Turkey Bowl 2014

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TURKEY BOWL

ThereÂ’s no sleeping on these guys They may not grab all the headlines, and they may not be the player everybody associates with making the big plays, but teams everywhere are built on much more than just their stars.

To win, you need the unexpected. You need players who weren't always on the radar to step up, leave their mark and give the team an added boost.

Essentially, you need sleepers.

With Thanksgiving Day - and Thanksgiving football - on the horizon, we're focusing in on the players around Warwick and Cranston who don't score every touchdown, yet still find their way into the end zone from time to time. If you were drafting a fantasy team, these are the guys you'd grab in the late rounds, and the ones who would bring you home a title.

Our "Surprise Performer" stories take note of all these players, ranging from a wide receiver who nearly didn't come out for the team, a freshman quarterback, a quarterback-running back hybrid, a versatile baseball player-turned football player, a first-year starter under center and a wide receiver who just makes plays on a team full of stars.

It's an impressive group, and they'll be ones to take note of on the gridiron this Thanksgiving. Once you're caught up on our sleepers, there's plenty more, like team pages with rosters, players to watch, a "Talkin' Turkey" Q &A, fantasy standouts and results from the season that's been. We also have previews for all three of the area games and plenty of historical information on the rivalries.

So take in the games, watch for our sleepers, and then move on to family and turkey. We're looking forward to it - hopefully you are too. Happy Thanksgiving.

- Kevin Pomeroy and Matt Metcalf

CONTENTS

4. SURPRISE PERFORMER: WARWICK VETS 5. SURPRISE PERFORMER: PILGRIM 6. WARWICK VETS TEAM PAGE 7. PILGRIM TEAM PAGE 8. CRANSTON EAST TEAM PAGE 9. CRANSTON WEST TEAM PAGE 10. GAME PREVIEWS 11. GAME PREVIEWS 12. TOLL GATE TEAM PAGE 13. HENDRICKEN TEAM PAGE 14. SURPRISE PERFORMER: CRANSTON EAST 15. SURPRISE PERFORMER: CRANSTON WEST 16. SURPRISE PERFORMER: TOLL GATE 17. SURPRISE PERFORMER: BISHOP HENDRICKEN 18. LAST THANKSGIVING 19. SERIES HISTORY

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TURKEY BOWL

WE’RE TALKIN’ TURKEY (AND FOOTBALL) Tune in to the Football Focus Podcast With Kevin Pomeroy and Matt Metcalf warwickonline.com cranstononline.com

Thanksgiving edition online Tuesday, Nov. 25 with breakdowns and previews of all three local games

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TURKEY BOWL

SURPRISE PERFORMER: WARWICK VETS

In first year under center, Beaufort coming alive

There has been some impressive quarterback play around Warwick this year. But there are two names above others that stand out.

The first would be Hendricken's John Toppa, who has put up a monster season statistically for the Hawks. He's thrown and rushed for a combined 1,774 yards, while rushing for 14 touchdowns and passing for 11 more scores.

Another would be Pilgrim senior Rob Quaine. Quaine has easily had the best season of his career, leading the Patriots to at least a .500 record for the first time in a decade. Quaine has had some monster games this season, his best coming against cross-town rival Toll Gate. In the Pats' 3814 win, he threw for 141 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 66 rushing yards and two more touchdowns.

However, Warwick Vets quarterback Nick Beaufort has flown under the radar this year, partly because of the struggles that the 'Canes have encountered.

In a season where Vets has gone 0-11 and 0-7 in league play, Beaufort, who is a firstyear starter as a junior, has been a mainstay while pieces around him have come and gone. Additionally, he has had a solid season, putting up some good stat lines in various games throughout the year.

In Beaufort's best offensive game of the season, a 59-26 loss at Coventry, he was outstanding in controlling the 'Canes' offense.

Despite a poor showing from Vets'

defense, Beaufort shined. He compiled 133 yards on the ground, keeping Coventry's defense on its toes all game long. Beaufort also added 97 yards through the passing game, to go along with two passing touchdowns. Both touchdowns were impressive.

One was a perfectly thrown ball on a fade to the left corner of the end zone that Nate Ferri reeled in. On the latter touchdown, Beaufort was able to escape pressure and find a wide-open Matt Kelly, who took it all the way for an 85-yard score.

"That was my best game of the season for sure," Beaufort said. "We were moving

the ball really well, both in the passing and rushing games."

Statistics aside, Vets' head coach Bryan Nappa has been impressed with his quarterback's progression this season and is looking forward to having him back to lead his squad next year.

"He has come a long way," Nappa said.

"He's only a junior and this is just his first year starting at quarterback. He's progressed quite a bit from his sophomore year. He does a lot of things well running the ball. He knows he has some weaknesses with his throwing game, but this is

something that he's very committed to improving on for next year."

Beaufort should have more value next season, as he'll have a season as a starting quarterback under his belt, and he plans on attending some camps in the off-season to take his game to the next level.

"As far as being a leader and understanding the offensive scheme, he's done a very good job," Nappa said. "I can't ask for anything more out of him. He's really good at taking what the defense gives him. He reads the read option really well and he can really bait the back-side end. He does a good job in taking advantage of what opposing defenses do wrong."

That was no more evident than his performance against the Oakers. If the defense gave him time, then he hurt them through the air, while also making Coventry pay the price when they gave him room to run.

In terms of facing a cross-town rival in the final game of his junior season, Beaufort is looking to wrap up a less than stellar season with a win to gain some momentum for a better season next year.

"A win against Pilgrim would be huge for our team," Beaufort said. "It's definitely been a tough season, but a win would mean a lot for our team."

Beaufort has gone from being an unknown commodity prior to the season, to a consistent offensive contributor for the 'Canes.

- Matt Metcalf

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TURKEY BOWL

5

SURPRISE PERFORMER: PILGRIM

McMullenÂ’s choice turned into a win-win

Last year wasn't easy for a lot of players wearing the Pilgrim uniform, as the Pats struggled through a winless campaign that wasn't even very competitive.

It took a toll, and wide receiver David McMullen gave serious consideration to not coming back out for his junior year.

McMullen, and the Pats, are sure glad he did.

"I was like, 'Alright, I'll give it a try.' So far, it's been great," McMullen said.

Seldom-used on the varsity team his sophomore year, McMullen had a big offseason and has emerged as the team's top wide receiver.

McMullen's game-changing ability on the outside has coincided with a Pilgrim resurgence of sorts, as the Pats finished their first season in Division III at 4-4, just one game out of the playoffs.

Along the way, McMullen has picked up 17 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns, making him one of the most dangerous and prolific receivers in all of D-III. "He's very versatile," said Pilgrim head coach Tom O'Connor. "He runs the ball for us on some of our counter plays. He catches the ball. The harder the throw the better the catch he makes."

Looking at Pilgrim entering the season, it was easy to circle two names as the offensive standouts - quarterback Rob Quaine and running back Owen Kelly.

When healthy, those two have lived up to their billing, as Kelly has amassed over

1,000 yards on the ground and Quaine has been effective through the air.

McMullen has become the next guy, the third weapon in an offense that has gone from being predictable to being difficult to stop.

"If I was game planning for us, No. 1 would be Owen and No. 2 as a wideout, looking to take away the passing game would be David," O'Connor said.

Other players, like Roger Anyango and Sean Cooney, have stepped up as well in

skill positions for the Pats, but it's been McMullen that has forced opposing defenses to respect the passing game.

