Turkey Bowl 2013

TURKEY BOWL

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ItÂ’s ALL ON THE LINE

ON THE COVER Cranston West - Damien Andrus Cranston East - Greg Scott Warwick Vets - Ricky Antonio

Pilgrim - Oluwaseun Akinnusotu Toll Gate - Nick Brown Bishop Hendricken - Sean Kelly

They're not going to score the touchdowns and they won't get any points for your fantasy team, but if you overlook the big guys with the high numbers on their jerseys, you're missing a big part of the game of football.

The offensive line makes it all go.

As teams get set for another year of Thanksgiving football, we're giving the often under-appreciated big fellas a pat on the back. They certainly deserve it.

Our "In the Trenches" stories highlight the offensive lines of each of our teams in Warwick and Cranston, from the new unit living up to a trenches tradition to an improving group of undersized linemen to a quintet that paves the way for some serious running. They all bring something special to the table.

We've also got rosters, results and the return of "Talkin' Turkey" to the team pages, plus game previews and plenty of history.

It'll be another fun year on Turkey Day gridirons - with potential series-ending games in Warwick plus playoff implications in Cranston. Enjoy the action, and happy Thanksgiving.

- William Geoghegan and Kevin Pomeroy

CONTENTS 4. IN THE TRENCHES: WARWICK VETS 5. IN THE TRENCHES: 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. IN THE TRENCHES: CRANSTON EAST 15. IN THE TRENCHES: CRANSTON WEST 16. IN THE TRENCHES: TOLL GATE 17. IN THE TRENCHES: BISHOP HENDRICKEN 18. A SEASON AGO 19. SERIES HISTORY

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WE’RE TALKIN’ TURKEY (AND FOOTBALL) Tune in to the Football Focus Podcast Brought to you by Tommy’s Pizza Too warwickonline.com cranstononline.com Thanksgiving edition online Tuesday, Nov. 26

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4 IN THE TRENCHES: WARWICK VETS

Linemen a key in new scheme, wild plays Mike Nappa assumed it would take everybody on his offense a while to grasp the new system he and his coaching staff were putting in place for 2013.

Then the 'Canes went out and scored 92 points in their first two games.

So much for that.

"In practice there was a little confusion, but as the weeks went on we got the hang of it," said senior left tackle Tim Hogan.

While there was much to learn for the skill players as well, it was the line that had to get on the same page quicker than everybody else.

Vets went from a standard man-blocking system to a zone-blocking one, something that was completely foreign to everybody on the team.

But, with a veteran group committed to making it work, what was once strange became second nature almost immediately.

"The first week was a little hectic until they got the idea of what we wanted them to do," Nappa said. "Then when you put the three base run plays in, everything comes off those three base plays."

What followed was a successful offensive season, and a year in which Vets won more league games — four — than it had since 2008.

It wasn't a coincidence. As comfort grew in the new system, the line — which was fairly veteran — began making its own calls, adjusting to the defense.

When everything was clicking, the line

had the offense moving like a well-oiled machine.

"If we see someone's assignment is hard on them, we could use a help call and I would pick up their assignment and they would come over and pick up my assignment," senior right guard Ricky Antonio said. "It makes it easier on us."

Antonio has been starting on the line since his sophomore year, Hogan is a converted tight end who has familiarity with the line. Connor Thompson, a junior, is starting at center for the second straight

year, while Oliver Sylvestre is a senior right tackle who has played defense in the past but is starting on offense for the first time this season.

At left guard, seniors Steven Denis and Luke Cardillo are both seeing time.

"Being together so long, they can make a good play out of a bad play by the changes that they recognize," Nappa said.

They've also learned that in the new offense, most plays are never dead.

While the linemen are taught to make their initial blocks, a lot of what Vets does

is predicated on what quarterback Jesse Sedoma sees once he has the ball in his hands. Oftentimes, that means a lot of scrambling — sometimes sideline to sideline — before either running or getting rid of the ball.

The 'Canes' men in the trenches can't relax, even if that means blocking much longer than the traditional amount of time.

"Coach always says keep doing your job until you hear a whistle," Antonio said.

That style of play was never more evident than on a two-point conversion play against Coventry earlier in the season, when Sedoma scrambled around in the backfield before finding Jeremy Morrissette for a game-winning conversion.

"I wish we had eyes in the back of our head," Denis said. "That would make it a lot easier."

That was a huge win, and it was made possible because of the play on the line.

While the 'Canes didn't quite reach their goal this season of making the playoffs, they did revamp their offense in just one pre-season.

It was difficult at times, and it featured plenty of imagination. But it's also been successful.

"We never really know where a play is going in our offense," Hogan said. "We can't take a play off. It might be a play designed to go to the right and end up left.

You never know."

- Kevin Pomeroy

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IN THE TRENCHES: PILGRIM

Patriots aren’t big — or big on excuses Every time the Pilgrim offensive line takes the field for the first time in a Division II-B game, it's already behind the eight ball.

Maybe the lightest line in the division, the Pats routinely get down in their stances, come off the ball and get hit harder than they ever do in practice.

Then they dig in some more, and try to return the favor.

"They knock you in the mouth at first," said senior left guard Oluwaseun Akinnusotu. "But it doesn't matter how big you are, it's all technique. I don't care if you're 300 pounds, I'll still knock you down if I've got the technique."

That's the prevailing attitude of all the Pilgrim linemen, most of whom weigh significantly less than their counterparts from some of the traditional Division II powers.

The size difference has shown on the scoreboard, as the Pats have struggled to produce wins. But just because they're not quite as big doesn't mean they aren't playing with the same intensity.

"They've never used an excuse," Pilgrim head coach Tom O'Connor said. "We never use excuses. This is our schedule, this is where we play, this is our lot in life."

And even though the Pats' offense hasn't put the up the numbers it would like to, the offensive line's true colors have shown when Pilgrim has faced teams that are on a similar level, size-wise, as it is.

In a season-opening win against

Smithfield, Pilgrim got 165 yards rushing from back Owen Kelly. In its most recent game, a D-II crossover match-up with Toll Gate, the Pats got 100 yards rushing from quarterback Rob Quaine and nearly 50 more from Zachary Ponte.

Not coincidentally, Pilgrim won each of those games - its only two wins of the season.

