Sports 11-16-2016

RHS sports Roundup

A victory for the ages:

Patriots top Lynn English on field goal as time expires

The Revere High football team pulled off one of the most fantastic finishes in RHS grid annals to earn a down-to-the-wire, 24-22 victory over Lynn English Friday evening before a jubilant hometown crowd at Harry Della Russo Stadium.

“This was as exciting a game as I’ve ever been involved in,” said veteran RHS head coach Lou Cicatelli of the contest, which was the ultimate emotional roller-coaster for the players, coaches, and fans on both sides.

Revere jumped out to a 14-0 lead by the midpoint of the second period and probably should have been even further ahead, but two turnovers in the red zone stymied a pair of Revere scoring opportunities.

RHS captain and halfback Victor Rivera — who turned in a monster performance with 250 yards rushing and 70 yards receiving — scored the first of his two touchdowns on the night in the opening quarter with a burst of 60 yards.

Rivera then received an aerial from quarterback Eddie Sullivan for a 70-yard TD play that upped the count to 14-0 after kicker Badr Haou made the second of his trio of successful PAT kicks for the evening.

“We totally dominated English in that first half,” said Cicatelli. “If we had not given the ball away twice in the red zone, we would have put the game away.”

However, English managed to get on the scoreboard before the half ended with a nice drive that left matters standing at 14-7 at the intermission.

After a scoreless third frame, English put together a drive to even the count at 14-14 early in the final quarter. However, the Patriots responded with a 65-yard drive that ended with Sullivan going over from the one-yard line (on Revere’s fourth try) to make it a 21-14 contest with two minutes to go.

The Patriots then appeared to have put the game on ice when Haou, who also plays in the Revere secondary, picked off an English pass with less than two minutes on the clock.

However, a cruel twist of fate befell the Patriots when a Revere fumble and scoop-up by an English defender resulted in a 28 yard touchdown run. The Rams went for the two-point conversion and succeeded, leaving the the Pats trailing for the first time all game, 22-21.

“That left us stunned, no doubt about it,” said Cicatelli. However, as Cicatelli has noted throughout the 2016 season, this has been a Revere High team that never gives up. After Rivera made a nice return of the kickoff to the RHS 35, Sullivan completed successive passes to Oscar Lopez (who turned in his usual stellar, all-around performance with 150 all-purpose yards of offense) and Rivera that moved the ball to the English 30.

When Lopez then hauled-in a pass in the end zone, it appeared as though the Pats had pulled ahead. However, a yellow flag signaled that offensive pass interference was called by the ref, which not only nullified the TD, but also set the Pats back to the Ram 40 with the 10-yard penalty.

With the clock winding down, a draw play moved the ball to the English 31. Sullivan then tossed a perfect sideline pass to Lopez — on which Oscar ran out of bounds to stop the clock — that brought the ball to the English 21 with just 0:02 showing on the scoreboard.

Cicatelli brought in his kicking team — Lopez snapping the ball from center,  Sullivan handling the snap, and Haou kicking — and the rest was history.

Badr drilled the pigskin straight through the uprights from 38 yards out — with plenty to spare, incidentally — as time expired, providing the Patriots with the dramatic, 24-22 triumph.

“It was just an unbelievable game,” said Cicatelli. «Although last year we had one of the best seasons in Revere High football history, this has been a more enjoyable season, from a coach›s perspective, to have watched this team fight back from an 0-4 start and win five of its last six games.»

Revere now will prepare for the “second season,” the annual Thanksgiving Day battle with Winthrop. Pride, tradition — and a winning season — all will be on the line for the Pats when they take to the turf at HDR on Turkey Day morning.

Lady Patriots wrap up cross country season

The Revere High girls cross country team concluded its 2016 season at the Eastern Mass Divisional race, which was run Saturday at the Wrentham Developmental Center.

“Despite a few runners who were not in top form due to the stress of a long season, there were positives,” said RHS head coach Katie Sinnott. “Seniors Lani Stevens and Monica Posada gave the race everything they had. This is their last cross country race and they definitely put forth 100%. Sophomore Leila Cesic pushed herself to a personal record (PR), finishing second for the team.