Against Ponaganset on Oct. 3, McMullen had his break out game. He hauled in two touchdown passes - a 46yarder from Quaine and a 60-yarder on a halfback pass from Kelly.

He also caught a 50-yard touchdown earlier in the season against Classical.

"I just think that since we have so many weapons, it's starting to become that the

defense doesn't know what to do," McMullen said. "Since Owen is getting noticed more and more, it's opening up opportunities for me, Roger, Quaine and kids like that."

Pilgrim's offense is as loaded with playmakers as it has been since 2011, the last time the team was in playoff contention.

This year's group is reminiscent of that 3-4 team that also finished a game out of the playoffs. At times, the Pilgrim offense didn't seem to have enough reps to go around for the talent that it had.

The Pats are in that sort of boat now, but have made a concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of McMullen.

"We always try to get him the ball because we know he's dangerous in space," O'Connor said. "Punt return, kick return, he's there for all of it because he's that athletic. He's grown and he's matured and he's a team-first guy. He's even made some offensive calls for us when he sees something on the field that might work."

Early on in the season, teams focused almost exclusively on Kelly when playing defense.

Not anymore, and the emergence of a player who nearly didn't come out for the team is the biggest reason why.

"Narragansett was double-covering me," McMullen said. "That opened up a lot for everyone else."

- Kevin Pomeroy

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TURKEY BOWL

Warwick Vets Hurricanes

TALKIN TURKEY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Mashed potatoes with extra butter.

PREDICTION Anything can happen.

PREDICTION? I think it’s going to be a close one. I’m hoping for a win.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Lock it up.

CONNOR THOMPSON YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? SENIOR AJ Green.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

BRANDON Friends, family and this football team.

DANIELS SENIOR YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? Anyone who puts up less than 10 points.

ROSTER 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 21 22 24 28 29 32 36 37 42 47 50 51 52 54 55 56 61 62 64 71 72 74

Beaufort, Nick Galligan, Tommy Kelly, Matt Bautista, Jeremy Pacheco, Mickenzey Amirault, Logan Watts, Eric Ferri, Nate Baldwin, James Sangas, Stephen Matteson, Josh Isaac, Jacob Colicci, Marc Pratt, Danny Valiliere, Victor Chadwick, Cameron Amirault, Owen Isles, Mike Pellitier, Jacob Ferland, Chris Noel, Dakotah Ginaitt, Jessica Crosby, Dante Watts, Kendall Thomas, Isreal O'Rouke, Cory Rivers, Ben Daniels, Brandon Thompson, Connor Reynolds, Nick Kucinski, Nicholas Ricci, Matthew Dennis, Kyle Pham, Kheit Coleman, Hunter Vittorioso, Buddy

JR SR SO SR SR SO FR SO FR SO FR JR FR SO SO SR JR SO SR SR FR FR SR SO SR JR FR SR SR SO FR JR FR SR FR SO

77 81 82 83 91

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

PREDICTION? We’re going to win by two.

PREDICTION? This is going to be a close one. I know they’ve won a lot of games, but I’ll take us winning 26-24.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Running back.

ISRAEL THOMAS WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? SENIOR To be on this team.

KHEIT WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? PHAM Having the opportunity to play.

SENIOR YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? Ben Tate and Darren McFadden.

JR SR FR SO FR

Head Coaches: Bryan Nappa, Mike Nappa Assistant Coaches: Kevin Silva, Terry Siravo

PLAYER TO WATCH Mickenzey Pacheco Senior RB "He’s been our rock in the backfield. It’s his last game and he’s really looking to put some points on the board.”

- Bryan Nappa

TOP FANTASY PERFORMER FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Mashed Potatoes.

Massie, John Boulet, Matt Rosa, Steven Bateman, Ricky Morelli, Austin

Matt Kelly Sophomore RB Kelly compiled 141 yards and two touchdowns in a 59-26 loss at Coventry. His biggest play came on an 85-yard pass from Beaufort for a touchdown.

RESULTS League Record: 0-7 Overall Record: 0-11 Chariho 27, Vets 13 (Non-League) Rogers 34, Vets 0 Central 48, Vets 19 Mt. Hope 31, Vets 12 Coventry 59, Vets 26 Shea 48, Vets 14 Woonsocket 47, Vets 7 St. Ray’s 58, Vets 0 West Warwick 27, Vets 0(Non-League) Westerly 40, Vets 20 (Non-League) TG 26, Vets 2 (Non-League)

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TURKEY BOWL

pilgrim patriots

ROSTER 1 3 5 7 9 10/11 14 22 24 27 34 34 35 39 50 51 53 53 54 56/59 57 61 63 64 65 68 70 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 81

Roger Anyango Robert E. Quaine David McMullen Darren Grant Jadin Genao Ohane Kikorian James McKay John Castaldi Owen Kelly Jacob Zuller Jamil Martey Devon Maxwell Garrison Potter Sean Cooney Garet Sylvestre John Pierce Antonio Bolarinho Mitchell Fielding Henry F. Cascella Sierra Kempf Tyler Alexander Zarchary J. Miller Evan J. Broccoli Peter Johnston Tyler Parton Kalum Alldredge Griffin W. Potter Joseph A. Borges Nicholas Carpenter Michael L. Pereira Steven Kavanagh Emerson Torem Kyle Alesssandro Caleb Minton Nathan L. Brice Kevin Henson

RESULTS League Record: 4-4 Overall Record: 5-4 Pilgrim 12, Smithfield 6 (Non-League) Lincoln 31, Pilgrim 0 Pilgrim 30, Ponaganset 14 Classical 32, Pilgrim 6 Pilgrim 20, Narragansett 10 Middletown 50, Pilgrim 8 Pilgrim 38, Toll Gate 14 Pilgrim 52, Hope 0 East Greenwich 45, Pilgrim 18

SR SR JR JR SO JR SO SO JR SO SO JR SO SO SO JR SR SO SR JR SO SR SR JR SO SO SR SR JR SR SO JR SO SO SR JR

82 83 85 95

Matthew Coughlin Ryan Follett Noah Durand Jamal Martey

SO SO SO SO

Head Coach: Tom O'Connor Assistants: Bob Grant, Billy King, Chris Wrench

PLAYER TO WATCH

TALKIN TURKEY

Sean Cooney Sophomore FB/LB “Cooney has close to 500 rushing yards, he’s only a sophomore and he’s getting better at seeing the cutbacks.”

- Tom O’Connor

MICHAEL PEREIRA SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Mashed potatoes.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Cranberry sauce.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? I’m thankful for my friends and family.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Being able to play football.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Do your job.

PREDICTION We’re going to win.

ROB QUAINE SENIOR

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Wide receiver.

PREDICTION? A lot to a little, us.

TOP FANTASY PERFORMER Owen Kelly Junior RB Against Hope, Kelly scored four times on the ground and also converted three separate two-point conversions.

GRIFFIN POTTER SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Sweet potatoes.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Fullback.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Linebacker.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Who’s the tallest hog in the trough?

PREDICTION? A big game for us.

JOE BORGES SENIOR

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Being able to play with this team.

PREDICTION? A big win, us.

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TURKEY BOWL

cranston east thunderbolts

TALKIN TURKEY

NICK SAWAIA SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Pork shoulder.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? That we’ve been successful in our season so far.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Wide Receiver.

PREDICTION? I think we’ll have a successful game on Thanksgiving.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Just the fact that we’ve been doing so well in football.

DASHESKY PENA SENIOR COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING?

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Block the gaps.

