Tag: Shapel Feaster
Friday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 11/03/17
Today’s games are listed below.
Football – Playoffs
D2 South
#4 Mansfield, 11 @ #1 King Philip, 13 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.
1st Quarter: (KP) Shane Frommer 6-yard rush, Cole Baker XP good.
2nd Quarter: (M) Damani Scott 1-yard rush, Mike DeBolt 2-point conversion rush; (KP) S. Frommer 10-yard rush, 2-point failed; (M) M. DeBolt 33-yard field goal.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: No scoring.
D3 South
#4 Stoughton, 12 @ #1 North Attleboro, 35 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.
1st Quarter: (NA) Chad Peterson 5-yard rush, Geoff Wilson XP good.
2nd Quarter: (NA) C. Peterson 3-yard rush, G. Wilson XP good; (S) Evan Gibb 41-yard pass to Ruben Gonzalez, XP failed; (NA) Nathan Pearce 16-yard rush, G. Wilson XP good.
3rd Quarter: (NA) C. Peterson 2-yard rush, G. Wilson XP good; (NA) Brendan McHugh 7-yard rush, G. Wilson XP good.
4th Quarter: (S) Justin Ly 11-yard rush, 2pt failed.
D5 South
#5 Foxboro, 7 @ #1 Dennis Yarmouth, 43 – Final
1st Quarter: (DY) Rob Evans 19-yard rush, 2pt conversion good; (DY) B. Evans 61-yard rush, XP good; (DY) Jonah Arsenault 5-yard rush, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (DY) Daryan Thompson 68-yard rush, XP good; (DY) J. Arsenault 6-yard rush, XP good; (DY) R. Evans 38-yard rush, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) Liam Foley 48-yard pass to Jake Addeche, Russell Neale XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.
Football – Non Playoffs
Attleboro, 20 @ New Bedford, 19 – Final
1st Quarter: (A) Alex Rodriguez 5-yard rush, 2pt conversion failed.
2nd Quarter: (NB) Tru Williams 7-yard pass to Edgar Semedo, 2pt conversion failed.
3rd Quarter: (A) Joseph Llanos 9-yard rush, XP failed; (NB) Baron Hilton 35-yard fumble return, Victor Lopez XP good.
4th Quarter: (A) Jason Weir 3-yard rush, Justin Cote 2pt pass to James Weir; (NB) T. Williams 39-yard pass to Kolby McCoy, 2pt conversion failed.
Canton, 29 @ Medway, 16 – Final
1st Quarter: (C) Alec Ragusa 8-yard rush, Owen Lehane XP good.
2nd Quarter: (C) Gersom Rivera 40-yard rush, XP no good; (M) Medway rush touchdown, 2pt conversion good; (C) G. Rivera 42-yard rush, 2pt failed.
3rd Quarter: (C) Kyle Fitzgerald 1-yard rush, O. Lehane XP good; (M) Medway rush touchdown, 2pt conversion good; (C) O. Lehane 32-yard field goal.
4th Quarter: No scoring.
Franklin, 13 @ Braintree, 33 – Final
1st Quarter: (B) Braintree 69-yard rush, XP failed.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 20-yard pass to Will Davis, XP no good; (B) Braintree 6-yard pass, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (B) Braintree 19-yard pass, XP good; (F) J. Noviello 4-yard pass to Sean Leonard, Matt Zucco XP good.
4th Quarter: (B) Braintree 16-yard rush, XP good; (B) Braintree 38-yard rush, XP failed.
Milford, 36 vs. Holliston, 6 – Final
1st Quarter: (M) Ryan O’Toole 11 yard rush, Sean Lehane XP good.
2nd Quarter: (M) R. O’Toole 24 yard rush. S. Lehane XP good; (M) S. Lehane 28 yard field goal; (H) Holliston passing touchdown, XP no good; (M) Colby Pires 49-yard pass to Shapel Feaster, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (M) R. O’Toole 16-yard rush, XP failed; (M) Chris Rivera 40-yard interception return, XP failed.
Oliver Ames, 10 @ Plymouth South, 9 – Final
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (PS) Plymouth South passing touchdown, XP no good.
3rd Quarter: (PS) Plymouth South field goal good.
4th Quarter: (OA) Matt Berksza 10-yard rush, Derick Hanscom XP good; (OA) D. Hanscom 25-yard field goal.
Sharon, 10 @ Westwood, 35 – Final
1st Quarter: (S) Mitchell Director 24-yard field goal.
2nd Quarter: (S) Chris Gong 80-yard punt return, M. Director XP good; (W) Westwood 1-yard rush, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (W) Westwood 1-yard rush, XP good; (W) Westwood 60-yard punt return, XP good; (W) Westwood 12-yard pass, XP good.
4th Quarter: (W) Westwood 1-yard rush, XP good.
Taunton, 27 vs. Brookline, 21 – Final
Girls Soccer
D1 South
#14 Franklin, 4 vs. #19 Brockton, 2 – Final – Click here for a recap of this game.
D2 South
#17 Foxboro, 0 @ #16 Scituate, 2 – Final
Field Hockey
D2 South
#5 Foxboro, 2 vs. #12 Martha’s Vineyard, 1 – Final (OT) – Sophia DiCenso scored both goals for the defending Div. 2 South champions, including the game-winner 45 seconds into the overtime period to earn Foxboro the first round win. Katie Notarangelo assisted on the first goal and the Warriors advance to face No. 3 Dover-Sherborn on Sunday.
Black Knights Clamp Down on the Hawks for Road Win
MILFORD, Mass. – Twenty minutes into Friday night’s regular season finale at Milford High, Stoughton had only managed three first downs. Another short drive came to a close after Jonathan Medina was sacked by several Hawks and offensive lineman Malachi Green-Hightower was forced to jump on a fumble to keep the possession alive.
Paul Feeney hit a towering punt downfield towards Ryan O’Toole, who was unable to come up with it cleanly. Matthew Hadley pounced on the loose ball and put the Black Knights at the Milford 25. On the next play, Justin Ly bounced outside the tackle and raced down the Milford sideline for a 25-yard score with 1:31 left in the first half.
The score turned out to be the game-winner, as the Black Knights defense smothered the Milford offense, limiting the Hawks to only eight first downs in the game (only three in the second half), in a 14-3 victory that sets up a three-way tie for second place in the Davenport division and most likely a home game for Stoughton in the Div. 3 South playoffs.
“That’s a good team,” said Stoughton coach Greg Burke, “they played very hard, and they’ve been excellent the last couple weeks and luckily we got them and I’m glad we did it by running the football.”
The Black Knights were without starting quarterback Evan Gibb, who was injured in the loss to North Attleboro, and Burke praised Medina (2-6, 25 yards) for managing the game. Burke said, “You’ve got to make some tough plays and the toughest job, he did a great job for us, was our quarterback. The kid hasn’t played a lot and…everything’s a little different.”