The line led the way.

"It felt pretty good," said center Dan Johnston about the Toll Gate game. "We got a couple good hits, a few pancake blocks.

Just pounded the ball straight off-tackle."

Making life difficult for the Pats this season has been a slew of injuries on the line.

They lost Jacob McMullen and Antonio Bolarinho for the majority of the season and have had to move other players from the line back to fullback to mitigate some injuries in the backfield.

Junior Evan Broccoli has been a mainstay at left tackle, with junior Henry Cascella holding down the right tackle job.

Junior Griffin Potter has been the right guard, while Johnston has stepped in at

center. Akinnusotu has played left guard.

Junior Joey Borges has played center as well.

The revolving door of players has slowed down the group's progression a bit, but it still has adopted the next-man-up philosophy. Much like approaching the issue of being under-sized, Pilgrim has no interest in excuses.

"We took a few injuries on the line," Potter said. "It would have been fantastic.

The younger kids had to step up and they stepped up and filled their spots pretty well. We're going pretty strong."

Right now, Pilgrim's line feels like it's playing the best it has all season. With Thursday's showdown against Vets looming, the Pats have another opportunity against a team that won't be significantly bigger than they are.

Then again, even if the 'Canes were as big as some of Pilgrim's other opponents, it wouldn't change the way the Pats approached it anyway.

"You just try not to think about (the size)," Potter said. "It's a factor, but when it comes down to it, it's technique. It's about who has better form. They could be 300 pounds, you could be 100, and if you get low and get under them, it'll work out."

The season has been tough, but the Pats haven't backed down yet. With one game left, they don't plan on breaking that streak.

- K.P.

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WARWICK VETS HURRICANES ROSTER 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 22 23 24 27 33 40 43 45 50 52 53 54 55 57 58 62 64 65 66 70 71 73

Galligan, Tom Beaufort, Nick Amirault, Logan Suzadelis, Sean Pacheco, Mickenzey Valliere, Victor Olson, Cameron Ferri, Nathaniel Sedoma, Jesse Sangas, Stephen Camara, Scott Issac, Jacob Bateman, Richard Conley, Chris Agin, Kyle Holton, Colin Amirault, Owen Ferland, Chris Scalzo, Denis Boyajian, Michael Crosby, Donte MacDonald, David Hogan, Tim Cardillo, Luke Denis, Steven Danials, Brendon Thompson, Connor Cramer, Austen Howell, Eric Reynolds, Nicholas Massi, Jonathan Davenport, Jared Bynanski, John Carroll, John O'Rourke, Cory Angell, Michael

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

74 75 76 77 82 83 85

TALKIN’ TURKEY Watts, Kendall Vittorioso, Steven Sylvestre, Oliver Antonio, Ricky Morrissette, Kyle Morrissette, Jeremy Pelliccio, Jared

FR FR SR SR SR SR SR

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

JESSE SEDOMA SENIOR

JEREMY MORRISSETTE SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I think it'd be fun if I played some line. I wouldn't mind it.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I weigh about 140 pounds soaking wet, so I would probably get completely flattened.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Keep the ball tucked. High and tight.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Pay attention and keep focused.

PREDICTION It's our last game. We're going to come out ready to play. It's going to be a tough game because they do have some talent. It'll be fun.

SCOTT CAMARA SENIOR

PREDICTION? Seeing as this might be the last season ever played at Vets I know the Hurricanes are going to play harder than any Hurricane that's ever hit Warwick.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Portuguese stuffing. Family recipe.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing. We have a family recipe.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I'm too small. I don't know how they do it. I don't know how they block.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I think I would probably get eaten by some of the guys. I'm 5'3.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Definitely my family and friends. But definitely the chance to play with these guys.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Everything. Basically my family, getting to see them. Health.

PREDICTION? It's going to be a tough game, but I'm feeling Vets.

KYLE MORRISSETTE SENIOR

PLAYER TO WATCH

PREDICTION? Of course there is a lot of emotion, but I think that we're going to win.

RESULTS David MacDonald Senior FB/LB "Defensively he just lights people up. That turns the rest of the defense on. And he can go sideline to sideline because he's fast.”

- Mike Nappa

League Record: 4-3 Overall Record: 5-5 Vets 47, PCD/Wheeler/JS 21 (Non-League) Vets 35, Toll Gate 0 Woonsocket 27, Vets 0 Vets 28, Coventry 27 Vets 26, Chariho 14 West Warwick 43, Vets 9 (Non-League) Vets 7, Westerly 0 Johnston 22, Vets 21 Mt. Hope 25, Vets 0 North Kingstown 40, Vets 6 (Non-League)

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PILGRIM PATRIOTS ROSTER

TALKIN’ TURKEY

MIKE TURCHETTA SENIOR

NICK BURNS SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Do your job.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Cupcake.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Being here, playing football again.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Staying healthy, not getting injured.

PREDICTION? Smack them in the mouth. It's going to be 26-14, us.

PREDICTION? I think it's going to be a tough battle. It's going to be hard-fought until the end.

EVAN BROCCOLI JUNIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Cupcake.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Burns.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Winning.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Being healthy.

PREDICTION? I think we're going to win.

PREDICTION? It's going to be hard, but I think we'll come out on top.

RESULTS League Record: 0-7 Overall Record: 2-8 Pilgrim 36, Smithfield 6 (Non-League) Shea 28, Pilgrim 0 North Kingstown 52, Pilgrim 22 Central 28, Pilgrim 8 West Warwick 46, Pilgrim 16 Coventry 40, Pilgrim 6 (Non-League) Cumberland 62, Pilgrim 0 Rogers 55, Pilgrim 0 St. Raphael 34, Pilgrim 0 Pilgrim 20, Toll Gate 16 (Non-League)

ZACHARY PONTE SENIOR

1 3 10 11 14 22 23 25 27 28 33 45 51 54 55 59 60 61 63 70 71 72 74 77 81 83 85 87 89 82

Roger Anyango Robert Quaine Darren Grant Rob Ciaramello Jimmy McKay Kenny Martin Noah Durand Owen Kelly Devin Heron David McMullen Devin Maxwell Mike Turchetta John Pierce Henry Cascella Oluwaseun Akinnusotu Dan Johnston Peter Johnston Zack Miller Evan Broccoli Griffin Potter Jacob McMullen Joe Borges Nick Carpenter Emmerson Torem Austin Gerundio Anthony Marchetti Jamil Marty Nick Burns Zachary Ponte Kyle Morrissette

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

Head Coach: Tom O’Connor Assistants: Bob Grant, Chris Wrench, James Stringfellow, Alex Torres, Dan Calabro, James Hovey, Brian Cooper, Billy King

PLAYER TO WATCH Owen Kelly Sophomore RB/DB "Owen, as a sophomore, has unbelievable vision.