“Due to a misdirection on the course, sophomore Olivia Novoselsky ended up running nearly a mile extra, but instead of quitting somewhere along the course, she pushed on and finished,” added Sinnott. “This shows amazing mental toughness and grit. Though it was not the best of race experiences for her, she proved she is determined and strong.”

The Lady Patriots were set to celebrate the season with their break-up banquet this past Monday.

Individual Results

Hannah Fitzpatrick – 21:43, 77th overall

Leila Cesic – 21:59, 86th overall

Monica Posada – 22:37, 110th overall

Erika Cheever – 25:48, 133rd overall

Lani Stevens – 26:29, 134th overall

Olivia Novoselsky – 40:09 (going about a mile longer than all other runners!), 136th overall

Patriot boys compete  at D-2 Divisional Meet

Four members of the Revere High boys cross country-team team competed in Saturday’s Eastern Mass. Division 2 Meet that was held at the Wrentham Training Center.

Arthur LaCerda was the top finisher for the Patriots with a time of 20:06 over the 3.1 mile (5K) course. Kevin Nguyen was next across the line in 20:19 for Revere, followed by teammates Jonathan Nushi in 21:27 and Bryan Gutierrez in 22:07.

A fifth Patriot runner, Zack Gentile, had to miss the race because of a strep throat.

“Overall I was pleased with the boys’ performance,” said RHS head coach Mike Flynn. “Arthur, Kevin, and Jonathan all were at least seven seconds faster than their times last week when they ran in the State Coaches Meet on the same course and improvement is what you want to see at this point of the season.”

Flynn and his crew were set to celebrate the season with their break-up banquet this past Monday.

Revere plays Winthrop in Powder Puff on Saturday

Taylor Giuffre-Catalano

Dodging, dipping, diving, ducking.

Powderpuff season is in full swing at Revere High School. This Saturday, November 19th, at 12:30PM, our Lady Patriots will take on the Lady Vikings of Winthrop at the Harry Della Russo Stadium, in an age old showdown between two archrivals. The senior girls football team, which is coming off of a 41-0 victory last year, has been working relentlessly to reign in the title of “champions” once again. The team, who is coached by William Barber, Erin Cronin, Caitlin Brennan, Bob Lospennato, Dave Colella, and Becky Coots, has battled through frigid weather, muddy practice fields, and early morning and late night practices, yearning for their own taste of victory.

Elizabeth Lake, quarterback and captain of the Powderpuff squad, explained that she has “been waiting since freshman year” to play, and that she was “super excited” that it was finally her turn to give it a shot. Lake commented, “I always knew about powderpuff through family that had played when they were in high school and I have attended many games, so I knew immediately that I wanted to play.” She also noted, “Powderpuff is definitely a workout and practices are no joke. We do a good amount of running and our exercises are very physical.” Lake, who is also a member of the Varsity Girls Basketball and Softball teams, noted that being apart of the team was an “amazing experience.” She explained how it brought together “a group of girls with all different levels of athletic experience” and “taught them about an uncommon sport for girls to play.”

However, she explained, since October 17th, when the season began, it has been an “incredibly memorable experience.” She continued, “I think most of the fun is just being around friends and forming memories that will last a lifetime. Besides the [powderpuff] game, the practices are what we will be able to look back at and laugh about. It’s hard work but an amazing time as well!” Lake also commented, “I definitely expect to win! We have worked extremely hard and I think we will be prepared for game day. We can not underestimate Winthrop, but we have a great group of girls and we have really learned to play together. I think we are ready to win!”

“It’s an amazing experience to be apart of the team,” began cornerback Emily Brawley. “You get to meet so many new people and girls you haven’t had any classes with yet. Everyone is really positive and encouraging, and it’s amazing how much we’ve learned in such a short period of time.” Brawley, an Advanced Placement student and Varsity field hockey player, explained that she found out about Powderpuff from her math teacher last year, Erin Cronin, who also happens to be a coach. Brawley continued, “Practice can be hard because the coaches really push us to be our best. They want to make sure we’re in our best shape for the game. However, it’s fun because even though the workouts may be hard, everyone cheers each other on.” Brawley concluded, “I’m very excited for the game, we’ve practiced a lot and put so much work into this team. I expect a win, but even if we don’t win I’m still proud of how far we’ve come since day one.”