Block gap.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? I’ve got to go with the mashed potatoes.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Running back

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Quarterback

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? My family, my teammates, my coaches.

RYAN My mom.

LACKEY PREDICTION? SENIOR Better score than last time.

VANNAK ROURM COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? SENIOR Block gap.

ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 40 42

Jay J. Bast Michael Castill David Todd Amir Pettiway Arian Bodden Clifford J. Dummett Steve X. Alvarez Justin Silva Melvin Paniagua Matthew Smith Carlos Canelo Chad T. Degnan Gabriel Grullon Randy M. Duran Darrio Carter Nathan C. Kheng Logan Mcconaghy Jaireal L. Rodriguez Piagbe Wehjla Marquem Monroe Maximilian Perez Jaylen Johnson Armand Lucchetti Rashad A. Bryant Richie Vargas John Anderson Malik T. Gavek Tuti Wehjla Elvis L. Sarmie Luis Lopez D'Angelo G. Piersaint Alijah S. Taylor KeSean M. Felix Andre Garcia Juwan R. Ramos Mike Goldberger Eric T. Mickelson Gianni B. Andreoli Christopher J. Garcia

SO SR JR SR SR JR SO SR SR JR SR SO SR SO SR FR SR SO SO SR JR JR SR SO SR JR SO SR SR SR SO SO FR JR SR JR SR JR SO

43 44 46 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 61 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 88

Sha'heem M. Nathanie Ryan O. Moya Andres F. Jimenez Zachary Hubbard Steven G. Ferrazzano James J. Lemos Blake Doyon Ryan Lackey Brendan R. Lanigan Nick Sawaia Nicholas Ngourn Dany Gomez Zachary D. King Miguel A. Roldan David McCormick Aaron Matos Abraham I. Otele Jonathan A. Vittorioso Alphonso Delgado Anthony J. Laliberte Marc Kosinski Rodrigo Tejada Erik Mena Brandon J. Figueiredo Jean St. Nelus Vannak Rourm Dashesky Pena Salvador M. Rodrigues Donald E. Halstead Steven J. Ellis Joshua Carr Joseph R. Lefort Mackenley Fevry Marcus Garcia Ruizdael Lopez-Castillo

SR JR SO JR JR FR SR SR SO SR SR FR FR SO SR SO SO JR JR FR SR SR SO SO SR SR SR JR JR JR SO SO SO SO JR

Head Coach: Tom Centore Assistants: Michael Giblin, Isaiah McDaniel, Ken Simone, Corey Capirchio, Joe Madonna, Rafael Medina, Dan Perry

PLAYER TO WATCH Justin Silva Senior LB “He’s a bright kid. He’s a football-intelligent kid. He directs the defense, and he’s been a big leader for us.”

- Tom Centore

top fantasy performer Michael Castillo Senior WR/DE Playing against Woonsocket, Castillo hauled in a touchdown pass and returned a punt all the way, too.

RESULTS League Record: 4-4 Overall Record: 5-5 East 38, Woonsocket 7 (Non-League) Portsmouth 29, East 25 East 13, Cranston West 7 Hendricken 26, East 25 La Salle 31, East 14 Cumberland 26, East 0 East 25, East Providence 0 East 35, South Kingstown 14 East 13, Barrington 7 La Salle 14, East 7 (D-I Semifinals)

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TURKEY BOWL ROSTER 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 42

Drew A. Watts Kerwins R. Pinthiere Camren P. Bent Matthew A. Lonardo Matthew R. Malo Terrell C. Paci John Petrocelli Steven Furtado Ryan A. Marsella Anthony M. Lopez Veras Nickolas J. Dionizio Juan Ramirez Joshua Arsenault Nicholas J. Poulos Rhett J. Cooper Jacob P. Palazzo Paul J. Hazian Karim Jamous John Pascone Joshua Pereira Gersham Rainone Abdiel D. Mendez Jonathan Delgado Nicholas J. Almonte Gregory J. DiIorio Robert A. Guzman Rackwon Kisilywicz Noah M. Dinerman Brandon A. Marsocci Brandon Colon Dimitri P. Lonardo Jared Tirocchi Mazen Taman Benjamin P. Grant Jared Santoro Alexael Martinez Matthew D. Matracia Dimitri J. Bradley

RESULTS League Record: 2-6 Overall Record: 4-6 West 26, Westerly 14 (Non-League) Cumberland 20, West 12 La Salle 33, West 16 East 13, West 7 West 40, South Kingstown 21 West 49, Chariho 16 (Non-League) Barrington 28, West 12 Hendricken 35, West 12 East Providence 19, West 12 West 23, Portsmouth 7

JR JR JR JR JR SR SR SR JR SR FR SR SO FR JR SO JR SO SO SO SR JR JR JR JR JR SR SO SO SR JR SR SR FR SR SR SO FR

43 44 45 46 47 50 52 53 54 56 57 58 62 65 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 82 84 85 86 88 89

Brett C. Traficante FR William T. Such FR Justin A. Irwin FR Theodore L. Ruggieri SO Cameron D. Harris FR Roberto Caputo SR Giuliano S. Biondi SO Matthew Shapiro SR Paul Biello SR Matthew B. Beyer FR Christopher Ohsberg SO Sean Perrino SR Thomas A. Napolitano FR Sam H. Folco FR Jordan K. Smith-DufresneSO Elvis Sena SR Dylan Oulette SR Jacob D. Horovitz JR Hugh Thompson JR Stephen Ohsberg SR Adam S. Chilvers SO Guiseppe Creta SR james C. Zabala SO Kevin L. Mitchell SO Tajah M. Jones JR Timothy J. Dillon FR Kyle W. Hammond SO Matthew J. Pisaturo JR Nicholas J. Bordieri SO Joseph R. Forcino SO Thomas M. Misto JR Edward J. Mercure JR Michael P. Croft SO Zachary J. Colando SO

CRANSTON WEST FALCONS

Head Coach: Steve Stoehr Assistants: Justin Erickson, Rob Malo, Thomas Milewski, Richard Aitchison,Erik Baccari, Mike Fitzgerald, Bob Izzi

PLAYER TO WATCH Mazen Taman Senior LB "He’s had a great year. He did very well at linebacker. He’s made a lot of tackles this year. He does a lot of good things.”

- Steve Stoehr

TOP FANTASY PERFORMER Steven Furtado Senior QB Furtado ran for a pair of touchdowns - one from 52 yards out - and threw for another one in a 40-21 win over South Kingstown.

TALKIN TURKEY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Pumpkin pie.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Outside linebacker.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? My teammates.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

JARED Good health.

TIROCCHI PREDICTION SENIOR I think that we’re going to get the job

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING?

RAEKWON You know what I’m saying?

KISILYWICZ PREDICTION? SENIOR I think we’re going to go out there, com-

done.

pete and everything is going to come together.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Green bean casserole.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey. I’m all about the turkey.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Good health.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Fullback.

POSITION YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY? Tight end.

JOE CRETA COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? SENIOR Move your feet.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my

GERSHAM grades - all the opportunities that I’ve RAINONE been given.

SENIOR

YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? LeSean McCoy. He’s not getting me the points I thought he would.

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TURKEY BOWL

East vs. West, Thursday, 10 a.m. Cranston Stadium

A non-league showdown now, pride is on the line

Thanksgiving Day has always been a big day in Cranston, with East and West going toe-to-toe for bragging rights and, last year, for a playoff spot in Division I. Things are different this season, with a new Rhode Island Interscholastic League rule mandating that all semifinal playoff games in the state be played prior to Thanksgiving.