He sets up his blocks really well and he has real good speed."

- Tom O’Connor

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CRANSTON EAST THUNDERBOLTS ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 51 53 54 55 56

Marven Beauvais David Todd Tyler Bast Michael Baptista John Anderson Wellington Tineo Jonathan Lopez Bruce Soscia Melvin Paniagua Matthew E. Smith Daniel Cornelio Alex Corvese Max Bloom Randy M. Duran Darrio Carter Jimmy Saab Logan Mcconaghy Amir Pettiway Carlos Canelo Marquem Monroe Mike Rodriguez Armand Lucchetti Mario Negron Heisman J. Edouard Brian Venditelli Matthew Huy Tuti Wehjla Luis Lopez Joseph Coste Marques Massey Andre M. Garcia David Y. Tineo Mike Goldberger Jay J. Bast Gianni B. Andreoli Jaireal L. Rodriguez Jude Amaoko Leudis Delacruz Max Perez Malik T. Gavek D'Angelo G. Piersaint Richie Vargas Zachary T. Hubbard Eric Almonte Blake Doyon Ryan Lackey Nicholas Ngourn

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

57 58 60 62 63 64 65 68 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 85 87 88 89 90

TALKIN’ TURKEY Nick Sawaia Austin Stadelbauer Wandy Jimenez Brendan R. Lanigan Alfonso Delgado Kenny Irizarry David McCormick Jonathan A. Vittorioso Marc Kosinski Adam Habershaw Josh Santos Dale Rodriguez Greg Scott Steven Alvarez Dashesky Pena Jean St. Nelus Edward McKeon Hanfernee Fiallo Justin Silva Tristan J. Murray Williams Lopez-Deleon Piagbe Wehjla Vannak Rourm Steven J. Ellis David Farkas Arian Bodden Steven G. Ferrazzano

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

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

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Got to be the turkey.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I don't think I would do too bad.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I'd probably get pushed around but it would be fun.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Thankful for the coaching, my friends, my family and the big meal I'll be eating.

MIKE RODRIGUEZ SENIOR

PREDICTION? We plan on winning. That's all I have to say.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? I'm thankful for my team. This has been a great team.

BRUCE SOSCIA SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Definitely the turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? I'd like to try out the traditional American turkey.*

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? They wouldn't run my way much, but I'd work hard.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I respect our linemen because they are in the middle of it. I got a few tackles and I am not built for it.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? You can't let this slide.

DARRIO CARTER JUNIOR

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Thankful for my family and having a great team, just being out here.

PREDICTION? We get it all the way.

DAVID FARKAS SENIOR

PLAYER TO WATCH

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Being here. * Farkas is an exchange student from Hungary

RESULTS Alex Corvese Senior QB “He's probably the most prolific passer in school history, which is amazing with the tradition of Cranston football.”

- Tom Centore

League Record: 4-3 Overall Record: 5-3 East 54, Toll Gate 18 (Non-League) East 55, Tolman 27 Barrington 41, East 37 East 48, East Providence 12 Hendricken 35, East 7 Portsmouth 31, East 22 East 36, La Salle 13 East 40, South Kingstown 19

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CRANSTON WEST FALCONS ROSTER

TALKIN’ TURKEY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Pork.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? Our guys have got it covered.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? Leave it to our guys. They do a good job.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? You know what I'm saying?

RAEKWON KISILYWICZ

PREDICTION? It'll be a good game.

JUNIOR

ALEX CORTELLESSA SENIOR

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? He's an athlete.

ISAIAH ALVAREZ SENIOR

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Having my family and my team behind me.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Pumpkin pie.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Pumpkin pie.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I'd get pancakes on pancakes.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I did it in the back in the day. Good times.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? That's the easiest thing in America.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Coming back from 0-4 and having an opportunity to make a name for ourselves.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Getting the opportunity to make the playoffs.

RESULTS League Record: 3-4 Overall Record: 4-5 West 27, Cumberland 12 (Non-League) Barrington 21, West 7 Portsmouth 27, West 14 La Salle 22, West 21 Hendricken 33, West 10 West 28, South Kingstown 14 Norwich 28, West 7 (Non-League) West 28, Tolman 14 West 42, East Providence 28

BRENDON IANNELLI SENIOR

PREDICTION? Lot of hitting.

PLAYER TO WATCH Jack Hammond Senior FB/LB “He's the leader of the defense out there and he's played very, very well for us.”

- Steve Stoehr

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 50 51 53 54 55 56 57

Jeremy King Michael Foley Camren P. Bent Jacob P. Palazzo Matthew A. Lonardo Matthew R. Malo Steven Furtado Ryan A. Marsella Brendon Iannelli Carla Gutierrez Rhett J. Cooper Karim Jamous Eduardo A. Curi Paul J. Hazian Alex Cortellessa Robert A. Guzman Kevin T. Filonow Gersham Rainone Abdiel D. Mendez James Diehl Nicholas J. Almonte Gregory J. DiIorio Charles Matracia Raekwon Kisilywicz Jake Moretti Jonathan Hernandez Brandon Colon Christopher Santilli Dimitri P. Lonardo Jared Tirocchi Mazen Taman John Petrocelli Alexael Martinez Isaiah Alvarez Alec Totten Noah M. Dinerman Alphonse B. Cardi James Hammond John Conti Theodore L. Ruggieri Roberto Caputo Nicholas James Matthew Shapiro Paul Biello Dean P. Dimascio Michael Lonardo Damien Andrus

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

58 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 89

Arys Tavarez Rip M. Cooper Nicholas Russo Zachary E. Pickering Zachary Lussier Kevin L. Mitchell Jordan Smith-Dufresne Elvis Sena Dylan Oulette Jacob D. Horovitz Hugh Thompson Stephen Ohsberg Nicholas Porreca Guiseppe Creta Domenic DiSandro Anfernee Thompson Tajah M. Jones Jeremy Wilner William J. Blessing Jared Baker Matthew J. Pisaturo Olusayo Banjo David Anthony Nicholas J. Bordieri Thomas M. Misto Edward J. Mercure Matthew DeBalsi Juan Ramirez Kyle W. Hammond

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

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

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EAST VS. WEST, THURSDAY, 10 A.M., CRANSTON STADIUM

Playoff stakes add special twist to Cranston showdown In its 40 years as one of the state's best rivalries, Cranston's Thanksgiving Day football game has seen it all.