Milford started the game in a spread formation with sophomore Colby Pires (7-16, 118 yards) in the shotgun. On the first possession of the game, Pires hit Shapel Feaster for 20 yards and the Hawks moved the ball into Stoughton territory, but on fourth and nine Pires scrambled and hit Lucas Rosa for eight yards and the drive stalled at the Black Knights 29.
On the second possession, backed up to their own 11, the Hawks hit their biggest play of the game. Pires looked deep down the near sideline to Joey Everett, a senior who transferred in from St. George’s School (Newport, R.I.) midway through the season, and the wideout made an incredible 41-yard catch just keeping a foot in bounds. On the next play, Pires was intercepted by Ryan Semler.
“When you have three turnovers and a muffed punt deep in your own end, it’s hard to get anything going,” said first-year Milford coach Anthony Vizakis. “We tried our spread, we tried our war, they did a really great job. They have a great defense.”
Vizakis admitted that the touchdown before halftime was a turning point. He said, “Unfortunately, sometimes all it takes is one play. We were hoping to put a drive together and we had some things ready to go, but you could feel the momentum shift. Against a tough team like that, it’s hard to come back from it.”
The Black Knights went into the locker room with energy after the late touchdown, but in the end both defenses were too strong to keep the momentum going. A sack by Josh Ligor ended the second Stoughton possession of the third quarter and gave Milford the ball back at its own 30.
The Hawks turned to junior Ryan Pearl at quarterback in a compact power set that worked the week before in the comeback win over Foxboro. A six-yard completion to Will Pointer got a rare third down conversion for a first down and Pointer followed it with a 20-yard burst around the end. Once again the drive stalled, but Milford turned to junior kicker Sean Lehane, who split the upright with a 46-yard boot (with room to spare) that cut the lead to 7-3.
“He’s unreal,” said Vizakis of Lehane. “That’s automatic for him. He kicks 50-55 [yards] in practice and I think we have to utilize him even more when we’re close. He’s clutch.”
The home crowd was starting to get into it, especially after Ruben Gonzalez was stopped on the kick-off return at his own 17, but the Black Knights settled down and put together the best drive of the game.
Alex Sjoquist (15 carries, 91 yards) was the main threat, getting the ball eight times during a 13-play, 83-yard march that took seven minutes off the clock and sealed the win. The big play was a 41-yard burst straight up the middle from Sjoquist that Tyler Joyce kept from being a touchdown with a diving, shoestring tackle. In the end, Sjoquist plunged into the end zone with a three-yard score.
Any hope of another late comeback by the Hawks was dashed by a Colin Sanda interception.
Burke said of the team’s ability to matchup with Milford’s bunch sets, “We got hurt a little bit but…we worked very hard at that all week. It’s a very effective offense, if you get one long play. You’re in tight, so they’re hoping someone cracks one and gets out. So, you have to really protect against the bounce out.”
Despite the defeat, it looks like Milford (3-4, 3-2) has qualified for the Div. 3 South playoffs and could face possible trips to North Attleboro, Duxbury or Hingham. Vizakis is proud of how far the Hawks have come from the opening game of the season.
He said, “We’re 100 percent getting better every week and that’s what we tell them, get better every day. The kids are improving, they’re getting more comfortable in the system, and once we see where we fall in the playoff bracket we’ll be ready to go next week.”
Stoughton (5-2, 3-2) appears to be in line for the third or fourth seed in Div. 3 South.
Burke said, “We’re 5-2 with a couple of our starters out…and I’m just happy we’re getting in the playoffs for our fourth consecutive year. I don’t know, if you had said at the beginning of the year that we’d be 5-2 I would’ve called you crazy, but that’s the type of kids I have, tough kids.”
Saturday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/07/17
Today’s games are listed below.
Football
Milford, 35 @ Sharon, 0 – Final
1st Quarter: (M) Shapel Feaster 11-yard rush, Sean Lehane XP good.
2nd Quarter: (M) Will Pointer 5-yard rush, S. Lehane XP good.
3rd Quarter: (M) Colby Pires 18-yard pass to Joey Everett 18, S. Lehane XP good; (M) W. Pointer 4-yard rush, S. Lehane XP good; (M) Hugo Lopes 37-yard interception return, S. Lehane XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.
Boys Soccer
Taunton, 1 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Paulo Ruggeri opened his 2017 account to put the Bulldogs up 1-0 and Simon Cruz scored the game-winning goal in the first half as Canton grabbed two points. Junior Paul Cocoran added an insurance goal for Canton in the second half.
North Attleboro Rides Strong Start Past Scarlet Hawks
MILFORD, Mass. – After turning the ball over on each of its first two drives a week ago, North Attleboro had a high priority on getting off to a better start this week in Milford.
The Rocketeers delivered in a big way.
Big Red scored on both of its first two drives, combining to run 19 plays in the first quarter compared to just four for the hosts, and seized a 13-0 advantage after 11 minutes of play.
North’s strong start paved the way for a 27-6 win over the Scarlet Hawks.
“That was the plan going in because [Milford] runs that double-wing offense,” said North Attleboro head coach Don Johnson. “They can take control of the football and clock and really put you behind the eight ball. So we really thought it was important to get ahead and make [Milford] play from behind.
“It was really good to see, I felt good after seeing our offense bring the ball down the field like that.”
After Milford deferred, North Attleboro marched 68 yards on 11 plays on the game’s opening drive. A 23-year gain from Brendan McHugh (13 carries, 79 yards, two touchdowns) and 10-yard rush on fourth down from Nick Raneri (12 carries, 91 yards) helped Big Red move into the red zone.
McHugh took a sweep to the left and walked his way in for a two-yard touchdown. North’s attempt at a two-point conversion was caught but out of bounds.
Big Red’s defense was ready to go to start the game, allowing Milford’s offense to gain just two yards on its first three plays and forced a punt.
Nathan Pearce (63 total yards) started the next drive with a quick 15-yard first down run and two plays later Raneri rumbled his way for 30 yards. Facing a 3rd and 10 from the Milford 22-yard line, senior quarterback Chad Peterson (7/15, 96 yards, rush touchdown) hit junior Ryan Gaumond for a 12-yard gain and a first down.
Three plays later, Peterson kept it himself and took off to the right, sprinting inside the pylon for a four-yard touchdown. Geoff Wilson’s extra point made it 13-0 with 34 seconds to play in the first quarter.
Milford’s offense couldn’t move the ball forward on its next drive and had to punt, but the Scarlet Hawks’ defense came up with a big stop. Patrick Brogioli forced a six-yard loss on a second down play, and after a hold on third down, the Rocketeers were forced to punt.
But once again, North’s defense held Milford to negative yards and the Hawks had to punt.