What that means for the traditional rivals is that their standard league game on the holiday is now a non-league game, as they already played earlier in the season in a game that counted in the D-I standings.

That makes this year's version of the Turkey Bowl a brand new installment, as it's the ultimate battle for pride rather than positioning.

"I do think it will be the same," East head coach Tom Centore said. "I think Thanksgiving will be the same, league or non-league game. I think there will be a good crowd here, certainly."

There was a chance that the two teams would be in vastly different spots when the game rolled around, as West missed out on the playoffs after a 2-6 season, while East snuck in to the No. 4 spot and had a semifinal game this past Friday night.

The 'Botls ended up losing that game 147 to top-seeded La Salle. Had East won, it would have had the Super Bowl coming up on Dec. 6 and may have had to game plan differently for Thanksgiving.

As it is, both teams are in the same boat.

Their seasons end on Thanksgiving.

"We're always ready to play a

OUR PICK: WEST 20, EAST 14 Thanksgiving Day game," West head coach Steve Stoehr said. "We'll see what happens.

It's been a long season."

West will be out for revenge, in more ways than one. First, it's lost the last two Thanksgiving Day games, including a 4229 defeat last year that eliminated the Falcons from playoff contention and shot the 'Bolts into the postseason. West hasn't won the Thanksgiving game since 2011.

East leads the overall series 21-20.

Second, the Falcons lost the regular season meeting with East - West's third straight overall loss in the series - 13-7, as 'Bolts' standout Marquem Monroe scored with 12 seconds left to give his team the victory.

"It's going to be a battle," Centore said.

"For them, they're going to want to be part of it. They're going to want to win the game, especially because it was a 13-7 game last time. I think they felt that they

should have won the game."

Stoehr sees the game as one between two evenly-matched teams, but hopes that his team isn't overconfident after thinking it should have won the first time out.

He remembered back to his first year coaching, when the Falcons nearly beat South Kingstown and felt that they outplayed the Rebels. When the two teams met again, South Kingstown won in a blowout.

"Most times, playing a team twice would help us because we played them well," Stoehr said. "I've also seen it the opposite way, where you felt like you should have won the game and you ended up going out and losing."

The key for West will be stopping Monroe, who has accounted for 18 touchdowns this season as one of the state's most dynamic players.

Others, like John Anderson, Mike

Castillo and Darrio Carter have been big contributors, while the 'Bolts' first-team defense, led by Justin Silva, has allowed just two touchdowns in the last four games, including the playoff loss to La Salle.

"They'll change a little and we'll change a little," Stoehr said. "But basically everything is going to be the same. But we've got to stop Marquem."

East, meanwhile, will turn its attention to stopping West's multi-headed running game, which features Raekwon Kisilywicz, Drew Watts, Abdiel Mendez, Alex Martinez and Matt Lonardo, as well as quarterback Steven Furtado.

Defensively, West has also held its own, with solid play from players like Gersham Rainone, Lonardo, Jared Tirocchi and others.

The challenge for the 'Bolts is not only getting ready for those players, but it's getting ready in general for a game on the heels of a difficult playoff loss.

While West has been game planning for East since the Falcons' season came to a close on Nov. 14, the 'Bolts have been focusing on La Salle during the same time frame, up until Saturday, Nov. 22.

"How do we respond? Can I get them ready in three days, mentally?" Centore said Thursday will provide all the answers.

It might be a non-league game, but it's still East-West on Thanksgiving Day. "I would expect it to be a rock-em, sockem game," Stoehr said.

- K.P.

11

TURKEY BOWL Warwick Vets at Pilgrim, Thursday, 10 a.m.

Toll Gate at Hendricken, Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Over the last three Thanksgiving meetings between Warwick Vets and Pilgrim, the 'Canes have dominated, outscoring the Pats 105-14 en route to three straight wins.

However, this year is a new year. And for the first time since 2010, it seems that the tables have turned.

Pilgrim concluded its league schedule with a 4-4 record, securing at least a .500 finish for its overall record as well. This year is the first year that the Pats have won at least four league games since 2004.

A big reason for that has been the play of running back Owen Kelly. Kelly has been a headache for opposing defenses all season long, but has come on as of late in particular, accounting for seven touchdowns over Pilgrim's final three league games.

Senior quarterback Rob Quaine has also been impressive in his final high school season, accounting for four touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns over that three-game stretch as well.

With a successful season behind them, Pilgrim head coach Tom O'Connor feels like his team can break the mini-streak that the 'Canes have going on Thanksgiving.

But one thing's for sure, they're not taking anything for granted.

"I tell the guys all the time, 'Usually the best team doesn't win this. It's the team that works the hardest," O'Connor said.

Vets will be looking to get its 30th win in the Thanksgiving rivalry, as the 'Canes lead the all-time series 29-21-1.

However, it may be easier said than done this year. Vets has encountered its

The Toll Gate and Bishop Hendricken football teams are at two different stages of its programs at this point, but that doesn't ruin the tradition of the two teams meeting every Thanksgiving.

"It's a big game," Hendricken head coach Keith Croft said. "It's big for our alumni, it's big for their alumni, and we usually get a pretty good crowd. It's exciting."

Hendricken has had a nearly unblemished season up until this point, with its only loss coming at home to undefeated La Salle Academy, 15-9.

Led by standout quarterback John Toppa, the Hawks will be looking to add a win to their 34-8 all-time record against Toll Gate in Thanksgiving games.

Toppa has been one of the best in the state this year, compiling more than 1,700 yards combined through the passing and rushing games. He has also accounted for more touchdowns than anyone in the state, rushing for 14 and passing for 11 more.

However, against Toll Gate, the Hawks may give some of their younger guys some playing time to see what they may have in those players going forward.

"We'll see what happens," Croft said.

"We'd like to get the seniors some collective time because that's our Senior Night. But we always like to get the younger guys some work because that's kind of looking forward to the future a little bit. Toll Gate's had a decent year though, so we're not going to take anything for granted."

Toll Gate, on the other hand, has had

Old rivals set to meet again Titans hoping to stay close

OUR PICK: PILGRIM 36 WARWICK VETS 14 struggles, finishing league play with an 0-7 record.

But Vets' head coach Bryan Nappa is hoping that an intra-city rivalry game will bring the best out of his team to hopefully give a tough season a positive ending.

"It's definitely been a tough season," Nappa said. "Our guys are looking forward to next season and they know that the first step to that is to end this season well."

Vets' offense has shown glimpses of potential this season amidst the team's struggles. The offense has been orchestrated by quarterback Nick Beaufort, who has led the 'Canes to double-digit points in four of the team's seven league games. The other mainstay for Vets has been senior running back Mickenzey Pacheco.

Records aside, the two Warwick schools should be in for a battle.

"We're going to have people out there tailgating, and they're all talking about when they won it and they're all wearing their shirts," O'Connor said. "It's a real rivalry game that has stuck."

- M.M.

OUR PICK: HENDRICKEN 22 TOLL GATE 7 somewhat of a resurgent season. After going winless in league play over the last three seasons, the Titans earned their first league win in 28 tries with a 23-6 win over Hope High School this year. Additionally, Toll Gate earned two more non-league wins.

Unlike Hendricken who has a senior running the offensive show, Toll Gate has had its growing pains this year with freshman Anthony Vann starting at quarterback.

But with the burden of three winless seasons in a row behind them, the Titans are looking to move forward and finish their season strong.