In 2013, the game gets a twist it hasn't seen in quite a while.

For the first time since 1999, Cranston East and Cranston West will square off with both teams in the race for the same playoff berth.

"It's always a special thing, but I'd be lying if I told you there wasn't a little something extra this year," said West head coach Steve Stoehr.

The scenario is simple for the 'Bolts - win and they're in. It's not so simple if West wins, which brings in the possibility of a threeway tie for the fourth playoff spot in Division I, assuming La Salle beats East Providence in their Thanksgiving game.

Defensive points allowed in games between those three teams would break the tie. In that case, any of them could make it in, depending on how many points East and West score.

The coaching staffs in Cranston have done the math and know the key numbers, but they won't be preoccupied with them. The bottom line is that the possibility is there for both teams — and the game's intensity will likely reflect that.

"Having both teams with a chance is something special," said East head coach Tom Centore.

Both teams hoped to be in the race when the season began, but they've taken circuitous routes to the stretch run. East was ranked second in the preseason Rhode Island Sports Media Poll but lost its second

OUR PICK: EAST 35, WEST 26 league game of the year, which began a string of three losses in four games. Since then, though, the 'Bolts have won two consecutive games and have put themselves back in charge of their own destiny.

West started the season with four league losses in a row — including a heartbreaker against La Salle — but has since won three straight. The Falcons are the hottest team in Division I. "They played pretty much the reverse schedule from what we did, and they've got some confidence now," Centore said.

"Confidence goes a long way. Fortunately, we've come off two big victories. I think we're both playing with some confidence right now."

The 'Bolts bring one of the state's most explosive offenses into the Thanksgiving game. Alex Corvese has thrown for 2,454 yards and 26 touchdowns, Marven Beauvais

is nearing 1,000 yards receiving and has caught 17 touchdowns, Marquem Monroe has racked up nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards and Jimmy Saab has six touchdown catches.

"We've got to do what we do," Centore said. "We've scored a lot of points.

Hendricken was the only team that really slowed us down. We've got to continue to try to get over that 30-point mark."

The Falcons will have something to say about that. Led by linebackers Jack Hammond and Jake Moretti, the West defense has held its own even against the state's top teams. And last year, West limited East to just eight first-half points on Thanksgiving.

"I think Marven is good, Marquem is very good, Saab is a good player, but I think Corvese is the kid who makes it go," Stoehr said. "He's a very good quarterback. Those are our biggest keys - we've got to shut those

guys down. We'll see."

On the other side of the ball, West is hoping to keep its powerful running game in gear. In their last two league games, the Falcons cracked 300 yards rushing both times. A stable of backs are doing the damage, from the speedy Raekwon Kisilywicz and Bam Hernandez to bigger backs like Isaiah Alvarez and Hammond.

Quarterback Steven Furtado has also settled in after taking over the starting job early in the season.

"They look like they have a tremendous run game, their quarterback is playing well," Centore said. "They've got a lot of weapons that we've got to be concerned about."

East's young defense was an issue in its tough mid-season stretch, but plenty of positives emerged in the win streak. Watching on film, Stoehr can attest but is still hoping his team can pound the ball — and control the clock.

"Their defense has improved a lot," he said. "We've got to be able to move the football. Our best defense is to keep them off the field."

In 1999, the last time the Thanksgiving game had a bearing on the fate of both teams, West prevailed 28-8 to clinch a Division II playoff spot, when both teams played at that level.

With the stakes high again, it's shaping up to be another special Turkey Day morning at Cranston Stadium.

"Win, lose or draw," Stoehr said, "it's always going to be a great game."

- W.G.

“The greatest accomplishment is not in never failing, but in rising again after you fall.” ~Vince Lombardi

Congratulations to all our High School Athletes!

Wishing You A Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving

C.J. Donovan – Councilman Ward Seven Warwick Vets Graduate ’87 Paid for by Friends of Charles J. Donovan, Jr., Danika Vinacco, Treasurer

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PILGRIM AT WARWICK VETS, THURSDAY, 10 A.M.

Fitting for a potential series finale, it’s anybody’s game On paper, this year's Thanksgiving Day match-up between Pilgrim and Warwick Vets looks like a mismatch.

But the game has defied the obvious far too many times over the years for this season's showdown to be that simple.

Both teams are expecting a battle.

"It's anybody's game," Pilgrim head coach Tom O'Connor said. "This will probably be the closest year, in the last four or five.

They're probably favored, but I don't think by as much as they think they are."

Vets had a 4-3 Division II-A record and narrowly missed a playoff berth. Pilgrim meanwhile, ended up with an 0-7 record in Division II-B. Comparing those records, the mismatch story line makes sense. But it's not that simple.

By any measure, Pilgrim played in the harder division. Two weeks ago, D-II-B swept all four playoff games against its D-IIA opponents. In crossover consolation games, D-II-B went a perfect 4-0 against DII-A as well, giving II-B an 8-0 mark against the other side of the division.

"They're not a bad team," Vets senior

OUR PICK: WARWICK VETS 20, PILGRIM 13 Ricky Antonio said. "It's going to be a tough game. We have to play our best game of football."

Comparing common opponents, the teams also seem more even. Both teams lost to North Kingstown and West Warwick, with Pilgrim actually putting up a better fight in both games than Vets.

They each defeated Toll Gate as well, with Vets dominating the Titans and Pilgrim rallying for a win last week.

Plus, outside of this season, the rivalry has a history of producing close games despite differing regular season records. Two years ago, the Pats were eliminated from the playoffs in the final regular season game, only to lose to the one-win 'Canes on Thanksgiving.