Peterson connected with Pearce for 25-yards to help the drive get started and then kept it on a QB option, galloping all the way to the one-yard line with a 43-yard rush. McHugh plunged up the middle for the touchdown on the next play and a 20-0 lead with 4:11 left in the first half.
“I think we might have gotten over the hump tonight, I really do,” Johnson said. “Especially the way we performed offensively in the beginning of the game. I think we left some opportunities out there, a couple of guys that were open that didn’t get the ball. But I think we’re pretty close to where we need to be on offense, but there’s still room for improvement on both sides.”
Milford elected to switch its offense, moving from the double-wing to its spread formation, bringing in sophomore quarterback Colby Pires (7/19, 84 yards).
Although the Hawks’ drive stalled before the half, Pires completed a pass to junior Shapel Feaster (five catches, 65 yards) for the team’s first first down.
The home side seemed to feed off the bit of momentum it gained before the halftime break and used it to open the second half with a touchdown. Ryan O’Toole opened the half with a 13-yard run and a first down.
Then the Scarlet Hawks used a little trickery, having running back Will Pointer take the toss but instead of running, he heaved a pass that senior Tyler Joyce hauled in for a 46-yard completion.
Two plays later, Pires floated one into the end zone and Joyce was able to leap up and make the catch for a 14-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 20-6.
“We made an adjustment to get out of our war set and go spread and I think that worked a little bit for us,” said MHS head coach Anthony Vizakis. “We have to do better and learn from this and regroup from this.
“It was good experience for our sophomore quarterback who I thought stood in there and played very well. When we watch the film tomorrow, we’ll get better from this. It’s there in spurts and the kids battled. We had a couple of negative plays that really hurt us but I think those are correctable.”
Milford’s defense delivered on North’s first drive of the second half, forcing the Rocketeers to punt after gaining two first downs on its first two plays.
Pires hit Feaster for a first down to begin the drive, but North Attleboro’s Zach DeMattio come up with a 12-yard sack on first down, and a host of Rocketeers forced an 11-yard loss on Milford’s next run. Milford had to punt two plays later.
“The same thing happened last week,” Johnson said. “Sharon had the long kickoff return and the defense came out and held them to a field goal, and we blocked that field goal. I think the defense is maturing pretty well and coming up with some big stops.
“We hadn’t seen them in that spread formation very much on film. We really didn’t have a scouting report to go on for that offense. We just wanted to get some pressure on him as best he can. But he’s a good athlete and made some plays.”
North put an exclamation point on the game with its next drive. Taking the rest of the time in the third quarter, and over a minute of the fourth quarter, Big Red marched 68 yards on 10 plays and scored its fourth touchdown.
Peterson hit McHugh for 15-yards and a first down, Raneri had a two-yard run for a first down and then Peterson hit a wide-open Nolan Buckley up the middle for a 20-yard score and a 27-6 lead with 9:59 to play.
North Attleboro (3-1 overall, 2-0 Hockomock) will have its first big test of division play when it hosts Foxboro in a battle of Davenport unbeatens. Milford (1-3, 1-1) will travel to Sharon on Saturday for a 3:30 kickoff.
“The schedule has worked in our favor so far,” Johnson said. “We really challenged ourselves with our scrimmage schedule, then opened up with King Philip. It’s worked out pretty good because we’ve been a team that’s slow to develop. And I think we have developed and gotten better every week. Now the question is ‘are we good enough now to beat a good Foxboro team?’”
Strong Second Half Propels Franklin to Win at Milford
MILFORD, Mass. – Heading into halftime, Franklin was frustrated. The Panthers had made a series of mistakes from turnovers to missed blocks to dropped passes to using up timeouts early in the half and Milford had taken advantage, playing the game at its pace and grinding out a three-point lead.
After the break, Franklin turned the game around, scoring 21 straight points and forcing Milford to abandon the power running game that it prefers. Behind three touchdown passes from senior Jake Noviello, Franklin pulled out a 28-10 victory in Friday night’s Game of the Week and evened its record at 1-1.
“They’re tough and we knew that. They compete and those kids don’t quit,” Franklin coach Eian Bain said about Milford. “We gave them the ball in great field position, we allowed them to execute their game plan, and we just kept shooting ourselves in the foot.”
He added, “Once we got out of our own way, that’s all it took. Milford is a very good, competitive, and tough team. You can’t do that kind of stuff and expect to beat them.”
Things started perfectly for the Panthers, who marched down the field on the opening possession of the game. Franklin went 78 yards in 11 plays and no-huddle offense was clicking in perfect rhythm. Noviello (15-26, 180 yards) was 5-for-8 on the drive and capped it with an eight-yard strike to Jack Nally (who caught four of the five completions on the drive) for the game’s first score.
Special teams got Milford right back into the game. Junior Shapel Feaster returned the ensuing kick-off 66 yards to start the Hawks at the Franklin 20. The Hawks made it count with junior Brendan White (11 carries, 26 yards) tying the game with a four-yard run that was aided by a big push from his teammates that carried him and several would-be tacklers across the goal line.
Ryan Driscoll coughed up the ball on the kick return and again Milford started well into Franklin territory; this time at the Panthers 16. A holding call denied Ryan Pearl a touchdown on a keeper and a Jackson Gilbert tackle on third down and goal forced Milford to settle for a 20-yard Sean Lehane field goal to take the lead.
Milford continued to grind out yards on the ground, running out the clock with a balanced attack that featured Will Pointer (13 carries, 65 yards), Ryan O’Toole (eight carries, 32 yards) and White.
The Hawks got the ball out of halftime and there was a lot of energy on the sidelines, but Franklin forced a punt on the first possession and then its offense got back into gear. The Panthers put together a 12-play, 75-yard drive and took the lead for good. Noviello was 4-for-6 on the drive and threw a perfect pass to hit Evan Wendell in the far corner of the end zone for a 14-10 lead.
“Once we got rolling in the second half, the kids settled down,” said Bain. “They knew they were in a fight, but we also knew what we were doing wrong. It’s not hard to fix mistakes that are self-inflicted and we were able to correct them and get back on track.”
On Milford’s next possession, Evan Wertz ripped the ball away from White and returned it inside the 20, with a penalty getting Franklin down to the six. Two plays later, Noviello hit Driscoll for the six-yard score and a crucial two-possession lead.
“We’ve got a really young quarterback and anytime, with our offense, when we get behind it’s tough,” admitted Milford coach Anthony Vizakis. “We like to ground and pound, but that can only go so far.”
With the Hawks needing to up the tempo, Vizakis turned to sophomore quarterback Colby Pires and a spread formation, but Franklin picked off a pair of passes, including a sliding interception on the far sideline by Nolan Mclaney that gave the Panthers a chance to put the game away.
“We see a bright future with Colby Pires and we’re definitely working towards that,” Vizakis explained. “Nothing against (last year’s starter) Matt Curran, he’s a good kid and we’re using him in other spots, but we see Colby being a starter here for a few years, so he’s getting some good experience.”
