Will face Taunton High in playoffs
By Lorenzo Recupero
Led by three rushing touchdowns from Damien Lackland, the Crimson Tide captured its 35th Greater Boston League title with ease Friday night, ousting the Lynn Classical Rams 31-0.
The highly anticipated matchup against the Rams (5-2) pinned the GBL’s top two teams against one another and the Tide came out on top, earning a sure spot in the MIAA playoffs behind their fourth shutout of the season.
The 2022 MIAA tourney bracket released Monday revealed the Tide (7-1), who are the 11th seed, will compete in the postseason against the 6th seed in Taunton High School (5- 3). Their opening round matchup will be played Friday, November 4th at Taunton HS at 7 p.m.
The Tide’s seventh straight win earned third-year Everett coach Robert DiLoreto his second GBL title.
“We want to build excellence in the GBL, so this is a very special way for us as a program and for me as a coach, as an Everett native, to know that I’m part of two championships now that we are officially back in the GBL,” said Diloreto.
Averaging over 28 points per game heading into the matchup, the Rams offense fell flat as the Crimson Tide took over defensively. It was standout defender Jayden Prophete and company who took matters into their hands and took over the contest. Prophete had his second performance of the season with two interceptions in a single game and Angel Diaz snagged a fumble return for a touchdown in the second quarter to lead the Tide.
“The key for our defense’s success on Friday was all 11 players reading their keys and executing their assignments,” said DiLoreto. “We knew that Lynn Classical had a powerful offense and we needed all 11 players locked in on every play. Thankfully, our players were up for the challenge,” he said.
Lackland (8 carries, 58 yards, 3 TD) and quarterback Karmarri Ellerbe (14 carries, 132 yards, TD) paced the Tide offense, combining for an average of 9 yards per carry in the win.