"It's a tough game with Hendricken," Toll Gate head coach Jim Stringfellow said. "It's a cross-town rivalry and it's a big rivalry for Toll Gate.�

The Titans will be facing an uphill battle, as Hendricken has won the last 22 Thanksgiving game meetings. However, the Titans are hoping that they can keep the game close and potentially pull off an upset.

- M.M.

TURKEY BOWL

12

TOLL GATE TITANS

TALKIN TURKEY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Cranberry sauce.

PREDICTION? 14-14.

PREDICTION? We win 14-7.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Patrick you’re killing me!

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? If you didn’t have gloves on you would’ve caught it.

ZACHARY PONA YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? JUNIOR Stevan Ridley

JOE GASBARRO JUNIOR YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? Alfred Morris.

ROSTER 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 12 17 20 22 23 24 26 27 29 34 44 45 45 47 50 53 55 55 56 57 58 58 64 66 70 70 72 74 76

Anthony M. Vann Uzair Ayaz Joseph F. Gasbarro Nicholas Lemioe Qyon P. Pichardo William Brogno Sebastian V. Paolella Daniel Smith Sean M. Devlin, Jr. Wyatt C. Jencks Zachary Pona Xavier Acosta Sean Vann Noah Thao Alex K. Mowry Jaylan M. Brout Anthony M. Calise Jacob Moran Rory E. Dobbins Matthew E. Walsh Datyn A. Deasley Mark Erickson Jr David M. Pardy Jake Lima Dakota J. St. Jean Nick K. Kazandjian Cameron Vickers Nicholas L. Petrone Jake T. Stachurski Robert J. Lisi Robert Decorpo Isaiah A. Jackson James L. Marsella Stephen Wilson Alex J. Christina Michael M. Alves

FR SR JR SR FR FR FR SR FR SO JR SO SR SO JR FR FR SR SO FR FR FR SR SR FR SO SR FR JR FR SO FR SR JR FR FR

77 78 80 83 88

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Ham.

PREDICTION? 14-7 Hendricken.

PREDICTION? We win 21-14.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? My family.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? My team.

JAKE STACHURSKI YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? JUNIOR Stevan Ridley.

ALEX MOWRY YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? JUNIOR LeSean McCoy.

JR FR SO FR

Head Coach: Jim Stringfellow Assistant Coaches: Jack Paliotte, Matt Russo, Erik Stachurski

PLAYER TO WATCH Sean Devlin Freshman LB "He’s had an outstanding year. He’s a smart football player. He’s only a freshman and he’s young, but he knows the game..”

- Jim Stringfellow

TOP FANTASY PERFORMER FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Cranberry sauce.

Brandon Neiwert Jayden R. Messier Patrick J. McMahonJR Jacob R. LeBeau Maxwell J. Laiter

Sean Vann Senior RB Vann totaled 95 yards and two touchdowns in Toll Gate’s only league win of the season. The Titans had dropped 28 straight league games prior to the win.

RESULTS League Record: 1-7 Overall Record: 3-7 TG 22, PCD/Wheeler/JS 10 (Non-League) Narragansett 20, TG 14 East Greenwich 34, TG 0 Middletown 42, TG 0 TG 23, Hope 6 Classical 33, TG 14 Pilgrim 38, TG 14 Lincoln 16, TG 0 Ponaganset 35, TG 20 TG 26, Vets 2 (Non-League)

13

TURKEY BOWL ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Kwity Paye Terrence Gibbs Bret J. Langlais Kurt T. Rousseau Anthony S. Witherstone Caleb Wurster William F. Mueller Nathan Gyampo John Toppa Christopher J. Hindle Carlo J. Merola John J. Arruda Brandon M. Baro Timothy J. Picard Power Kanga Thomas Zhang Joseph S. Alisch Andrew E. Hopgood Dylan E. Filipe Andrew D. Salvadore Lee Moses Nicholas J. Salvadore Matthew DiTondo Gary G. Gibbs Jake R. Derderian Dylan C. DiLibero Ryan A. Blais Bret M. Buehrer Anthony J. DiMauro Nathan J. Swift Paul Y. Koffi Jakhi Thompson Joseph F. D'Antonio Harold J. Lico Nicholas M. Martino Shane C. Olson Zachariah T. O'Connor Wagner Jacinto Tyler K. Schuelke James M. Sauro Michael J. Charnley Joseph T. Bonn

SO SR JR SO SO JR JR SR SR SO SO SR SR SO SR SO SR SO SR SR SR SO SO SR JR JR SO SR SR SO SO SO SO SR SO JR JR SO SO JR SO SO

RESULTS League Record: 7-1 Overall Record: 9-1 BH 34, Johnston 6 (Non-League) BH 34, East Providence 14 BH 14, Portsmouth 0 BH 41, Barrington 32 BH 26, Cranston East 25 BH 34, Cumberland 7 BH 35, Cranston West 12 La Salle 15, BH 9 BH 29, South Kingstown 22 BH 32, Portsmouth 21 (D-I Semifinals)

47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87

Brandon B. Mensah Samuel H. Hill Jake F. Lopardo Samuel W. Laurie David M. DeCesare Alex R. Hernandez James E. Bowen Adam A. Lavallee Joseph J. DeGiulio Nathaniel P. Sarfo David J. Mariano Javier A. Avila John T. Church Abraham O. Salako Corey J. Gardner Cameron H. Smith Christian J. Wesolowski David C. Fraioli Michael J. Murray Brandon L. Ferrara Kyle M. Ciquera Arthur B. Cuddy Jordan D. Carvalho Samuel A. Acevedo Matthew B. Harkin Daniel J. Thomas Frank A. Cole Ricky Yao Donte R. Bell Andrew C. Flint Trevor J. Lawton Peter E. Cataldo Dante Baldelli Nakwane N. Gamble Matthew S. Mansour Haoyu Yang Leonard T. Guglielmi

SR SO JR SO SO SO SR SR SR SO JR SR JR SO JR JR SR SO SR JR SR SR SO SR JR SO SO SR SR SO JR SO JR SO JR JR JR

Head Coach: Keith Croft Assistant Coaches: Joseph Bucci, Michael Flanagan, Mike Green, Dave Haddeland, Jay Hogan, Dan Koppen, Frank Pantaleo, Michael Sackett, Achille Yangambi

PLAYER TO WATCH Chris Hindle Sophomore QB "He’s a great prospect. He has all of the tools and good height. We’re excited for the future with him.”

- Keith Croft

TOP FANTASY PERFORMER John Toppa Senior QB Toppa compiled five touchdowns in a win against Barrington.

Bishop hendricken hawks

TALKIN TURKEY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Biscuits.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

PREDICTION? We win 35-0.

PREDICTION? We win 30-0.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Let’s go!

ADAM LAVALLEE YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? SENIOR Brandon Marshall

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Get on the goal line.

SAMUEL ACEVEDO YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? SENIOR Dan Bailey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Mashed Potatoes.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Roast Beef.

PREDICTION? We win 28-6.

PREDICTION? We win 14-0.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

JOHN My parents.

TOPPA YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? SENIOR Adrian Peterson.

KYLE My family.

CIQUERA YOUR BIGGEST FANTASY BUST? SENIOR Marshawn Lynch.

14

TURKEY BOWL

SURPRISE PERFORMER: CRANSTON EAST

Playing two positions, Anderson running wild

The Cranston East offense was never going to be what it was a season ago. In that 2013 season, where the 'Bolts reached the Division I Super Bowl, numerous school records fell, but most of those record-setters graduated.