Facing fourth and one on the next drive, Noviello used a hard count to draw Milford offsides and, although his pass was intercepted by Feaster, Franklin got the first down. Sean Hofferty(15 carries, 39 yards) finished the drive with a two-yard dive to wrap up the scoring.
Bain said, “As soon as we could get them out of their comfort zone, that’s what you want to do is make your opponent play left-handed. Once we tipped the scales, we were able to switch the match-ups into more of our favor.”
Despite the loss, Vizakis, who is in his first year in charge of the program, saw plenty to build on going forward. He said, “We started six sophomores tonight, offense and defense, so young kids getting good experience. We’re definitely going to be teaching every day.”
When asked about the importance of picking up a win before league play kicks off next week, Bain joked, “My car would be on blocks right now if we were 0-2.”
He continued, “The kids have worked so hard for this. It hasn’t been like that around here in a while where we go in and expect to win and I feel like we’re there now. To start 0-2, it’s hard to keep preaching that mantra.”
Franklin (1-1) will try to keep the momentum going next week against unbeaten Mansfield in what the Panthers are expecting will be the first game on the new turf at Pisini Field. Milford (0-2) will open Davenport division play against Canton at World War II Veterans Memorial Field.
Football: 2017 Davenport Division Preview
By HockomockSports.com Staff
2017 Davenport Football Preview
Canton
2016 Record: 3-8
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Dave Bohane
Key/Returning Players: Brendan Albert, Jr., LB; Alec Ragusa, Sr., FB/LB; Jude Albert, Sr., OL/LB; Kearvens Theodore, Sr., OL/DL; Chris Benjamin, Sr., OL/DL; Tony Harris, Sr., SE/DB; Johnny Hagan, Soph., QB; Kyle Fitzgerald, Soph., FS; Ben Seaman, Jr., LB; Gersom Rivera, Soph., RB; Jack Connolly, Soph., OL/DL; Christian Walker, Sr., TE;
Outlook: The Bulldogs have a solid handful of experienced players back this season and will be looking to mix in a good amount of youth during the 2017 season.
While Canton will have plenty of seniors on the field, head coach Dave Bohane expects a good mix of juniors and even sophomores to get plenty of playing time. The youth starts under center as sophomore Johnny Hagan takes over as the team’s starting quarterback. He’ll have two big targets to work with in Tony Harris and Christian Walker as well as a versatile backfield that features Alec Ragusa and Gersom Rivera.
On the defensive side of the ball, a group of experienced linebackers, including Ragusa, Jude Albert, Brendan Albert and Ben Seamen will anchor the Bulldogs. Kearvens Theodore will be a big piece on the defensive line, alongside Chris Benjamin and Jack Connolly. Sophomore Kyle Fitzgerald will take on the responsibility of being a starting safety but will have plenty of experience in the secondary with seniors Cordell Smith and Marquise Montes manning the corners.
“Getting off to a good start is always important, and equally important is those later weeks,” Bohane said. “We have to keep bodies fresh and keep ourselves in a position to make playoffs. It’s a tough league, everyone we play will be a really good football team. We’re young but athletic and competitive, and I think that will make a difference.”
Foxboro
2016 Record: 5-6
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Jack Martinelli
Key/Returning Players: Teddy Maher, Sr., SS/WR; Phil Dure, Sr., CB/WR; Louis Piccolo, Sr., FS; Devin Hassett, Sr., QB/SE/FS; Jake Addeche, Sr., WR/CB; Patrick Kaveny, Sr., DE; Mike Henri, Sr., RB/SS; Matt Pond, Sr., LB; Mike Luong, Jr., RB; Matt Suess, Sr., OL/DL; Anthony Capachietti, Sr., RB; Hunter Williams, Jr., OL; Andrew Longa, Jr., OL; Kade Treannie, Sr., OL.
Outlook: Foxboro is looking to ride the strength of a deep senior class to get back to the playoffs after missing out a season ago and also get back into the Davenport division title hunt after winning it two years ago.
The Warriors boast 35 seniors and have a handful of experienced juniors that are back after winning five games last season. Under center, senior Devin Hassett and junior Liam Foley are both in the running to take snaps. Hassett is also an option to catch the ball, giving the Warriors some flexibility on the offensive end. A strength that Foxboro will rely on on the offensive side of the ball is their playmaking ability at the skill positions. The Warriors boast multiple capable ball carriers (Mike Henri, Mike Luong, Anthony Capachietti) and pass catchers (Teddy Maher, Phil Dure, Jake Addeche) that can make things happen. Seniors Matt Suess and Kade Treannie and juniors Hunter Williams and Andrew Longa will see time on the offensive line.
Defensively, Foxboro will be looking to improve after giving up just over 29 points per game against division opponents a year ago. The Warriors will be relying on quickness and an aggressive demeanor to make plays on the defense end. Louis Piccolo, Maher, Hassett, Addeche and Henri are all likely candidates to see time in the secondary while Pat Kaveny (defensive end) and Matt Pond (linebacker) will lead the front seven.
“Chemistry amongst 35 seniors and a return to ‘old school Foxboro football’ will personify the 2017 season,” said Foxboro head coach Jack Martinelli.
Milford
2016 Record: 6-5
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South Quarterfinals
Coach: Anthony Vizakis
Key/Returning Players: Ryan O’Toole, Sr., RB; Matt Curran, Sr., QB; Patrick Brogioli, Sr., OL/DL; Tyler Joyce, Sr., TE/DE; Cullen Burns, Sr., OL/DL; Kayden Kelley, Sr., WR/CB; Will Pointer, Sr., RB/LB; Shapel Feaster, Jr., RB/CB; Matt Annantuonio, Sr., RB/CB; David Abbatinozzi, Sr., OL/DL; Brendan White, Jr., TE/S; Josh Ligor, Jr., OL/DL; Chris Rivera, Sr., RB/LB; Jacob Eosco, Sr., OL/DL.
Outlook: First year head coach Anthony Vizakis is looking to the past as he begins his first season with the Scarlet Hawks. Vizakis is hoping the 2017 Hawks will pull from the tradition of the program as they look to get back to the playoffs once again this year.
It will certainly be a challenge as Milford graduated some of the most talented players in the league, from all different parts of the field. One constant is that the Hawks return quarterback Matt Curran for his senior year. Another familiarity for Curran will be running back Ryan O’Toole, who saw a lot of time last year alongside Blake Hill in the backfield. Receiver Kayden Kelley and tight end Tyler Joyce are also back after getting plenty of reps on the offensive end as well. Seniors Patrick Brogioli and Cullen Burns are two returning starters from the Hawks’ offensive line.
