By Russ Waterman
MaxPreps.com
Unbeaten Tiverton retained its top spot following an easy 45-6 win over Central at Conley Stadium in Providence. The Tigers scored all their points in the first half on 18-, 7- and 21-yard runs by quarterback Ryan Flick, two runs by Zach Kapstein and a 33-yard pass from Flick to Scott DeCosta. A blocked kick resulted in another touchdown.
The Knights' only score was set up by a fumble recovery and 56-yard return by lineman Jon Costa. Two plays later quarterback Courtney Rivers scampered five yards for a touchdown.
Tiverton head coach Bob Murray, in his 27th year, has led one of the smallest schools in the state to six Super Bowl appearances and three state title wins, the last one coming in 2000.
Three years ago, the Tigers struggled to back-to-back 2-6 season after moving up a division.
“When we moved up then we were young and small. Other teams physically mauled us and that got us back into the weight room. Now we are bigger and stronger, have fewer injuries and can endure physical contact better,” Murray said.
It takes a special, versatile player to run Murray’s triple option attack, and Flick, a junior, fits the bill at quarterback.
"He has to make the reads and decide which side the ball is going to and who is going to get the ball," Murray said. "It is fun to watch all of them play."
The potent Tiger offense includes Kapstein, Mike Quito, Tyler Ferreira, John DeCosta and Colby Marks. Kapstein, a junior, has 12 touchdowns.
"Zach is a highly-skilled athlete who is physically very aggressive and loves the game," Murray said.
Ferreira, a former signal caller who was injured and replaced last year, is back healthy and remains one of the squad's most versatile and valuable players.
The offensive line is anchored by center Bryan Turner along with Austin Behan, Dylan Bedard, Tim Gleadow, Alex Costa and Doug Belisle, all playing their positions for two or more years.
Murray also credits his staff, including William McGrady, Ben Eaton, Andy Gacioch and Jeff Heath.
"When more men with football minds are involved, it is a better football program," Murray said.
Tiverton faces East Greenwich this week with the Avengers needing a win to stay in the playoff hunt.
Division 2B: South Kingstown Shuts Out Shea
Unbeaten South Kingstown maintained its grip on Division 2B with a 24-0 win over Shea. Timothy Hazard scored three touchdowns and quarterback Ben Hamill threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ty Stromley.
That victory follows an exciting 14-6 overtime victory over Cranston East last week.
"I was impressed and proud of how they played," Rebel head coach Eric Anderson said of the win over Cranston East. "We had to shuffle the deck a little and a lot of guys were playing out of position.”
Anderson is in his first year as the head man after several years as an assistant. With only six seniors on this year's squad (losing 13 to graduation), the Rebels will need to squeeze what they can in terms of leadership from those players while trying to defend their Super Bowl title of a year ago.
"Derrick Stanton and Tim (Hazard) are our senior leaders," Anderson said. "Derrick has been our defensive leader all season long and has been outstanding with 84 tackles. Tim is an All-State player and outstanding athlete who had over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and already has 950 yards and 13 TDs this season. Patrick Gee is also a great safety and receiver and Ty Stromley is an excellent athlete."
Among many players he praises for standout two-way play are Zachary Almond, twins Matthew and Zach LeValley, Justin Favreau, Shane McLoughlin and Vincent Grasso.
Hamill has played primarily at cornerback but has filled in as an outside linebacker and along with Patrick Franco have been defensive standouts.
"The top four in our division are as good, if not better, than they ever have been," Anderson said. "It is going to take a lot of luck, skill and health to win it all.”
Four teams each in Divisions 2A and 2B begin their march to the Division 2 Super Bowl in a few weeks. The semifinals and finals will be held after the traditional Thanksgiving Day games.
Division 2A: West Warwick Topples Westerly
West Warwick is now in a tie with previously-unbeaten Westerly following a 20-10 upset over the Bulldogs on their home field, Maznicki Stadium.
Russell Strickland had TD runs of 10 and 51 yards and Willie Alves returned an interception 39 yards for a score for the Wizards, who scored all their points in the second half after trailing, 10-0, at halftime.
Division 4: Middletown, Hope Surge With Wins
Middletown and Hope are tied for second behind unbeaten Exeter-West Greenwich after posting victories last week. Rico McCray and Dylan Gracia each had two TDs for Middletown in a 43-6 triumph over North Smithfield. Fidel Wright scored twice for Hope in a 20-7 win over Scituate
Division 1: D'Errico Propels Kingstown into Playoffs
All four playoff spots have now been locked up after North Kingstown knocked out Bishop Hendricken, 34-14, behind another outstanding outing by quarterback Dave D'Errico.
The Rebel signal caller now has a total of 21 touchdowns and 1,928 all-purpose yards after rushing for four touchdowns, including a 78-yarder.
Unbeaten La Salle Academy, Portsmouth and Barrington have also clinched playoff positions.
