Let’s talk some high school football

Let’s talk some football.

After a new alignment by the RIIL, after some preseason practices, some examinations of the schedules, let’s get into where our teams stand as we get ready for kickoff. Clubs will be competing in their injury fund exhibitions this weekend with the regular season starting next week. Let’s have some fun.

Please note, as explained last year, I am predicting the floors for these teams, not the ceilings.

Bishop Hendricken

The Hawks will be taking on a number of out-of-state teams this year. Sure, the team will have some Rhode Island bouts, including against rival La Salle in October. Although I am disappointed that there will not be as many games against local teams, it will certainly be interesting to see how the Hawks handle this type of schedule.

All eyes will be on quarterback Dylan Lynch, who came in last season in place of injured starter Jayden Falcone, and more than held his own under center as he led the team to a championship.

Now, with a fair amount of experience under his belt and his talent, how far can Lynch take the defending champs?

Running back duo Ronjai Francis and Oscar Weah have moved on. Those two were the engine of the offense the past two years, so how will the team recover? Jeremy Seidi figures to take on a big role on offense, while Sebastian Lora will also be a leading pass catcher. The defense also lost its star pass rusher in Rushaune Vilane as well.

Although Hendricken has more holes to fill than normal, it’d be unwise to bet against the Hawks, especially within Rhode Island. Lynch’s development will be the key to this team, though.

Prediction: State championship appearance

Pilgrim

Pilgrim had a solid fall in 2023, finishing 3-4 in a crowded Division III field. The division will once again be loaded, especially with the new alignment.

The good news for Pilgrim is that Carter Clifton will be back under center. He was injured last season but popped as a sophomore. If he can build on that experience two years ago, he may be one of the best quarterbacks in the division.

The team also has some experience up front on both offense and defense, including Brandon Wolfendon.

The biggest question will be the skill positions. Jack Coffey and Justyn Murphy have graduated while Dylan Roberts also moved on. The Pilgrim coaching staff has always done a good job of finding playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, so we should expect a few new kids to emerge. You also can’t overlook Pilgrim’s work on special teams, which is usually the best in the division.

Prediction: Playoff appearance

Cranston East

The Bolts resemble the Titans in many ways. A program that has been rebuilding for awhile and is now going to have the platform to launch in a lower division.

New head coach James Cook revived Ponaganset a few years back and was brought to East to do the same thing. East showed flashes of potential last season in a tough DII field, so it’ll be fun to see what it can do in DIII.

Saqari Monroe and DionAndre Brown return and will give East two of the scariest guys up front in the league on defense. Angel Figueroa also returns on offense after having a breakout season in 2023.

Who will quarterback the team, though? Who will replace the rushing production left behind by A’Driahn Foreman. East has some questions to answer, but the aforementioned duo on defense and the fact that they are now in DIII should have fans optimistic for what’s to come.

Prediction: Playoff berth

Cranston West

In one year, West went from inexperienced to fully experienced, and there is no team that is more interesting in the new Division I.

Quarterback Kelan Cornell is back and will be the unquestioned leader on offense for the second straight season. He’s seasoned, versatile, and flat out carried the offense at times last fall. He will be in the mix for the state’s best signal caller.

Charlie Cornell flashed at times last season and it appears that the Falcons have made it a point to make him a priority in the offense. David Boscia had a breakout season at running back last year and will be in the mix, and three offensive lineman are multi-year starters.

Usually, if you have a quarterback, a running back, a receiver, and three linemen, you are in business.

Some of those guys will be on the defensive side of the ball as well while senior captain Adrian Samayoa will be an all-division standout on D. The only concern for West is how it will replace three-phase standout Jack Majcher. It will take a village, and this schedule will be tough, but West has all the pieces in place to compete with anyone in the state.

Prediction: Reaches second round of playoffs

Johnston

The Panthers lost a significant core, but will have two pieces to shoulder the load.

Senior quarterback Matt Clements was quickly a fit in offensive coordinator Tom Centore’s offense and looks poised to be not only one of the best quarterbacks in Division III, but in the state. He is smart and has the physical tools to carry this offense if need be.

Dean Paris was an all-division linebacker last season and will be the leader on defense. He will also contribute as a running back on offense.

With NeAri Vasquez, Mike Carlino and Steve Finegan all leaving, that is a massive gap in production that needs to be filled. Clements and Paris will be tested, but the Johnston coaching staff is also experienced and has led successful rebuilds in the past.

Prediction: Regular season finale will determine playoff fate