In 2007, winless Pilgrim beat undefeated Vets.

"In this rivalry, it's always better to be the underdog I think," O'Connor said. "They were undefeated one year, we had no wins

and we beat them 7-6. You just never know who's going to show up. The kids dig deep."

This year, there's also added motivation.

With a potential school closing on the horizon, Thanksgiving 2013 could be the last ever Pilgrim-Vets match-up.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at Pilgrim but was moved to Vets in an effort to give the 'Canes a final home game if it turns out that Vets is the school that closes.

"The kids know, and being the last game as separate schools, you want to be the one that wins," Vets head coach Mike Nappa said. "Both teams will play just as hard as they can. Nothing else matters."

The 'Canes are led by quarterback Jesse Sedoma, fullback/linebacker David MacDonald and Kyle and Jeremy Morrissette, who do a little of everything.

Pilgrim has gotten steady play out of quarterback Rob Quaine and a breakout season from sophomore running back Owen Kelly.

Who knows what to expect?

"We've got to see what happens," Nappa said. "Put the dice on the table and let it roll."

- K.P.

HENDRICKEN AT TOLL GATE, THURSDAY, 10 A.M.

Hawks, Titans playing familiar roles in annual meeting The series has been lopsided over the past two decades, and there isn't a lot of hope this season for that to change, but when Toll Gate and Hendricken step on the field together it's still an opportunity.

"They're in good spirits," Toll Gate head coach Matt Mancuso said. "I think they just want to play."

And play they will, for a 42nd consecutive year. Hendricken has won the last 21 meetings, and will be a heavy favorite for a 22nd consecutive victory.

Everyone understands that. The Hawks finished 7-1 this season in Division I and are among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, which would be a record fourth consecutive championship. Toll Gate just finished its third consecutive winless campaign in Division II, going 0-7 in II-B. It is 09 overall.

Naturally, both teams want to win, but the focus is on more than that for each of them.

OUR PICK: HENDRICKEN 34, TOLL GATE 7 "It's a good opportunity to get some young guys out there," Hendricken head coach Keith Croft said. "Hopefully those young guys will get some work and we can build a little depth for the last few weeks of the season."

Another wrinkle to this year's game is

that it could be the final time the two teams play on Thanksgiving, ending the more than four-decade streak. With a high school potentially closing in Warwick, the two public schools that remain would presumably play each other, while Hendricken would likely end up with another oppo-

nent.

Croft, who played for Hendricken in the 90's, knows how important this game has been through the years.

"It's kind of sad," Croft said. "Thirtysomething years, it more than likely is going to end. We're kind of left in the dark as to who our Thanksgiving opponent could be in the future. It's been a good run."

The Titans and Hawks will be trying to put on a fitting final act, if that's the case.

For the Titans, the game will also be their season finale. Hendricken will have a playoff game against Portsmouth five days later.

Toll Gate's goal will be to compete, maybe catch the Hawks looking forward and see what how it goes. Hendricken will try to post yet another victory.

"We're going to go out there and play hard, and see what happens," Mancuso said.

- K.P.

TURKEY BOWL

12

TOLL GATE TITANS ROSTER 2 3 6 7 12 17 22 23 24 26 44 54 56 57 58 65 70 75 77

Jorden Daponte Zachary Pona Nicholas Lemoie Joseph Brosnahan Daniel Smith Shania Vincent Sean Cooney Chris Durand Sean Vann Nickolas Poulios Jacob Moran Nicholas Brown Jake Lima Caleb Gouge Matthew Cullen Nicolas Tavares Jimmy Marsella Jake Stachurski Brandon Newiert

TALKIN’ TURKEY FR SO JR SR JR FR FR SR JR SO JR SR JR SR SR FR JR SO SO

CALEB GOUGE SENIOR

Head Coach: Matt Mancuso Assistants: James Cook, Jack Paliotte, Zachary Furtado, Pat Macateer

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Sweet potato casserole.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? It would not go well.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? You're killing me.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Guys sticking with it.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? My family.

PREDICTION? I hope we can win. I want them to know they had a tough game.

PREDICTION? I think if we play 100 percent, Hendricken could be in for a surprise.

MATT CULLEN SENIOR

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Stuffing.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey bacon.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I used to play line so I'd hang in there.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? Quarterbacks aren't meant to be on the line. That's not where we're supposed to go.

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

CHRIS DURAND SENIOR

PREDICTION? I think we can hang in there.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? You're killing me, Bieber.

JOE BROSNAHAN SENIOR

PLAYER TO WATCH

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Having a healthy season.

RESULTS Jacob Moran Junior TE/LB “The Woonsocket game was a breakout for him.

When the passing game works, he's been a huge part of it.”

- Matt Mancuso

League Record: 0-7 Overall Record: 0-9 East 54, Toll Gate 18 (Non-League) Vets 35, Toll Gate 0 Coventry 29, Toll Gate 8 Johnston 35, Toll Gate 6 Westerly 40, Toll Gate 14 Woonsocket 20, Toll Gate 8 Mt. Hope 28, Toll Gate 6 Chariho 36, Toll Gate 14 Pilgrim 20, Toll Gate 16 (Non-League)

TURKEY BOWL

13

BISHOP HENDRICKEN HAWKS ROSTER

TALKIN’ TURKEY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Ham.

IF YOU PLAYED O- LINE? I'd probably get cleaned out. It would not end well.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? Definitely try to cut a lot.

COACH’S MOST OVERUSED SAYING? Ram Week.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? All the friends I've made in high school, considering how it's almost over.

JOHN LARKIN SENIOR

BRYCE FAMIANO SENIOR

PREDICTION? I think they'll put up a fight, but overall we'll probably come away with it again.

JOHN CUTE SENIOR

PREDICTION? Anything can happen. I can't really say that we're going to come out on top.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD? Turkey.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I'd definitely cut a lot.

IF YOU PLAYED O-LINE? I'd just try to do my best there.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? I'm thankful for my family. We always get together and see each other every year.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Definitely the experiences I've had here.

PREDICTION? It's always a battle every year. It's Thanksgiving.