William Barber, chemistry teacher at Revere High School, began coaching the Powderpuff team last year. Barber explained the typical practice routine, which spanned five days a week for a month, was “stretching and running at the beginning of practice.” This would then progress into drills such as “practicing plays, grabbing flags and practicing offensive blocking” and concluding with a scrimmage. Barber commented, “It’s a good chance for girls in the senior class to work together and work hard to do something that in the end reflects well on them and the town.” He continued, “I love how everyone is there because they want to be there, and works towards the common goal of beating Winthrop and representing the city of Revere in a positive way. It’s fun, but it’s also tough.”

Revere Sports years

10 years ago

November 15, 2006

The Revere High football team has a long layoff prior to its Thanksgiving Day game with Winthrop thanks to the decision by Saugus not to face Revere last week. Saugus has opted to play an independent schedule this season and thus is not facing any schools from the Northeastern Conference, even for games that previously were scheduled.

Mario Herrera was the top finisher for the RHS boys cross country team in the Eastern Mass. Division 1 cross country race held at Franklin Park Saturday. Herrera ran the 3.1 course in a time of 18:36, which placed him in 131st place in the field of 235 runners.

For the girls’ side, freshmen sisters Colby and Tayla Hough were the top Lady Patriot finishers in 23:12, good for 113th position from the field of 182, and in 24:11, good for 139th place, respectively.

20 years ago

November 13, 1996

Marc Silvestri rushed for 270 yards, including a 72-yard jaunt for a touchdown, to lead the RHS football team to a 27-7 rout of Medford. The Patriots now stand at 4-4 and have a chance to finish with their first winning record since 1982. Revere has Arlington and Winthrop on its schedule.

The RHS boys cross country team finished in 19th place of the 37 schools in the Class B cross-country championship race held Saturday at Franklin Park Top Patriot runner Samnang Ros finished in 42nd place in a field of 250 runners over the 3.1 mile course.

Wrestlemania came to a packed house at Revere High this past Friday night.

30 years ago

November 19, 1986

The RHS football team fell to Arlington, 15-0, Saturday, marking the Patriots’ fourth shutout loss this season. The 2-7 Revere squad will wrap up its season on Thanksgiving Day against Winthrop.

40 years ago

November 10, 1976

There were few highlights for the Revere High football team in a 27-0 loss to Peabody Saturday.

50 years ago

November 17, 1966

The Revere High football team snapped a three-game winless skein with a 12-0 win over Lynn Classical. The Patriots now are 3-3-1 on the season and will face Winthrop on Thanksgiving Day in the season finale. RHS quarterback Ron Ferulo tossed a short pass to Charlie Imbrescia, who received a key block from co-captain Phil Alexander and then scooted 52 yards for a touchdown. The second Patriot TD came on a razzle-dazzle play when Ferullo handed off to Ron Iovanna, who then tossed a 10 yard pass back to Ferullo for the score.

Quarterback Mike Carabba passed for two touchdowns, ran for two more, intercepted two passes, and also did the punting to lead the Immaculate Conception High football team to a 34-12 win over St. Columbkille’s on Saturday. IC now has won 21 straight games and will face undefeated Arlington Catholic for the league title in the season finale. Arlington Catholic is coached by Bill Formosi, who is the varsity baseball coach at Immaculate Conception.

60 years ago

November 15, 1956

RHS football Art Statuto has submitted his resignation in the aftermath of his decision to remove his team from the Manning Bowl field in the third period of Saturday’s game to protest what Statuto said was poor officiating that led to the ejection of one of his players by the refs. Revere was losing to Lynn English by a score of 32-13 when Statuto ordered his team off the field.

The Immaculate Conception High football team defeated St. Joseph’s of Salem Sunday afternoon. John McSweeney, Martin Rizzo, Al Cassidy, and Joe O’Sullivan were the big guns for IC, which already has clinched the Catholic Suburban League championship.

70 years ago

November 14, 1946

The RHS football team won its third straight game with a 29-0 romp over Wakefield Saturday. Once again, the RHS backfield tandem of Cerrone and MacDonald ran and passed Revere to victory.

A crowd of 3000 fans was on hand Sunday to see the Immaculate Conception High football team drop a 13-6 decision to St. James of Haverhill in a battle of unbeaten teams. Bennett scored the IC touchdown from eight yards out.

 

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