Defensively, the Scarlet Hawks will be looking to continue what they did in 2016, allowing just a shade over 17 points per game. While it was impressive that Milford allowed just 28 points total against Sharon, Canton and Foxboro, the Hawks will need to make a leap to try and halt the offensive firepower of North Attleboro and Stoughton. It will start up front with a tough line and then an athletic group of linebackers. Will Pointer and Chris Rivera will be two of those linebackers while Shapel Feaster and Matt Annantuonio will join Brendan White as members of the secondary.
“Milford football prides itself on the tradition of having physically, and mentally tough football players,” Vizakis said. “That tradition is alive and well, and the energy and intensity coming out of our locker room and onto the practice field thus far has been infectious.”
North Attleboro
2016 Record: 9-2 (Davenport Division Champions)
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South Final
Coach: Don Johnson
Key/Returning Players: Chad Peterson, Sr., QB/P; Zach DeMattio, Sr., RB/LB; Sam Bullock, Sr. OL/DL; Brad White, Sr. OL/DL; Mario Bresko, Sr., SE/DB; Ryan Clemente, Jr., OL/DL.
Outlook: With two straight league titles under its belt, North Attleboro isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon. With record-breaking quarterback Chad Peterson back under center for his senior season, the Rocketeers look to be the early favorite for another Davenport title.
After two straight impressive season, Peterson will look to lead this year’s Rocketeers to their second straight Davenport title and another deep run in the playoffs. While playmakers Bobby Mylod and Nick Rajotte are gone, Peterson will have running backs Zach DeMattio and Adam Eberle to work with and receivers Mario Bresko, Omar Jasseh and Ryan Gaumond when he drops back to throw. Junior Ryan Clemente already has a year’s experience under his belt and could be one of the most dominant lineman in the league this season. Sam Bullock, Brad White, John Bradley, Geoff Wilson, Jack Puccio, Aidan Harding and Joe Larkin will all be options alongside Clemente on the offensive line.
One of the biggest reasons for North’s success a year ago was its very impressive defense, which allowed just under 12 points per game (Hockomock League best). Big Red will have to replace some big names and might have to overcome some inexperience early on, but head coach Don Johnson notes there is good competition among the front seven and secondary. Bresko is one player that has experience in the secondary while DeMattio (linebacker) and Bullock (defensive tackle) will anchor the front seven.
“The team has worked hard in the offseason,” Johnson said. “We are confident that our strong scrimmage schedule (Marshfield, Braintree and Bridgewater-Raynham), and a Week 1 non-league game versus defending D2 Super Bowl champion King Philip, will help us prepare for the ultra-competitive Hockomock League schedule.”
Sharon
2016 Record: 6-5
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Dave Morse
Key/Returning Players: Austin Dodes, Sr., WR/DB; Drew Naisuler, Sr., TE/DE; Coleman Loftus, Jr., OL/DL; Chris Gong, Jr., WR/DB; Sam Spencer, Jr., TE/LB; Aaron Strong, Jr., RB/LB; Jeremy Ruskin, Jr., QB.
Outlook: The 2017 version of the Sharon Eagles might be on the young side, but head coach Dave Morse is hoping that youth injects some energy into his squad.
The Eagles started and finished the 2016 season strongly, going 3-0 to begin and then closing with a win over Hopkinton and then a Thanksgiving Day win over rival Oliver Ames to finish over .500. Now, the Eagles will be trying to repeat that success while improving their league record. Junior Jeremy Ruskin is back under center after taking over late in the season last fall and will have senior Austin Dodes and tight end Drew Naisuler available as pass catching options. Junior Aaron Strong saw some carries last year and will likely be a feature back this season.
Defensively, the Eagles were one of the stingiest units in the entire league (just over 18 PPG). The Eagles held six of their 11 opponents under 14 points per game. Junior Coleman Loftus is a returning starter and a two-way lineman for the Eagles while junior linebacker Sam Spencer will look to make an impact this season. Chris Gong joins Dodes and Strong in the secondary while Naisuler will be a part of the Eagles’ front seven.
“It has been a pleasure coaching this group and seeing them make progress,” Morse said. “Despite being the youngest team I have coached, their commitment is refreshing and they motivate me to help them succeed.”
Stoughton
2016 Record: 8-3
2015 Finish: Reached D2 South Semifinal
Coach: Greg Burke
Key/Returning Players: Evan Gibb, Jr., QB; Jason Joseph, Sr., DE/TE; Justin Ly, Sr., FB/LB; Colin Sanda, Sr., WR/DB; Ruben Gonzalez, Sr., WR/RB/DB; Alex Sjoquist, Sr., RB/DB; Paul Feeney, Sr., OL/DL; Anthony Burke, Sr., OL/DL.
Outlook: The Black Knights have had a strong stretch of success over the past couple of seasons and will try to continue that in 2017, despite graduating a very memorable senior class last season.
Gone are playmakers Ryan Sullivan and Izon Swain-Price, as well as linemen Lino Azul and Andrew Iverson and a handful of terrific role players. But, one key returning piece is junior quarterback Evan Gibb. Gibb took over early on during his sophomore season and looked very comfortable in his role. Now he will have to be a leader of the offensive unit. Justin Ly was the third member of Stoughton’s three-headed rushing attack a year ago and will likely be one of the team’s feature backs. Ly is a tough runner that can get yards up the middle but also has speed to get to the outside. Alex Sjoquist will likely also get carries while experienced receivers Colin Sanda and Ruben Gonzalez should see increased roles in 2017.
The Knights are well known for their defense during the successful stretch. While there will be a lot of new faces in new places, the Knights are relying on improved speed to go along with their strength. Jason Joseph is back after a solid junior campaign to lead the defensive line along with Paul Feeney, while Ly is joined by Anthony Burke as linebackers. Sanda, Gonzalez and Sjoquist will all see time in the secondary for Stoughton.
“We’re replacing so many kids from last year,” Stoughton head coach Greg Burke said. “We hope to be ready without a lot of experience. We hope to compete and be healthy.”
Friday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 11/04/16
Today’s games are listed below.
Football
Playoffs
D1A South
#1 King Philip, 14 vs. #5 Marshfield, 7 – Final
1st Quarter: (KP) Brendan Lydon 1-yard rush, Cole Baker XP good.
2nd Quarter: No scoring.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: (KP) Alex Olsen 1-yard rush, C. Baker XP good; (M) Jackson Phinney 2-yard rush, Gavin Admirand XP good.
D2 South
#3 North Attleboro, 37 @ #2 Dartmouth, 27 – Final
1st Quarter: (D) Nate Ellis 75 yard pass to Miles Linhares, Liam Caulfield XP good; (NA) Nick Rajotte 2 yard rush, Devin Slaney XP good.
2nd Quarter: (NA) Chad Peterson 44 yard pass to Hacmoni Cuevas, D. Slaney XP good; (D) Cole Jacobsen 15 yard pass to L. Caulfield, (NA) Jack Dakin block XP, Neal Doherty 75 yard 2pt return.