Prolific passer Alex Corvese finished his career, as did top receiving threat Marven Beavauis. Fellow senior receiver Jimmy Saab graduated as well.

That left quite the void, but there was still Marquem Monroe, an All-Stater who figured to handle the brunt of the workload.

That's been the case - Monroe has 18 touchdowns this year. But the 'Bolts reached the playoffs for the third straight year with a rebuilt offense, and it wasn't all because of him.

One of the other reasons - a main reason - was junior John Anderson.

Anderson, a running back and defensive end in his sophomore year, took over some of the quarterbacking duties with the departure of Corvese and an injury to quarterback Darrio Carter.

When not playing quarterback, Anderson has lined up in the backfield as a running back.

In both spots, he's been equally effective.

"When Darrio went down, John was forced to become the quarterback and he's taken that responsibility quite well," said East head coach Tom Centore. "I'm very proud of what he can do. He can throw the football. He can run the football, certainly.

He's added a different dimension."

Anderson has scored the second-most touchdowns on the East roster this season, finding the end zone three times to go with big rushing games against East Providence and South Kingstown.

When he moved to quarterback following the 'Bolts' 26-0 loss to Cumberland in a game where Carter got hurt, East quickly ran the table to finish at 4-4 and earn a playoff spot.

Anderson was able to navigate the ship seamlessly.

"Through the summer I was learning the quarterback position and I already had the

running back down pat from last year," Anderson said. "It's cool to be able to contribute to the team. The goal is to win the game."

Anderson's standout play, at either position, hasn't been a surprise to Centore, as committing to the team concept has been Anderson's M.O. "We put a lot on him," Centore said. "But John just wants to play. When he came to offense and wasn't playing defense he wanted to know why he wasn't playing defense. He's that type of player. He wants to be on the field."

Anderson's rushing total has been over

500 yards this season, and while that may not be an enormous number, it's the type of production that has stood out in limited carries, and it's given defenses something else to focus on other than Monroe.

If teams want to devote all their attention to Monroe, Anderson has been more than happy to make them pay.

"He's a 3.5-4 yard guy, even when he gets hit," Centore said. "He's got a constant motor. He's tough to tackle, and he's elusive. He's really added another dimension."

It's reached the point with Anderson that he enjoys playing quarterback more so than any other spot, despite not playing the position really at all until this year.

He went to the Boston College football camp this summer as a quarterback, and his effort in the off-season in general has been second-to-none.

"At one point I was playing scout offense and I was playing quarterback and I started doing good," Anderson said. "That's when they started considering me. With Corv leaving, they needed someone to step up."

It's worked out beautifully. Carter has been healthier as of late and has played some at quarterback again, bumping Anderson back to running back.

At this point, either under center or further back, Anderson is one of East's go-to players.

"I knew what we were capable of," Anderson said. "It was just a matter of everyone coming together."

- K.P.

Congratulations to all our High School Athletes!

Wishing You A Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving

Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson Paid for by Friends of Vella-Wilkinson, Treasurer Ian Vella-Wilkinson

15

TURKEY BOWL SURPRISE PERFORMER: CRANSTON WEST

A baseball star, Lonardo now a football one Matt Lonardo is a baseball player, and a good one at that. The starting shortstop for the Cranston West varsity team since his freshman year, Lonardo was named First-Team All-State a season ago as a sophomore.

That's how West head coach Steve Stoehr viewed the junior heading into this year. He knew Lonardo was an athlete, but a football player?

"When he came in I thought he was a baseball player," Stoehr said. "I didn't think he was going to hit anybody, I didn't think he would be that physical."

But as unexpected as it was, Lonardo has carved out a huge role with the team.

He's been solid as a defensive back all season, and lately has emerged as a weapon on the offensive side of the ball at running back.

Lonardo has been playing all three running back spots, moving into the slot as a receiver and working as a useful complement to West's normal stable of running backs like Raekwon Kisilywicz, Alex Martinez, Abdiel Mendez and Drew Watts.

He's still a baseball player first and foremost, but Lonardo has developed into a football player, too.

"I just kind of came in with an open mind," Lonardo said. "I just tried to do everything I could do for myself, staying within myself, doing my part mostly."

The approach has certainly worked, with Lonardo getting a handful of carries

early in the season before getting a few more lately. Against Portsmouth, in a 23-7 victory for the Falcons - their most impressive win of the year - Lonardo ran for over 50 yards while playing just about every snap on the offensive side.

He plays on just about every special team as well, meaning that at this juncture in the season, Lonardo rarely ever steps off the field.

"He knows the plays, he knows where

everyone is going, and he's easy to have out there," Stoehr said. "He's a leader. He's an unexpected surprise."

It wasn't easy to gain reps for someone like Lonardo, especially on offense. With established, talented players in front of him in a three-back system where everybody gets carries, doing the little things became the easiest way to earn some time.

"I knew what I had in (running back Raekwon Kisilywicz)," Stoehr said. "I

knew what I had in (quarterback Steven Furtado). Basically, everybody else we know."

Sure enough, Lonardo improved as a blocker, and his knowledge of the offense made it difficult to justify leaving him on the sidelines.

Add in a work ethic that ranks highly on the team, and the carries started to come Lonardo's way as well.

"I think that he's the type of kid, I put him all over the place," Stoehr said. "I put him at the right, the left, fullback sometimes. We put him in the slot position for pass catching. As a coach, you feel good with him in the lineup."

Lonardo began his football career at CLCF and played his freshman year for the Falcons before earning some varsity time as a sophomore last year.

Still, this year has been different. He's been a surprise - a pleasant one - and has become a weapon in the process.

"In practice, coach gives me a lot of opportunity so I get better throughout practice," Lonardo said.

In the spring, he'll be a baseball player again. But for now - and again next fall he's a football player.

He's certainly proven that to his coach.

"He does very well," Stoehr said. "At Portsmouth last week he had 50 yards rushing, some key blocks, some key hits and tackles. He's been a pretty pleasant surprise."

- K.P.

D L O U O C G K Cranston Football Players

Sincerely, Frank S. Lombardi — State Senator District 26

16

TURKEY BOWL

SURPRISE PERFORMER: TOLL GATE

Just a freshman, Vann a key asset in a rebuild Not many freshmen start at quarterback in high school football.

But when you haven't won a league game in four years, compiling three straight winless seasons, it may be a good move to take a step back and start from the ground up.

That's what Toll Gate's first-year head coach Jim Stringfellow and the rest of the Titans' coaching staff decided to do earlier in the season.

Just like that, freshman Anthony Vann was the new starting quarterback for the Titans.

Vann has certainly had his ups and downs in his freshman season, but he's produced, and Stringfellow feels confident in the decision he made to go with the young quarterback.

"We put a lot of pressure on Anthony coming in as a freshman," Stringfellow said. "We expected a lot of him and he's held up to the pressure and he's produced.

He's certainly made some mistakes, but we expected that with playing a freshman at the high school level."

After the Titans' lengthy winless drought, Vann led Toll Gate to its first division win in 28 tries in the middle of this season, as the Titans defeated Hope High School 23-6 at home.

When a program has a streak like that going, there's enough pressure on everyone to get the monkey off of their backs, let alone putting the bulk of that burden on a freshman. But Vann was once again

up to the task.

"It's tough because we put him in a couple positions where you'd never put a freshman in," Stringfellow said. "He has excelled at it and has made freshman mistakes at the same time."

