Casey will start under center and will be tasked with controlling the offense. He will work with Robert Jenkins, Jaden Graham, and Bronson Burnham as weapons on offense.
Silva is back for another year at linebacker and is a big-time playmaker on that side of the ball. Seniors Jack Morley and Jordan Young round out an experienced group while Hinton will work with Young, Fernandes, and classmate Donovan Howard along the defensive line. Seniors Jack Perron and Nick Ferrini will play in the secondary alongside Jenkins and Graham.
“I am thrilled about the work our older guys have put in this offseason and really think it should help them pay off,” said OA head coach Ed DeWitt. “We really want to continue to improve week to week and play with more consistency than we did last year.”
Outlook:
Sharon is continuing its independent schedule this fall and, with 13 returning starters, the Eagles will have plenty of experience. Depth continues to be a challenge for the program, but there is room for development, and head coach Dave Morse is hoping that a very young roster will continue to develop this season.
Junior quarterback Liam Conway will lead an offense that is going to try and add more balance this season. Senior Kyle Samuels and junior Jacob McLoughlin will be the primary targets in the passing game. Juniors Gabe Korn and Duncan Seaman will be in the backfield and will give the Eagles a couple of threats in the running game. Senior fullback Joden Chanel will try and lead the way in the running game and senior lineman Dan Davis will be there to open holes.
Defensively, Sharon wants to be more aggressive. Korn and Seaman will lead the linebacking corps and add playmaking on the defensive side of the ball. Davis will be an impact player on the line and Chanel will give Sharon speed on the edge. In the secondary, Samuels will be one of the top cover guys, while junior Elijah Wisdom will be a ball hawk at free safety.
“Hoping to continue to develop and turn that into winning football games,” Morse said. “We are still very young because of the lack of seniors but it is my job to get all of our players up to speed at the varsity level.”
Editor’s note: Sharon is competing a non-league schedule this season.
Outlook: Stoughton finished in the middle of the pack in the Davenport division after an injury-plagued season last year. The Black Knights reached the state tournament and kept it close before falling in the first round, and ended the season with a win over rival Canton on Thanksgiving to finish at 5-6.
Between the graduating seniors and the players returning from injury, there will be plenty of new playmakers for the Black Knights this season. One familiar face will be the one under center as junior Jarred Daughtry is back at quarterback after getting a lot of reps a season ago. Daughtry showed that he can make plays with his arm but he’s very athletic and will be someone opposing defenses have to keep an eye out for.
Running the Wing-T, Daughtry will have senior Tagh Swiezewski and juniors Liam Pearl and Alex Huynh – both of who got off to promising sophomore campaigns before injuries. All three will be involved in blocking and running, and also key pieces in the Stoughton passing game. Junior James Currier has emerged as a top option as a receiver as well.
Stoughton has been known for its tough defenses over the years under longtime head coach Greg Burke, and the Black Knights will be looking to continue that tradition this year. Stoughton gave up over 23 points per game last, which was unusually high for a program that has kept teams under 20 for at least the six seasons prior to that. An athletic secondary will feature Swierziewski, Daughtry, Huynh, and Currier. Timmy Chung returns as one of the starting linebackers alongside Pearl and Beder, while Laz, Noel, and Thomas will all be two-way linemen.
“We need to stay healthy and improve on the line,” said Burke. “We need younger players to play and to improve every week.”