3rd Quarter: (NA) N. Rajotte 1 yard rush, D. Slaney XP good.
4th Quarter: (D) C. Jacobsen 37 yard pass to N. Ellis, L. Caulfield XP good; (NA) C. Peterson 4 yard pass to Bobby Mylod, D. Slaney XP good; (D) C. Jacobsen 11 yard pass to N. Ellis, L. Caulfield XP good; (NA) N. Rajotte 50 yard rush, D. Slaney XP good.
#4 Stoughton, 21 @ #1 Duxbury, 35 – Final
1st Quarter: (S) Izon Swain-Price 57 yard rush, XP failed; (S) Ryan Sullivan 47 yard rush, R. Sullivan 2pt rush; (D) Bobby Maimaron 31 yard pass to Devin DeMeritt, XP failed.
2nd Quarter: (D) B. Maimaron 15 yard pass to Miele, Carver XP good; (S) Evan Gibb 37 yard pass to I. Swain-Price, Josh Cocchi XP; (D) B. Maimaron 7 yard pass to D. DeMeritt, 2pt rush good.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: (D) B. Maimaron 4 yard pass to Miele, 2pt good; (D) B. Maimaron 8 yard rush, XP good.
Non-Playoffs
Attleboro, 7 vs. Brookline, 35 – Final
Oliver Ames, 16 @ Canton, 42 – Final
1st Quarter: (C) Alec Ragusa 4 yard rush, Thomas Monagle XP good.
2nd Quarter: (C) A. Ragusa 5 yard rush, T. Monagle XP good; (C) Joe Mulkay 32 yard rush, T. Monagle XP good; (OA) Liston Funai 40 yard rush, Kyle Gagliardi 2pt pass to Brandon Timulty; (C) A. Ragusa 6 yard rush, T. Monagle XP good; (C) Dan Dillon 68 yard pass to Tony Harris, T. Monagle XP good.
3rd Quarter: (C) D. Dillon 17 yard rush, T. Monagle XP good.
4th Quarter: (OA) Curtis Cann 9 yard pass to B. Timulty, C. Cann 2pt pass to B. Timulty.
Foxboro, 47 vs. Nauset, 3 – Final
1st Quarter: (F) Mike Henri 3 yard rush, XP failed; (F) Mark Clagg 35 yard pass to Jamaine Few, XP failed.
2nd Quarter: (F) Mike Luong 8 yard rush, XP good; (F) Matt Mullally 6 yard rush, XP good; (N) Nauset field goal.
3rd Quarter: (F) M. Clagg 20 yard pass to Trey Guerrini, XP good.
4th Quarter: (F) M. Mullally 1 yard rush, XP good; (F) Louis Piccolo 15 yard interception return, XP good.
Franklin, 21 @ Needham, 28 – Final
Milford, 14 vs. Walpole, 21 – Final
1st Quarter: (M) Shapel Feaster 22 yard rush, Sean Lehane XP good; (W) Walpole 28 yard pass, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (W) Walpole 37 yard rush, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (W) Walpole 1 yard rush, XP good.
4th Quarter: (M) Matt Curran 9 yard pass to Kayden Kelley, S. Lehane XP good.
Sharon, 7 @ Hingham, 20 – Final
Taunton, 39 vs. Weymouth, 18 – Final
1st Quarter: (W) Kyle Thomas 70 yard rush, XP failed; (T) Brevan Walker 10 yard rush, John Teixeira XP good; (T) Noah Leonard 25 yard pass to Adam McLaughlin, J. Teixeira XP good.
2nd Quarter: (T) B. Walker 4 yard rush, J. Teixeira XP good.
3rd Quarter: (T) N. Leonard 50 yard pass to Mike Fernandez, XP failed; (W) K. Thomas 12 yard rush, 2pt rush failed; (W) K. Thomas 2 yard rush, 2pt pass failed.
4th Quarter: (T) B. Walker 15 yard rush, XP failed; (T) TJ Mendes 45 yard rush, XP failed.
Boys Soccer
D2 South
#17 Canton, 4 @ #16 Bristol Plymouth, 1 – Final – Jake Verille scored a brace for the Bulldogs and Paul Corcoran and Sam Papakonstantino each tallied goals as well. Canton will travel to top seed Nauset on Sunday afternoon in the D2 South first round.
#19 Stoughton, 1 @ #14 Medfield, 6 – Final – Jordan Asnes scored the lone goal of the game for Stoughton, finishing off an assist from Noah Schulze.
Field Hockey
D1 South
#11 Canton, 1 @ #6 King Philip, 2 – Final (OT)– Andrea McNeil scored the goal for Canton in the 10th minute. Elizabeth Furfari tied it for the Warriors with just 2:30 remaining in the game. Kate Lindmark scored the winner for KP off an assist by Christina Hathaway with 1:10 left in overtime. KP advances to the D1 South quarterfinal and travels to #3 seed Somerset-Berkley on Sunday.
#10 Franklin, 1 @ #7 Bridgewater-Raynham, 0 – Final – Alex Sullivan scored in the third minute for the Panthers. Franklin advances to the D1 South quarterfinal to face Walpole at 2:00 on Sunday.
#13 Mansfield, 1 @ #4 Sandwich, 2 – Final
#15 Oliver Ames, 1 @ #2 Walpole, 2 – Final (OT) – Just four minutes after Walpole took the lead, Dimitra Efremidis scored off a corner to tie the game with 11 minutes remaining. The Rebels scored two minutes into overtime to get the win.
Volleyball
D1 South
#7 North Attleboro, 3 vs. #10 Bridgewater-Raynham 0 – Final – Rocketeers win 25-17, 25-11, 25-7 and advance to play #2 seed New Bedford on Monday.
Stoughton Shuts Out Milford To Advance In Playoffs
STOUGHTON, Mass. – Playing a team twice in a season is always difficult. Playing the same team twice in consecutive games presents a whole new challenge.
For the second straight week, Stoughton football welcomed Milford to Anthony L. Sarno Field — and for the second week, the Black Knights scored a dominant shutout win.
Stoughton scored three touchdowns in the first quarter to set the tone and didn’t allow Milford to earn a first down with its offense until the final drive of the game in a 34-0 win in the Division 2 South Quarterfinals.
“It’s tough to play a team twice, I know all the cliches…but you have to play somebody,” Stoughton head coach Greg Burke said. “Hats off to [Milford], they are well coached. I just think we we had a little too much today.
“They were down their big gun – hats off to them. Unfortunately you lose some guys, we’re down a couple of guys. You’re only as good as your backups. They battled but I think we played very well. We wanted to throw a little bit more but this weather is tough to throw in. We had some nice runs and we moved the ball very well. Defensively we played outstanding. Our goal was to limit them.”
The Black Knights’ decision to defer to the second half worked out nicely to start the game. A pair of penalties from Milford forced the Scarlet Hawks to start from inside their own 10 yard line and and were forced to punt.
