By Lorenzo Recupero
Everett High School’s football season got started on a somber note, with junior Egan Gouveia being carted off via ambulance after sustaining an injury while colliding with a teammate in the games opening kickoff.
The Crimson Tide went on to play a lackluster game, losing 42-12 to Central High School in their first opening game loss in several years.
Even with one of Massachusetts’ top teams losing in surprising fashion, the focus throughout and after the contest was on Gouveia’s status.
“Our prayers our with Egan,” said Everett coach Theluxon Pierre to the Boston Globe following the game. “We got word that he’s doing OK, so that’s the most important thing tonight,” said Pierre, who stood beside his junior linebacker until ambulances were able to immobilize his back and neck and move him from the field.
Coach Pierre, who saw his quarterback throw three interceptions in what was the most lopsided loss of his tenure, did not use Gouveia’s injury as a reason behind the defeat.
“When you take a blow like that, losing one of the beloved members of the team, it’s going to hurt, but that’s no excuse for why we lost tonight,” said Pierre to the Boston Globe.
The score read 33-0 before the Tide were able to get on the board, with two second half touchdown passes from Duke Doherty to Josiah Stewart and Samy Lamothe providing the team’s only points.
Central High School leaned heavily on freshman quarterback William Watson III (317 yards, 1 TD) and junior running back Marcus Crawford (19 carries, 177 yards, 4 TDs) as the duo combined for over 450 yards of offense.
Coach Pierre is looking for the sobering loss to be a call to arms for the Tide.
“We have a lot of work to do and will get back to work. It’s not the end of the world for us. I hope they are awake now,” said Pierre of his team moving forward.
The Crimson Tide (0-1) will regroup and try to get in the win column on Friday, September 13 at Veterans Memorial Stadium against rival Xaverian High School. Kickoff is 7PM.