RESULTS League Record: 7-1 Overall Record: 8-1 Hendricken 34, St. Raphael 6 (Non-League) Hendricken 36, South Kingstown 14 Hendricken 38, East Providence 7 Hendricken 40, Tolman 0 Hendricken 33, West 10 Hendricken 35, East 7 Hendricken 41, Portsmouth 21 Barrington 7, Hendricken 0 Hendricken 27, La Salle 22

PATRICK MCDONALD SENIOR

PREDICTION? It's going to be a difficult game. It's going to be fun. We're going to have a great time hopefully and we'll see who wins.

PLAYER TO WATCH Lee Moses Junior WR/DB "He was the player of the game against La Salle, I don't think there's any question.

That's what we know we have in him. He's got that big play ability."- Keith Croft

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 32 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 50 52 53 54 55

Nick A. Stravato JR Terrence Gibbs JR Matthew C. Duffie JR Dylan E. Filipe JR Mitchell S. Lucci SR Patrick B. Gill SR William F. Mueller SO Jared P. Siniscalchi SR Patrick T. McDonald SR Anthony J. DiMauro JR John J. Arruda JR Brett J. Langlais SO Nathan Gyampo JR Power Kanga JR Adam A. Lavallee JR John M. Cute SR Bryce M. Famiano SR Michael G. Scarcella SR Ronald S. Papa JR John F. Larkin SR Remington B. Blue SR Lee Moses JR Michael T. Marro SR Caleb Wurster SO Gary G. Gibbs JR Aris Angel Cuello SR Garfield D. Coustard SR Jacob C. Eland JR Thomas J. St. Pierre SR Antonio M. Moniz SR Robert C. Campbell SR Jake R. Derderian SO Harold J. Lico JR Crispin D. Ferris SO Shane C. Olson SO Linden P. Padien SO Anthony B. Zainyeh JR Adetokunbo Q. Ademola SR James M. Sauro SO David J. Mariano SO Christian R. Aybar JR Brandon B. Mensah JR Griffin C. Porter SR John T. Church SO Tyler W. Champlin SR James E. Bowen JR Christopher J. Celona SR

56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 77 78 79 80 81 83 84 85 87 94 97 99

Joseph J. DeGiulio Patrick D. Thacker Nicholas J. Mariano Jacob B. Knight Dallas J. Sauer Javier A. Avila Cody J. Wilcox Corey J. Gardner Cameron H. Smith Christian J. Wesolowski Sean M. Kelly Michael J. Murray Brandon L. Ferrara Kyle M. Ciquera Jake F. Lopardo Eunki Seonwoo Samuel A. Acevedo Matthew B. Harkin Brysen T. Monahan Donte R. Bell Matthew M. Wright Edward Barber Derek W. Wilson Bret M. Buehrer Haoyu Yang Jiariu Wang Jason Rosario Leonard T. Guglielmi Zachary N. Radja Giavanni J. Zarrella Rhys J. Humphrey

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

Head Coach: Keith Croft Assistants: Joseph Bucci, Mike Green, David Haddeland, Jay Hogan, John Moran, Frank Pantaleo, Michael Sackett, Achille Yangambi, Branford Sowah

14

TURKEY BOWL

IN THE TRENCHES: CRANSTON EAST

’Bolts making their newfound size count Cranston East had put together six consecutive winning seasons in Division II when it got the call to the state's highest division in 2010. It was a no-brainer of a move — the school had the enrollment and the football program had the foundation.

One thing the 'Bolts didn't have was size.

"I think it was a big issue," head coach Tom Centore said. "My first year in D-I, we had some small, small kids. Teams can body on you and wear on you a little bit, and that hurt us."

The top division has spit up and chewed out plenty of programs. Ten years ago, Division I included Rogers, North Kingstown and Classical, who have since moved on. Even 2007 state champ St. Raphael dropped to D-II just three years after it won the title.

But the 'Bolts are there to stay, thanks to the strong foundation and a continued growth in numbers. And in the last two years, they've been there to contend.

Talent at the skill positions has propelled a surge. Just as important, size is no longer an issue.

"We finally have the D-I size with the guys we have now," said senior Austin Stadelbauer. "It helps us out a lot, in the run game, in the pass game. We can match up to what other teams have on the defensive line."

And the 'Bolts have made the most of it.

They qualified for the playoffs last season — a major step forward — and are in the

mix again this year. Their offense has been among the most prolific in the state, and the offensive line has certainly done its part.

"We're bigger," Centore said. "That's one thing we've had this year. We still haven't been a team that pounds the ball, but they've done a good job. I think their strength is more the run game and they've done well when they've had to. They've done a nice job for us this year. It's a veteran group, and that helps them."

The 'Bolts currently have Dale Rodriguez and Greg Scott at the tackle positions, Eric Almonte and Stadelbauer at

the guard spots and Nick Sawaia at center.

Ryan Lackey and Josh Santos have also chipped in.

They're part of a group that started with size and added versatility. They can get it done whether East is running the ball or taking to the air with senior quarterback Alex Corvese and his stable of receivers.

"We're averaging probably 25 pass attempts a game," Centore said. "They've got to be on."

East has had an up-and-down season, and the offensive linemen haven't been immune, with some injuries, changes in the lineup and performances that didn't

meet expectations.

But they've also fought through it.

"It takes everyone to get it done," Lackey said. "We have to be together."

East has won two straight games, the biggest of which was a road victory over La Salle that kept its playoff hopes alive.

The key ingredient in that game was a resurgence in the running game, with Marquem Monroe rushing for nearly 200 yards. The line helped make it happen.

"It's always important for the line to step up," Rodriguez said. "We have to run the ball and be physical up front."

The victories gave East newfound confidence.

"I think things are going great now," Stadelbauer said. "We had that patch where we did have some problems but we worked through it. We're getting back on track now."

Now the 'Bolts hope they can navigate the road ahead. They're set to go up against a talented West defense that could give them trouble.

The offensive line will just focus on doing its job. They've got the attribute that was once missing — and they've made good on it so far.

"Every year, you think about what works," Centore said. "That's public high school sports. We are what we are, we get what we get. We've been fortunate the past couple of years."

- William Geoghegan

TURKEY BOWL

15

IN THE TRENCHES: CRANSTON WEST

There’s no identity crisis for these Falcons The best way to understand the mindset of a Cranston West offensive lineman might be to listen to junior tackle Steve Ohsberg describe his favorite thing.