Vann certainly wasn't on too many radars around the league heading into this year. Not only is he a freshman, but this is his first year ever playing under center.

"I'm a freshman and I've never played quarterback before," Vann said. "I just came in and tried to get the team wins because they hadn't gotten a win in four years. I was able to do that as a freshman,

which is pretty cool."

In Toll Gate's 23-6 win over the Blue Wave, Vann and his brother, Sean Vann, combined for all three touchdowns. Sean Vann scored two touchdowns in the victory, while rushing for 55 yards and catching two passes for 40 yards. But it was Anthony Vann that ran the show, orchestrating long drives to keep the ball away from Hope's offense. Anthony Vann added a touchdown on a quarterback sneak from 1 yard out in the third quarter.

The game was Toll Gate's first win since October 8, 2010, when the Titans beat cross-town rival Pilgrim 38-19.

"We were moving the ball really well in that game," Anthony Vann said. "We were doing a lot of good things. We were blocking and we had no turnovers."

Although Vann didn't produce overwhelming numbers on the stat sheets this season, he certainly qualifies as a surprise because he surged on the scene from out of no where to aid a struggling Toll Gate program.

Vann knows that he and his teammates will be facing a tough test on the night before Thanksgiving, when the Titans travel to Bishop Hendricken for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

"We're going to look to run the ball a lot the rest of the way out," Vann said.

"Hopefully we can make it a close game."

Vann seemed invested going forward in his high school career, noting that he plans on getting much better and going to work this off-season.

"Last year the team ended the season with 16 kids," Stringfellow said. "This year we have 42 and brought the freshmen up to varsity because we had no depth. Some of the freshmen that we're playing this year will have three years of playing experience by the time they're seniors. That's going to help us out in the long run."

Vann will be looking to be the centerpiece to a program that still has a long way to go to return to its once winning tradition.

Vann has been a true sleeper.

- M.M.

Wishing You A Happy & Healthy Holiday Season!

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TURKEY BOWL

17

SURPRISE PERFORMER: HENDRICKEN

Surrounded by talent, Wurster still stands out

There is no question that the Bishop Hendricken football team has a star-studded roster.

The Hawks have some of the top talent in the state of Rhode Island in John Toppa, University of Massachusetts commit Lee Moses, University of Rhode Island commit Power Kanga and injured running back Garry Gibbs, just to name a few.

It's also undoubtedly difficult to earn playing time when a player is competing against the best of the best.

The Hawks' receiving game has been heavily dominated by Moses this season, and rightfully so, as he is Hendricken's top wide-out. The senior has caught 32 balls this season for 585 yards and six touchdowns.

But a player has emerged in Hendricken's passing game this year that wasn't necessarily expected to make much of an impact.

Junior receiver Caleb Wurster has steadily grown into one of Hendricken's top receiving options. He is tied for third on the team with six receptions and ranks second on the team with 129 receiving yards.

"He's a really good kid and a really good athlete," Hendricken head coach Keith Croft said. "He's one of those kids that if he was on another team he'd be playing more. But the last few weeks he's been getting more and more playing time.

He's just back-loaded with seniors in front of him that are going to be playing in col-

lege."

However, in the run-heavy style of offense that most teams run in the state, it's hard for receivers to accumulate big stat lines. But in one game in particular this season, Wurster had his coming out party.

In a 41-32 win over a tough Barrington team, Wurster caught three passes from Toppa for 96 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was on a Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half that Wurster pulled down to give the Hawks a 24-20 lead at the half.

"He's got the capabilities and we have a

lot of confidence in him," Croft said. "Like I said, it's just the question of getting him on the field. It's just tough because some of the guys at his position have been playing for a couple of years now."

It seems that Wurster has finally found a position, though. After trying his luck at a number of positions during his sophomore year, including a short stint at quarterback, Wurster is settling in as a reliable passing option in Hendricken's offense.

"Last year I didn't play too well," Wurster said. "I just couldn't find my position. I tried playing quarterback for a little bit because I played baseball, but towards

the end of the year, coach put me at receiver. In the final game of the JV season last year, I did pretty well. To start this year I just decided that I was going to work really hard to try and get a starting spot at receiver."

Prior to this season, Wurster went to work on getting better. He put in a number of hours at summer practices and summer passing tournaments to improve his skills. But he has exceeded expectations for even himself this year.

"I wasn't expecting to really do that well," Wurster said. "Mostly because in practice we have some pretty good corners, so going in practice, I really didn't feel like I was standing out. But in the game against Barrington, I played well, thanks in large part to the challenges that my teammates have given me. I was still not expecting to do that well in that game."

With many of Hendricken's top performers graduating in the spring, particularly Moses at the wide receiver position, Croft is expecting a lot from Wurster for the rest of this year and going into next season.

"We have high expectations for him," Croft said. "He could have a big game on Thanksgiving and we're hoping he has some big games down the playoff stretch.

We've moved some personnel around, so he should get some more time on the field.

I'm hoping that this (season) is a springboard for him going into next year."

- M.M.

TURKEY BOWL

18

last thankgsiving...

WARWICK VETS 44, PILGRIM 0

EAST 42, WEST 29

HENDRICKEN 8, TOLL GATE 0

Two years ago, Vets defeated Pilgrim 40-0 in what was the most lopsided victory in the history of the Thanksgiving Day series. Last season, Vets set the mark once again. The ’Canes scored 28 points in the second quarter to break the game wide open, which included a 97-yard touchdown run from quarterback Jesse Sedoma. Sedoma led the Vets offense with three rushing touchdowns.

Pilgrim, meanwhile, committed five turnovers and was limited to just 94 yards of total offense.

Mickenzey Pacheco, Dennis Scalzo and Kyle Morrissette also scored touchdowns for Vets.

With the final Division I playoff berth still attainable for both teams, the rivals played a close game into the second half before East finally pulled away for its second straight victory in the series.

The ’Bolts scored on six of seven possessions at one point, turning a 13-13 game into a 42-13 advantage. Alex Corvese ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more to lead the ’Bolts. He was named East’s Offensive MVP, while Greg Scott was the Defensive MVP. West’s Offensive MVP was quarterback Steven Furtado, with Alex Cortellessa earning Defensive MVP honors.

In the closest game in the series since 2008, a winless Toll Gate team battled eventual Super Bowl champion Hendricken the whole game through before coming up just short. The Hawks - with a playoff game on the horizon - didn’t play all of their starters, but the Titans still played with plenty of heart. The only points in the game came on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Hendricken quarterback Patrick Gill to Garfield Coustard, followed by another pass from Gill to Coustard for the twopoint conversion. For its part, Toll Gate had 10 first downs compared to three for the Hawks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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19

TURKEY BOWL

THANKSGIVING SERIES HISTORY WARWICK VETS VS. PILGRIM 2013 - Vets 44, Pilgrim 0 2012 - Vets 40, Pilgrim 0 2011 - Vets 21, Pilgrim 14 2010 - Pilgrim 20, Vets 13 2009 - Pilgrim 22, Vets 0 2008 - Vets 42, Pilgrim 13 2007 - Pilgrim 7, Vets 6 2006 - Vets 20, Pilgrim 14 2005 - Vets 20, Pilgrim 6 2004 - Pilgrim 35, Vets 13 2003 - Pilgrim 24, Vets 0 2002 - Vets 22, Pilgrim 0 2001 - Vets 21, Pilgrim 7 2000 - Vets 19, Pilgrim 7 1999 - Vets 39, Pilgrim 22 1998 - Vets 14, Pilgrim 0 1997 - Vets 21, Pilgrim 6 1996 - Pilgrim 39, Vets 7 1995 - Vets 21, Pilgrim 7 1994 - Pilgrim 12, Vets 9 1993 - Vets 28, Pilgrim 0 1992 - Vets 14, Pilgrim 6 1991 - Pilgrim 12, Vets 6 1990 - Vets 36, Pilgrim 0 1989 - Vets 12, Pilgrim 2 1988 - Vets 20, Pilgrim 0

