Sports 07-29-2015

If the Revere High football team’s performance in the Under Armour Northeast 7-on-7 Tournament is any indication, you should get on board now and make your way to the brand new Harry Della Russo Stadium for opening night.

Led by a potential star quarterback in senior co-captain Dan Murphy, the Revere contingent has reached the final round with a sterling 8-1 record. Murphy threw two touchdown passes in a 14-13 come-from-behind victory over Danvers in an Elite Eight game, clinching Revere’s spot in the Final Four.

Revere coach Lou Cicatelli, who is running his youth football camp at the high school this week, is excited about his team’s showing against several top area teams in the 50-yard tag-rush event being held at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody. Revere is the only Northeastern Conference team still left standing.

“It’s great for the program and we’re optimistic that we can carry this momentum in to the pre-season and beyond,” said Cicatelli. “We’ve beaten some really good teams in the tournament. Daniel Murphy has been doing a super job at quarterback and as a team leader. And our other captain, Brandon Brito, has also been a great leader. It’s been an all-around team effort in the tournament.”

Frank Antrim, a senior and a first-year player in the program, has been a pass-catching machine. A 6-foot-2-inch receiver, the athletic Antrim has made several touchdown receptions and key catches.

“Coach Cicatelli motivated me to play football this year and I’ve decided to give it a try and it’s been working out well,” said Antrim. “Dan has been throwing lasers to me and I’ve been catching the football. Dan is a good friend and we’ve been working out all summer. I can’t wait to play in the new stadium.”

Murphy has been using his speed and accurate throwing arm to connect consistently with his receiving corps.

“This tournament has been a blast,” said Murphy. “It’s been a great ride. We’ve all been working hard in the gym. I’m really looking forward to the season. I think we are going to make the playoffs. I drive by the new stadium every day waiting to play on it.”

Murphy said in addition to Antrim, receivers Oscar Lopez and John DeSimone have been getting open and catching the ball well in the tournament.

Murphy became the starting quarterback in his sophomore year. He started every game as a junior and is primed for a huge senior season. The talented signal caller said the most impressive win of the tournament came against Danvers. “We were down 13-0 and scored two touchdowns and two extra points to pull out the win,” said Murphy, whose favorite quarterback is Tom Brady. “I thought the team showed a lot of heart.”

Eddie Sullivan, a linebacker and backup quarterback, said the team is confident heading into pre-season practices.

“The 7-on-7 Tournament has gone really well, especially with the new kids we have like Frank [Antrim] and Oscar [Lopez],” said Sullivan. “We’re all looking forward to having a great season and playing on the new field.”

 Revere opens its season against Medford on Friday, Sept. 11 at Della Russo Stadium and hosts former Greater Boston League rival Chelsea on Friday, Sept. 18.