"The most fun is when you see a pile and your running back's getting stopped and you go behind him and push him for that extra two yards," Ohsberg said.

Some players might shy away from that, but a Falcon offensive lineman wouldn't dream of it. As key cogs in one of the state's most traditional offenses, their identity is practically stitched into their uniforms.

"Every play, it's just grinding right into people," said senior guard Damien Andrus. "That's our motto here. We've got kids who want it and just grind. And that's how it's got to be on the offensive line."

The 2013 Falcons fit right in. Despite heavy graduation losses, they've been molded into a strong unit that has helped pave the way for West's trademark rushing attack to hit the gas pedal. The Falcons have racked up nearly 700 yards rushing in just their last two games.

"They've done a good job this year," head coach Steve Stoehr said. "They've worked hard. We're not that big and they haven't been real dominant, but they've opened holes. We've run for a lot of yards this year."

Ohsberg and Andrus play on one side of the line, with junior Paul Biello at center, senior Dom DiSandro at the other guard spot and senior Jeremy Wilner at tackle.

They had varying levels of experience coming in, with Ohsberg — who started a few games last year — at one end of the spectrum and Andrus — who started his career as a quarterback — at the other. But they've put it all together, especially in recent weeks.

"We were on the same JV team so we all knew each other pretty well," Biello said.

"We know each other's strengths and weaknesses and that makes the teamwork easier."

They've also developed a bond that's

typical of guys in the trenches.

"It's a brotherhood on the line," DiSandro said.

Their development has followed a familiar blueprint. Cranston West offensive lines succeed at what they do largely because of what they do. The program has a steadfast commitment to running the ball — and all the hallmarks that go with it.

"When I first took over as coach, we used to play North Kingstown and they threw the ball all over the place," Stoehr said.

"They had these huge offensive linemen,

but they were soft because they threw the ball so much. I think to win in November, you have to have a running game. That's my philosophy, and I think that's how the offensive line gets better. Our first day back at practice after last week, we're taking it easy on everybody else, and the linemen are hitting. That's what they do every day.

They work hard. We run the ball every day in practice, we run the ball in games. That's who we are."

A tough-minded lineman couldn't ask for a better setup.

"When everything's working and everything's moving, it's fun out there," Wilner said.

There are times when it's not so fun, with a coaching staff that demands a lot. But it's all part of a process that annually makes a West offensive line into exactly what the program needs.

"You've got to be tough," Andrus said.

"You can't be soft and play on Coach Stoehr's offensive line. He's going to get in your face and yell at you but he does it for a reason because he wants you to be the best."

These Falcons may not be the best unit the program has ever had, but they're getting it done. And they'd like to do it one more time on Thanksgiving.

"We've got to be able to run the ball down the field, so we have to do our part in that," Wilner said. "We have to play a perfect game."

- W.G.

TURKEY BOWL

16 IN THE TRENCHES: TOLL GATE

Linemen embody Titans’ iron man spirit Playing football for Toll Gate these days means playing a lot of football. With a small roster, the team's core players are in on every play, on both sides of the ball. It's iron man football in an era where that's not as common as it once was.

For all the Titans, it adds a dose of toughness and a need for perseverance, especially considering the lack of positive results.

For the guys doing the heaviest lifting, those qualities shine through in spades.

"It's tiring but it builds our character," said junior Jake Lima. "It's what we have to go through for this team."

And they're willing to do it — even happy to do it.

"I wouldn't trade it," said junior Jimmy Marsella. "I couldn't pick one side of the ball."

The team's offensive line had its struggles in recent years, but this season — even with the full-time duty — they've helped pave the way for some positive changes.

Though the Titans went winless, they were well within striking distance in three of their last four games. Included in that stretch was a gritty effort against Division II-A co-champion Woonsocket, in which the Titans led late in the first half.

The switch from a Wing-T offense to a more straight-ahead, smashmouth style helped the cause, with the offensive line leading the way.

"I feel like it was a good change," Marsella said. "We do a lot better with it."

So much so that the line went from a weakness to a strength.

"This fits our group much better than the Wing-T," said head coach Matt Mancuso.

"If you pick a strength on this team, it would be our O-Line. It's been better this year than past years."

The current starting group has Lima and Marsella on one side, with Matt Cullen playing center. Nick Brown is at the other

guard spot, and Jake Stachurski has stepped in at tackle.

"We mixed some kids in and out, but we've stuck together," Lima said. "I think we've had our adversity, but we're finishing out the year strong."

They all have the qualities that a Toll Gate lineman needs, not the least of which is an ability to hang tough.

"They don't complain," Mancuso said.

"They get fatigued as the game goes on.

With our offense, it's dive-dive-dive. So they're not taking plays off."

Lima could be the poster boy. He plays guard on offense and then anchors the defense from a linebacker position. That means when he's done blocking, he doesn't just go to the other side of the line and push back.

"D-line, maybe you can get a little rest," Mancuso said. "Jake is a linebacker. He's going sideline to sideline. And since he's a guard, if somebody's pulling, it's usually him. He gets a workout."

All the Titans will get a workout on Thanksgiving, when they go up against a Bishop Hendricken defense that has been one of the best in the state for several years.

"We have to hold our blocks," Lima said.

"That's one of our big problems, so we've got to hold our blocks for our quarterback to get the ball off and our backs to hit the holes."

In last year's Thanksgiving game, the Titans did that and had some success on the ground, with running back Jose Javier rushing for a game-high 100 yards.

The offensive line will try to clear the way for similar efforts this season. No matter what, they'll keep pushing — in a smashmouth attack, whether they're tired or not.

"We like it," Lima said. "It's way better than finesse football."

- W.G.

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TURKEY BOWL

17

IN THE TRENCHES: BISHOP HENDRICKEN

Hawks have joined a protection tradition Since 2010, when the Bishop Hendricken football program started its run of three straight Super Bowl titles, the Hawks have had big, veteran offensive linemen leading the charge.

This season, the Hawks aren't huge, and they most certainly aren't veteran — but they're still leading the charge.

With only two starters back in the fold from last season, Hendricken had to find a way to keep its tradition of tough, runblocking offensive lines intact despite some brand new faces.

Mission accomplished.