1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963

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Pilgrim 41, Vets 6 Vets 14, Pilgrim 12 Vets 20, Pilgrim 18 Pilgrim 12, Vets 6 Vets 20, Pilgrim 18 Vets 7, Pilgrim 0 Pilgrim 14, Vets 6 Pilgrim 0, Vets 0 Pilgrim 34, Vets 8 Pilgrim 16, Vets 6 Pilgrim 17, Vets 14 Vets 23, Pilgrim 6 Pilgrim 20, Vets 0 Vets 21, Pilgrim 14 Vets 14, Pilgrim 6 Vets 26, Pilgrim 8 Vets 16, Pilgrim 6 Pilgrim 16, Vets 8 Pilgrim 19, Vets 6 Vets 21, Pilgrim 20 Pilgrim 12, Vets 0 Pilgrim 27, Vets 0 Pilgrim 31, Vets 0 Pilgrim 12, Vets 0 Vets 33, Pilgrim 6

HURRICANES LEAD SERIES 29-21-1 SHUTOUTS BY VETS: 8 SHUTOUTS BY PILGRIM: 8 LARGEST VETS WINNING MARGIN: 44 points (44-0 in 2013) LARGEST PILGRIM WINNING MARGIN: 35 points (41-6 in 1987) SMALLEST VETS WINNING MARGIN: One point (21-20 in 1968) SMALLEST PILGRIM WINNING MARGIN: One point (7-6 in 2007)

BY DECADES 1960's - Pilgrim 5, Vets 2 1970's - Pilgrim 5, Vets 5 1980's - Vets 6, Pilgrim 3, 1 tie 1990's - Vets 7, Pilgrim 3 2000's - Vets 6, Pilgrim 4 2010’s - Vets 3, Pilgrim 1 LONGEST VETS WINNING STREAK: 6 games (1997-2002) LONGEST PILGRIM WINNING STREAK: 5 games (1977-81)

TOLL GATE VS. HENDRICKEN 2013 - Hendricken 8, Toll Gate 0 2012 - Hendricken 33, Toll Gate 0 2011 - Hendricken 31, Toll Gate 0 2010 - Hendricken 19, Toll Gate 0 2009 - Hendricken 26, Toll Gate 6 2008 - Hendricken 21, Toll Gate 18 2007 - Hendricken 35, Toll Gate 8 2006 - Hendricken 42, Toll Gate 6 2005 - Hendricken 33, Toll Gate 25 2004 - Hendricken 35, Toll Gate 2 2003 - Hendricken 9, Toll Gate 6 2002 - Hendricken 22, Toll Gate 6 2001 - Hendricken 27, Toll Gate 6 2000 - Hendricken 27, Toll Gate 0 1999 - Hendricken 35, Toll Gate 0 1998 - Hendricken 29, Toll Gate 0 1997 - Hendricken 31, Toll Gate 0 1996 - Hendricken 26, Toll Gate 12 1995 - Hendricken 48, Toll Gate 8 1994 - Hendricken 33, Toll Gate 13 1993 - Hendricken 31, Toll Gate 0 1992 - Hendricken 7, Toll Gate 6

1991 - Toll Gate 17, Hendricken 12 1990 - Toll Gate 7, Hendricken 6 1989 - Toll Gate 16, Hendricken 8 1988 - Toll Gate 21, Hendricken 20 1987 - Toll Gate 28, Hendricken 0 1986 - Toll Gate 25, Hendricken 13 1985 - Hendricken 21, Toll Gate 20 1984 - Hendricken 31, Toll Gate 14 1983 - Hendricken 25, Toll Gate 6 1982 - Hendricken 7, Toll Gate 0 1981 - Hendricken 13, Toll Gate 6 1980 - Hendricken 7, Toll Gate 6 1979 - Hendricken 7, Toll Gate 0 1978 - Toll Gate 25, Hendricken 0 1977 - Hendricken 22, Toll Gate 0 1976 - Hendricken 20, Toll Gate 15 1975 - Hendricken 27, Toll Gate 0 1974 - Hendricken 26, Toll Gate 13 1973 - Hendricken 21, Toll Gate 0 1972 - Toll Gate 14, Hendricken 6

HAWKS LEAD SERIES 34-8 SHUTOUTS BY TOLL GATE: 2 SHUTOUTS BY HENDRICKEN: 14 LARGEST TOLL GATE WINNING MARGIN: 28 points (28-0 in 1987) LARGEST HENDRICKEN WINNING MARGIN: 40 points (48-8 in 1995) SMALLEST TOLL GATE WINNING MARGIN: One point (Twice; 1990 and 1988) SMALLEST HENDRICKEN WINNING MARGIN: One point (Three times; 1992, 1985, and 1980)

BY DECADES 1970's - Hendricken 6, Toll Gate 2 1980's - Hendricken 6, Toll Gate 4 1990's - Hendricken 8, Toll Gate 2 2000's - Hendricken 10, Toll Gate 0 2010’s - Hendricken 4, Toll Gate 0 LONGEST TOLL GATE WINNING STREAK: 6 games (1986-91) LONGEST HENDRICKEN WINNING STREAK: 22 games (1992-2013)

EAST VS. WEST 2013 - East 42, West 29 2012- East 27, West 6 2011 - West 27, East 14 2010 - East 14, West 13 2009 - East 30, West 19 2008 - West 41, East 7 2007 - East 21, West 14 2006 - East 14, West 3 2005 - West 20, East 0 2004 - West 19, East 0 2003 - West 41, East 0 2002 - West 33, East 14 2001 - West 14, East 12 2000 - West 39, East 7 1999 - West 28, East 8 1998 - East 20, West 17 1997 - West 23, East 9 1996 - West 27, East 0 1995 - West 29, East 13 1994 - West 33, East 6 1993 - East 24, West 0 1992 - West 6, East 0

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973

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West 18, East 6 East 7, West 0 East 26, West 7 West 14, East 13 East 37, West 20 East 14, West 6 West 14, East 13 East 12, West 0 East 20, West 6 West 7, East 6 West 20, East 12 East 21, West 6 East 14, West 0 East 22, West 0 East 27, West 12 East 31, West 8 East 27, West 0 East 10, West 7 West 12, East 3

THUNDERBOLTS LEAD 21-20 SHUTOUTS BY EAST: 6 SHUOUTS BY WEST: 5 LARGEST EAST WINNING MARGIN: 27 points (27-0 in 1975) LARGEST WEST WINNING MARGIN: 41 points (41-0 in 2003) SMALLEST EAST WINNING MARGIN: One point (2010) SMALLEST WEST WINNING MARGIN: One point (Three times; 1988, 1985 and 1982)

BY DECADES 1970's - East 6, West 1 1980's - East 6, West 4 1990's - West 7, East 3 2000's - West 7, East 3 2010’s - East 3, West 1 LONGEST EAST WINNING STREAK: 7 games (1974-80) LONGEST WEST WINNING STREAK: 7 games (1999-2005)