By Lorenzo Recupero
It’s September again and that means just one thing for the City of Everett: High School football is back.
In 2017, the Crimson Tide dominated, but the landscape for the defending division 1 champs has changed since going undefeated a year ago — drastically.
The new look includes a new head coach, quarterback and completely reconditioned roster from the top down.
But don’t be fooled. New(ish) faces does not necessarily mean a change in the Tide.
As a teaser, just know that first-year head coach Theluxon Pierre already knows how to win. After all, he’s only spent the last 8 years as the assistant coach to the most winningest coach in state history. And even when he was playing high school ball at Everett (graduated class of 2004), he was winning (won 2-of-3 super bowls).
With that said, it’s safe to feel like the Crimson Tide are in good hands. The best hands they could possibly be in.
SEASON PREVIEW
Head Coach: Theluxon Pierre (1st season)
Field: Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium (Cabot Street)
Field Type: Artificial Turf
League: Independent
Record Last Season: 13-0
Returning Starters: Mike Saintristil, senior, WR/CB; Wilson Frederic, senior, OL; Robby Rioby, senior, DB; Gilbert Jadamba, senior, OL.
Strengths: Team speed, talent at skill positions.
Concerns: Depth, youth.
SEASON OUTLOOK: The team lost starting quarterback Jake Wilcox and starting cornerback Lewis Cine to transfers in the offseason, but coach Pierre is confident the Tide are in good hands.
He’s preached “Nobody is bigger than the team” and has said, “the next man up mentality” is how the they will overcome the loss of two big pieces. Pierre’s approach and familiarity with the program and team should help for a smooth transition, but look for a completely new look and feel to the style of play on the field. To name a big one, the offense will feature a dual quarterback system with sophomore Duke Doherty, who played backup last year, and freshman Ismael Zamar splitting time there.
The duo isn’t known yet but coach Pierre is sure that the Doherty’s experience and “freedom” on the field will help him break loose this season. He described the incoming high schooler, Zamar, as a “Natural athlete”. The return of the super fast Sainristil at wideout is only going to enhance coach Pierre’s plan.
With a new way of doing things and a roster full of fresh faces, the Crimson Tide are still prepared to not only compete but win. Don’t expect anything other than the reigning champs to do more of that in 2018.
Everett opens this season this Friday night (Sept. 7) at Xaverian. The Crimson Tide have won three straight vs. the Hawks, including victories in the 2016 and 2017 Div. 1 State Title games. EHS’s difficult early season schedule continues next week with a trip to Mansfield.