It took Stoughton just six plays to capitalized with Ryan Sullivan (10 carries, 41 yards) to push it in from four yards out. Sullivan rushed in the two point conversion to give the Black Knights an early 8-0 lead.
A holding call put Milford — who were without star running back and linebacker Blake Hill — in yet another hole on its second drive and were forced to punt after facing a 4th and 11 from their own 18 yard line. Stoughton sent numbers in on punter Sean Lehane and Black Knight senior Izon Swain-Price jumped up and blocked the punt. The loose ball skipped into the end zone and Swain-Price fell onto it for a 14-0 lead less than seven minutes into the game.
“That’s impressive – that’s a result from defense,” Burke said. “You make teams punt and bad things can happen. We knew we were going to go after a couple, we practiced all week. They had a whole new offense than they’ve run all year, that’s hard to do. We stuck to our guns and played very well, so I’m very happy with it.”
Milford had its best starting position of the game when Shapel Feaster intercepted Evan Gibb’s throw, giving the Scarlet Hawks a first down at Stoughton’s 37 yard line. But two plays in, Stoughton came away with a turnover of its own.
On a bobbled snap, Stoughton’s Jason Joseph came bursting through the line and scooped the ball up in stride. Sixty yards later, Joseph was in the end zone for his first touchdown and the Black Knights led 21-0 with less than a minute left in the opening quarter.
Stoughton tacked on one score in the second quarter, marching 62 yards on nine plays to extend the lead. Highlighted by 19 yard runs from both Justin Ly (six carries, 41 yards) and Swain-Price, Stoughton moved inside the red zone. Ly capped the drive with a three yard plunge and Josh Cocchi’s extra point gave Stoughton a 28-0 lead at the break.
The Black Knights added one final score after a long, methodical drive that took up nearly the entire third quarter. Starting at their own 20 yard line after Lehane’s kickoff went through the end zone for a touchback, Stoughton used up nine minutes and 43 seconds to span 80 yards on 14 plays.
“That’s just blocking and strength,” Burke said of the long drive. “Who can push harder, who can hold onto the ball. We have three guys, that’s our thing. We certainly have a battle next week. I’m very happy we didn’t lost anyone.”
Alex Sjoquist had the longest run of the drive at 10 yards while only a dropped handoff resulting in two yard loss was the only negative yardage. Facing a third and 12, Gibb hit Ruben Gonzalez for a 26 yard completion down the right sideline to get down to the 1 yard line. Gibb kept it from there, pushing it in on a sneak for a 34-0 lead.
Stoughton football (6-2) advances to the D2 South Semifinals to play Duxbury (8-0). The Dragons are the consensus #1 team in the state and have scored nearly 400 points so far (48.9 points per game). The Black Knights will travel to Duxbury for a game schedule for Friday at 7:00. Milford (4-4) will await its opponent for this week to finish out the rest of the season.
Football: 2016 Davenport Division Preview
By HockomockSports.com Staff
2016 Davenport Football Preview
Canton
2015 Record: 6-5
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Dave Bohane
Key/Returning Players: Dan Alice, Sr., HB/DB; Dennis Ross, Sr., QB; Alec Ragusa, Jr., FB/LB; Brian Smith, Sr., OL/DL; Mark Whalen, Sr., OL/DL; Joe Mulkay, Sr., HB/DB; Thomas Monagle, Sr., K/FB/LB; Dan Pierre, Sr., TE/DE; Tony Harris, Jr., WR/DB; Ben Paolillo, Sr., OL/DL; Mike Marino, Sr., HB/LB.
Outlook: After falling victim to the playoff system’s alignment and just missing out on a postseason berth, Canton will be relying on a mix of experience and youth to try and get back to the state tournament under the new alignment.
Davenport division MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Jake Ragusa is off playing at Merrimack so that will be a major void for Canton to fill. However, the Bulldogs do return some players in key spots that will help them out of the gates. Senior Anthony Ross is back under center and could see an expanded role in 2016. Dan Alice is back after suffering an injury last season and should lead a stable of running backs, led by fullback Alec Ragusa. Joe Mulkay, Dan Pierre, Tony Harris and Mike Marino should all factor into the offense as well for Canton.
Defensively, Canton has some experience on the line in Brian Smith, who also plays as a tackle on offense, as well as Mark Whalen, who saw valuable minutes last year, and Ben Paolillo. Alec Ragusa will be the anchor in the linebacking corps alongside Thomas Monagle (also the team’s kicker) and Marino. Harris, Alice and Mulkay figure to be important pieces in the Bulldogs’ secondary this year.
“The kids have a strong work ethic and had a good offseason and now a good preseason,” head coach Dave Bohane said. “I think we’ll be strong up front on both sides and we have kids in key spots with experience.”
Foxboro
2015 Record: 8-3 (Davenport Division Champions)
2015 Finish: Reached D4 South Semifinal
Coach: Jack Martinelli
Key/Returning Players: Jamaine Few, Sr., WR; Mark Clagg, Sr., QB; Joe Bartucca, Sr., OL/DL; Trey Guerrini, Sr., WR/DB; Alex Parillo, Sr., OL/DL; John Cronin, Sr., K; Matt Mullally, Sr., LB; Brandon Corey, Sr., LB; Paul Darcy, Sr., DB; Matt Pond, Jr., LB.
Outlook: Coming off the program’s first league title since 2010, the Foxboro Warriors are hoping to stay near the top of the Davenport division again this year. And with one of the top returning quarterbacks in Mark Clagg under center for another year, the Warriors will likely be in the thick of the division race.
Clagg threw for nine touchdowns last season, third most among returning quarterbacks. After splitting some time with Darren Kelly last year, it looks like it was be Clagg’s spot full time in 2016. Another positive for having Clagg back is the experienced wide receivers he will have to work with. Jamaine Few is a big, experienced target at 6’3 and will be a tough one on one matchup for defensive backs. Trey Guerrini also has experience with Clagg while Phil Dure and John Whitehouse could be viable options as well. Foxboro will have to fill the void at running back, after the stability of Ronnie Martin and Keeyon Neal in previous years. Eseosa Omuemu, Matt Mullally and Anthony Capachietti are all possible choices to start in the backfield.
Defensively, the Warriors will rely upon experience in the linebacking and defensive back corps. Junior Matt Pond and senior Brandon Corey will be key cogs among the linebackers while Paul Darcy and Guerrini will be key pieces in the Warriors’ secondary. Foxboro will look to develop solid options on both the offensive and defensive lines.
“As always, the senior leadership plays a key role in the success of the 2016 campaign,” head coach Jack Martinelli said.
