Will play short season for pride, each other, Friday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium
By LORENZO RECUPERO
The Crimson Tide will hit the gridiron Friday and open up the 2021 season against Lynn English not playing for a state championship but something greater: each other.
In what will certainly go down in the record books with an asterisk, this season features just a four-game schedule void of any playoffs or tournaments.
The four games played will be for pride and not titles. And any one of the city’s faithful will tell you Everett is a proud football town.
With about 65 players on the roster, the Crimson Tide are well-stacked and able-bodied in ways other teams just aren’t because of COVID.
In football, unlike any other sport, depth is paramount, and Everett’s got it. This could bode well for the team.
The team is loaded with plenty of senior and letterman leadership, which makes an undefeated season a real possibility. If wins come, it’ll be those experienced players leading the charge.
Keep an eye out for guys like running back/receiver Tyrese Baptiste, if you can, he’s a fast one. Coach DiLoreto labeled the speedster “one of the best in the state” at beating guys to the ball.
The Tide are stockpiled with such athletes on defense, too, including senior defensive end Josaiah Stewart, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Coastal Carolina football commit. Stewart has been described as a freakish athlete with “incredible physical skills”.
Can’t forget to mention Samy Lamothe, who will take over as starting quarterback with the departure of Duke Doherty.
Lamouth offers size, speed, and experience. His skillsets could really help lift those of others around him. Play makers like these guys on both sides of the ball could make things very rough for Everett’s opponents.
The newest head coach Robert DiLoreto provides a fresh face at the helm but will rely on his teachings of the fundamentals and coaching experience to help propel the Tide in his first year.
The overall run of success he’s had, including multiple championships, will keep the Tide headed in the right direction for years to come.
In 2021, look for Everett to do what they’ve done for decades: play for pride — and win.