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Panthers to host Avengers Friday

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With the regular season nearing its end, all three Warwick schools are once again in action this week.

After a big win at Portsmouth last week, Hendricken will look to keep its unbeaten season rolling, while Pilgrim and Toll Gate will search to get back in the win column following tough losses last Friday evening. Johnston, on the other hand, will look to build off a solid performance at Westerly.

Bishop Hendricken (5-0) didn’t miss a beat coming off its bye last week, toppling Portsmouth, 54-14, on the road to create some separation from the Patriots (3-2) in the standings.

The Hawks will have potentially their most favorable matchup to date this week when they welcome winless Woonsocket (0-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. for senior night.

The Novans are coming off a 14-0, shutout loss to previously winless Cranston West. Furthermore, Woonsocket has scored the fewest points (19) and have surrendered the most points (156) in Division I-A.

Meanwhile, Hendricken has continued to click on all cylinders offensively, with Chris Hindle, Andrew Hopgood, Matt DiTondo and Kwity Paye leading the Hawks to 110 points over their last two games.

That offensive pace should continue this week. As many teams have been this season, Woonsocket will be overwhelmed with Hendricken’s balance and depth.

Prediction: Hendricken 49, Woonsocket 0

Pilgrim (1-4) put together a solid defensive effort against reigning Division II champion Moses Brown on Friday, but turnovers cost the Pats 17 points in an eventual 24-0 defeat.

The road doesn’t get any easier this week for Pilgrim as it travels to West Warwick’s Maznicki Field on Friday at 7 p.m. to take on the Wizards (4-1).

West Warwick has allowed the fewest points this season in all of Division II, with its only blemish coming via a hard-fought, 9-8 loss to the Quakers.

On paper, it doesn’t look like a great matchup for Pilgrim, as West Warwick seems to be one of the strongest teams D-II has to offer, particularly on defense, while Pilgrim’s offense has struggled as of late.

I think the Pats will get on the board, but the Wizards will certainly be a tough opponent on their senior night.

Prediction: West Warwick 28, Pilgrim 8

Toll Gate (1-4) dropped a non-league affair with Coventry last Friday night, 32-8, but it has a winnable game upcoming this Friday at 7 p.m. at Warwick Vets against Hope (1-4).

The Blue Wave, like Toll Gate, have had their struggles this season, defeating North Providence, but dropping decisions to Scituate and North Smithfield/Mount St. Charles Co-op.

The Titans need to win this game to get back on track and make a push for the fourth and final playoff spot in Division III-B. Currently, there is a four-way tie for fourth place, with Toll Gate, Hope, North Providence and Scituate all sitting at 1-4 in league play.

I think the Titans will get a big effort out of junior quarterback Anthony Vann and bounce back in front of their home crowd.

Hope has struggled to post points offensively, so if Toll Gate shuts it down early, it should have a good chance of rolling to a victory.

Prediction: Toll Gate 30, Hope 14

Johnston (1-4) has been playing extremely well as of late, scoring 52 points and defeating Pilgrim two weeks ago before traveling to Westerly on Saturday and falling, 24-18, to one of the best teams in all of Division II.

It seems as though the Panthers have found their stride, as multiple players are starting to produce on offense. Against the Bulldogs, Evan Pennacchia and Aristides Tejeda scored on the ground and Kyle Nelson connected with Elijah Burgess for a deep passing touchdown.

This week, Johnston will host East Greenwich (2-4) on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Avengers routed Mount Pleasant last week but, before that, they were on the wrong end of three lopsided games against West Warwick, Moses Brown and Westerly.

If Johnston can keep up its strong play, I like it in a tight game.

Prediction: Johnston 28, East Greenwich 27

Comments

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  • billywilliams4

    I was not aware that the sunrise was the providence journal, Johnston is at the bottom of the list. Every other school is on top.Why?

    Friday, October 28, 2016 Report this

  • billywilliams4

    I thought I was reading the Warwick paper. My nephew plays for Johnston and they played in an exciting game at Westerly. Game went down to last play as they drove down the field with not much time. The usual article about the game was not to be found as I read about Hendricken, Pilgrim and Tollgate - then Johnston - IN THE JOHNSTON SUNRISE. Baseball gets 3 to 4 pages but football cant make it - TERRIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!! Very disappointed ..................................................

    Friday, October 28, 2016 Report this