"I'm happy with where they're at," Hendricken head coach Keith Croft said.

"They've probably exceeded expectations.

But there's still a couple of weeks left, so hopefully they keep making some individual improvement and as a unit they get stronger."

The two guard spots were locked down before the season began, with returners Dallas Sauer and Nick Mariano manning the positions as two of the best in the state.

The other three spots were there for the taking.

Croft made that point known during a meeting last November. He needed players to step up and it started with a commitment in the off-season.

"He said to the rest of us, 'There are three spots, and we have this many guys who are going to fight for them. If you want it bad enough you've got to go out and get

them,'" said center Sean Kelly. "Myself and a bunch of the other guys, we put in the work in the off-season."

Kelly rose to the top of the newcomers, grabbing the reins in the middle of the line.

Fellow seniors Griffin Porter and Tyler Champlin earned the tackle spots, while seniors Chris Celona and junior Kyle Ciquera have been on the field as well.

It came together quickly, and before there was even a chance for criticism, the Hawks’ new-look line was opening up holes for the backs and keeping quarterback Patrick Gill on his feet.

"I definitely think it's a process, going

from the guys we had last year to adding new guys," Sauer said. "It was tough. But these guys have been around, they know the plays and they were ready to step up and take control."

Predicated on running, Hendricken's offense has scored the third-most points in Division I. Star running back Remington Blue has found plenty of room to run, racking up nearly 2,000 yards on the ground.

The line has gone from a question mark at the beginning of the season to a strength.

"Towards the beginning of the season we didn't really know what our identity was as a line," Mariano said. "But as the season

progressed, we definitely found what it was — running the ball. We go into every game with the mindset that we are going to run, we are going to run as hard as we can for as long as we can until it doesn't work."

At this point, it's a tradition. Kelly remembers admiring it from afar two years ago.

"I'm thinking, 'Okay, I'm never going to be that big. I know that much,'" he said.

"But every year I put in a little bit more work and, granted we're not the same size as them, but I feel like we're playing with the same intensity, same confidence and I feel like we're getting the job done as best we can. We're trying to uphold that tradition."

Hendricken will be the No. 2 seed when the playoffs open up on Dec. 3, and it will host No. 3 Portsmouth in the semifinals.

As the weather gets colder, Croft is famous for telling his teams that they will need to run the ball to win. That's how Super Bowls are won in Rhode Island high school football.

The Hawks have a pretty good foundation.

"We've had a lot of good linemen, and they've been somewhat unheralded," Croft said. "I think our skill guys have always gotten run, but it seems like year after year we always find five pieces that, worst-case scenario, are solid and best-case scenario turn into a very good run-blocking line."

- K.P.

18

TURKEY BOWL

A SEASON AGO...

WARWICK VETS 40, PILGRIM 0

EAST 27, WEST 6

HENDRICKEN 33, TOLL GATE 0

In the 50th meeting between the schools, senior running back T.J. Boyajian rushed for 209 yards and four touchdowns, and the Hurricanes found the end zone six times in the first half en route to the most lopsided win in series history. It was the second straight win in the series for the ’Canes, who narrowly missed out on the playoffs but quickly turned their attention to Turkey Day. Pilgrim had some success with a short passing game but couldn’t find the end zone and got buried under an avalanche of touchdowns on five consecutive Vets possessions.

East’s high-powered offense managed just eight first-half points, but the ’Bolts shut West down and pulled away late for a win in the 40th annual Thanksgiving game. The playoff-bound ’Bolts moved to 5-3 with the win, which tied the series at 20 victories each. Quarterback Alex Corvese threw for 155 yards and three touchdowns, while Marven Beauvais hauled in six catches for 85 yards. Corvese and Michael Raspberry were named players of the game for East. Anthony St. Laurent and Joe Ceraldi took home the honors for West.

On their way to a monumental Super Bowl upset of La Salle for their third state championship in a row, the Hawks took care of business against the Titans with their third consecutive Thanksgiving shutout. It was their 21st consecutive victory in the series. Quarterback Patrick Gill and running back Power Kanga notched two touchdowns each to lead the Hawks. The Titans had gone winless in league play but delivered a gutsy effort against the Hawks. Jose Javier was a bright spot, leading all rushers with 100 yards on 22 carries.

19

TURKEY BOWL

THANKSGIVING SERIES HISTORY WARWICK VETS VS. PILGRIM 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 - Pilgrim 41, Vets 6

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

-

TOLL GATE VS. HENDRICKEN 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

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

LARGEST VETS WINNING MARGIN: 40 points (40-0 in 2012) 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)

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 - West 18, East 6

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 33-8 SHUTOUTS BY TOLL GATE: 2 SHUTOUTS BY HENDRICKEN: 13

HURRICANES LEAD SERIES 28-21-1 SHUTOUTS BY VETS: 8 SHUTOUTS BY PILGRIM: 8

EAST VS. WEST

LARGEST TOLL GATE WINNING MARGIN: 28 points (28-0 in 1987) LARGEST HENDRICKEN WINNING MARGIN: 40 points (48-8 in 1995)

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 2, Pilgrim 1 LONGEST VETS WINNING STREAK: 6 games (1997-2002) LONGEST PILGRIM WINNING STREAK: 5 games (1977-81)

SMALLEST TOLL GATE WINNING MARGIN: One point (Twice; 1990 and 1988) SMALLEST HENDRICKEN WINNING MARGIN: One point (Three times; 1992, 1985, and 1980)

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

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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

SERIES TIED 20-20

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 3, Toll Gate 0 LONGEST TOLL GATE WINNING STREAK: 6 games (1986-91) LONGEST HENDRICKEN WINNING STREAK: 21 games (1992-2012)

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 2, West 1 LONGEST EAST WINNING STREAK: 7 games (1974-80) LONGEST WEST WINNING STREAK: 7 games (1999-2005)

YARD-SERVICE LANDSCAPE EXPERTS INC. LANDSCAPE RENOVATION PROJECTS

• Lawn Cutting • Tree Work & Chipping • Planting Beds Revamped • Mulching • Shrub & Hedge Trimming

• New Lawns Installed • Landscape Construction • Walkways & Patios Installed • Shrub Removal • Landscape Cleanups

FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED FREE ESTIMATES

828-1202

INSURED

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