Milford
2015 Record: 7-4
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Joe Todd
Key/Returning Players: Blake Hill, Sr., RB/LB; Ryan Gray, Sr., OL/DL; Asong Aminmentse, Sr., RB/LB; Riley Burns, Sr., OL/DL; Harrison Bliss, Sr., RB/LB; Tony Mobilia, Sr., WR/DB; Jack Cappelletti, Sr., WR/DB; Alec Salamone, Sr., RB/DB; Pat Brogioli, Jr., OL/DL; Tyler Joyce, Jr., TE/LB; Shapel Feaster, Soph., RB/DB, Matt Curran, Jr., QB.
Outlook: The Scarlet Hawks have posted back-to-back 7-4 seasons and are hoping to continue their winning ways in 2016. With 11 starters returning, Milford is on the right track to do so.
It all starts with Yale-commit Blake Hill, who will be a top player on both offense and defense this season. Offensively he can hurt you in many ways, including running with the ball or catching passes. Hill will have some space to run thanks to an experienced offensive line that includes Riley Burns, Ryan Gray and Pat Brogioli. Junior Matt Curran will take over under center for the Scarlet Hawks and will have Jack Cappelletti, Tony Mobilia and Tyler Joyce as pass catching options to work with.
Defensively, Hill is one of the top linebackers in the league. He’ll be flanked by Harrison Bliss, Asong Aminmentse and Joyce. Burns, Gray and Brogioli will all be two-way linemen for the Scarlet Hawks. Shapel Feaster, who will also see touches on offense, will be in the secondary along with Alec Salamone, Mobilia and Cappelletti.
North Attleboro
2015 Record: 9-2 (Kelley-Rex Division Champions)
2015 Finish: Reached D3 Southwest Semifinal
Coach: Don Johnson
Key/Returning Players: Thomas Reynolds, Sr., OL/DL; Bobby Mylod, Sr., RB/LB; Nick Rajotte, Sr. RB/DB; Kyle McCarthy, Sr. QB/DB; Chad Peterson, Jr., QB; Thomas Kummer, Sr., OL/DL.
Outlook: As with any defending league champion, the North Attleboro Rocketeers will have some holes they’ll have to fill this year. But Big Red also has a slew of talented, experienced players back as North Attleboro looks to make a splash in its first season in the Davenport division.
Junior Chad Peterson is back under center after a breakout sophomore season in which he tossed 13 touchdowns, second most in the Hockomock League. While Kelley-Rex MVP Nick Morrison has graduated, North Attleboro returns Bobby Mylod and Nick Rajotte, who will give the Rocketeers a variety of attacking options. Thomas Reynolds will anchor the offensive line from the center position while Peterson will look for Hacmoni Cuevas, David Engler, Mario Bresko and Nick Dean to emerge as receiving threats.
It will be a lot of the same faces making plays on the defensive side of the ball. Reynolds and senior Tom Kummer are two major pieces and will take up the center of the defensive line. Mylod emerged as one of the top linebackers in the Hockomock and in the state last season and will be complemented at the position by Ryan Kingston, Zach DeMattio and Cuevas. Rajotte and Kyle McCarthy both had solid years in the secondary last season and will be big pieces to the defensive puzzle again this season.
“It’s going to be an interesting year switching to the Davenport division,” head coach Don Johnson said. “It certainly isn’t going to be any easier.”
Sharon
2015 Record: 4-7
2015 Finish: Reached D3 Southeast Quarterfinal
Coach: Dave Morse
Key/Returning Players: Juvan Elisma, Sr., RB; Josh Rotman, Sr., WR/CB; Nate Hirsh, Sr., OL/DL; Ian Langol-Leonard, Sr., OL/DL; Wilhelm Bolt, Sr., OL/DL; Xavier Hackett, Sr., OLB; Drew Naisuler, Jr., QB; Austin Dodes, Jr., WR; Sam Spencer, Jr., RB.
Outlook: A lot of the players listed as key and returning players for Sharon this season were also on last year’s list, and that’s a good thing for the Eagles, who are looking to take the next step forward in 2016.
Junior Drew Naisuler will step into the starting role at quarterback and will have some weapons at his disposal right away. Running back Juvan Elisma had a stellar 2015 campaign as a junior, rushing for eight touchdowns – tied for fourth most in the Hockomock League and tied for second in the Davenport. Now Elisma will look to cap a strong football career at Sharon by leading an Eagles’ rushing attack that will likely include junior Sam Spencer as well. Naisuler will have an experienced receiver as Josh Rotman is back for another year while junior Austin Dodes figures to be another target this season.
“Our season will be decided by how physical we can be and if our new varsity players can step up and make an impact,” head coach Dave Morse said.
The Eagles will also bring back some experience on both sides of the line. Nate Hirsh has been a key cog of the line on both sides of the ball for the Eagles. Ian Langol-Leonard and Wilhelm Bolt also will likely be key experience pieces up front for Sharon. Defensively, Rotman also is back as a talented defensive back. Xavier Hackett is another name to keep an eye on, as the senior has been able to make plays for Sharon in the past and looks to do more of the same in 2016.
Stoughton
2015 Record: 6-5
2015 Finish: Reached D3 Southwest Semifinal
Coach: Greg Burke
Key/Returning Players: Ryan Sullivan, Sr., RB/DB; Izon Swain-Price, Sr., RB/WR/DB; Dave Cellucci, Sr., QB; Nick Hardy, Sr., RB/DB; Jack Connelly, Sr., TE/LB; Harry Kimball, Sr., OL/DL; Lino Azul, Sr., OL/DL; Andrew Iverson, Sr., OL/DL; Ryan Pierre, Sr., OL/DL; Justin Ly, Jr., FB/LB; Brendan Walsh, Sr., OL/DL.
Outlook: No matter what team, it’s always going to be difficult to replace a three year starter at quarterback. But with the talented offensive line Stoughton has back this season and senior Dave Cellucci taking over under center, the Black Knights’ offense is in good shape.
The offensive line returns starters Lino Azul, Ryan Pierre and Andrew Iverson while Harry Kimball and Brendan Walsh – who both started on the defensive line – will play on both sides of the ball now. That experience will help give Cellucci a little more time in the pocket when he’s called upon to throw. Meanwhile, Ryan Sullivan, Izon Swain-Price and Justin Ly all figure to be key pieces in the backfield. Sullivan and Swain-Price caused havoc for defenses last season with a combined 10 rushing touchdowns. Swain-Price will also be a receiving option while Jack Connelly is back for another year at tight end.
Stoughton will look to continue its tradition of having a staunch defense. The Black Knights have depth on the defensive line with Pierre, Azul and Kimball all seeing time there along with junior Jason Joseph. Iverson, Ly and Connelly will all see reps at linebacker and Sullivan and Izon Swain-Price will likely be two of the top defensive backs in the entire league.
“We hope to stay healthy and get into the playoffs,” head coach Greg Burke said. “This has been a great group in the weight room and conditioning, that will have to carry us in the league. We know it will be a tough league this year.”