When the Div. 2 Super Bowl kicks off, it is going to be a conflict of contrasting kinds.
While King Philip is making its sixth Super Bowl look in seven years, Marshfield is within the title recreation for the primary time since 2014 because the Div. 2 commonplace bearers will face off within the title recreation on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
The recreation showcases totally different paths to success. King Philip has achieved an unbeaten report largely on the heels of physicality up entrance on either side, self-discipline, and controlling the clock.
Marshfield, in the meantime, holds a prolific no-huddle offense that strikes at a quicker clip than any within the Bay State. It was on full show when the Rams scored 52 factors in a state semifinal win over two-time defending champion Catholic Memorial.
“There is no way to simulate how fast Marshfield goes on offense,” King Philip coach Brian Lee mentioned. “It makes you play more vanilla and then they have a lot of speed that puts you in a bind. They really overwhelm you in many aspects.”
Marshfield’s offense is led by junior quarterback Tor Maas, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Around him are Nic Cupples, Charlie Carroll, Reid Bergamesca, and Jake Brilliant who all have over 20 receptions. Davin True is the first runner out of the backfield. The junior had three touchdowns within the aforementioned win over the Knights and has 1,179 dashing yards on the season.
Defensively, the Rams aren’t any slouch. Defensive finish Jake Ekstrom has tallied 10 sacks whereas Nate Russell and John McAlpine have mixed for 9. Giovanni Joseph has turn out to be a risk within the secondary and within the return recreation. Joseph has 4 interceptions and a kick return for a landing.
While Marshfield is battle examined, having gone up in opposition to perennial Div. 1 contender St. John’s Prep and Methuen within the common season, King Philip guarantees to be a special check.
The Warriors aren’t any stranger to the intense lights as they search for their third crown since 2016. Brian Lee’s group is undefeated and has notable wins over Milford, Div. 3 Super Bowl participant Walpole and Franklin at Fenway Park.
“No disrespect to any other team out there, but King Philip is the most disciplined, well-coached team that I have seen,” Marshfield coach Chris Arouca mentioned. “They make you work for everything. They’re physical. And they know how to control the game up front.”
Junior operating again Andrew Laplante has offered himself as the following nice King Philip operating again. Laplante has over 1,200 dashing yards, whereas he and fellow again Aiden Astorino have mixed for 22 touchdowns. Quarterback Tommy McLeish can beat opponents with each his arm and his legs. McLeish has 1,150 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Warriors have ballhawks within the secondary. Brandon Nicastro and Thomas Kilroy have mixed for 10 interceptions. Linebacker Ethan Pescione and defensive finish Luke Danson lead the move rush.
Over the years, King Philip has been stout up entrance and this season isn’t any totally different. Danson and Sean King lead the offensive line in serving to the Warriors set the tone.
“We try to follow the same approach every year where we try to outwork everyone,” Lee mentioned. “We’re a group that is in it together. From the sophomores all the way up everyone is bought in this season.”
In order for Lee’s group to complete off the undefeated season, it should outlast a Marshfield staff that has had the kitchen sink thrown its method.
“From the time we played St. John’s Prep and Methuen to start the year, our kids have believed they can play with anyone,” Arouca mentioned. “They’re tough. They’re resilient. They have played the top teams in Division 1 and Division 2 throughout the year. So, I think our guys will be ready to go.”
DIVISION 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
King Philip (12-0) vs. Marshfield (9-3), Thursday, 5:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium
KING PHILIP WARRIORS
Head coach: Brian Lee
SEPT. 8: KING PHILIP 31, Walpole 0
SEPT. 14: King Philip 34, MARBLEHEAD 6
SEPT. 22: KING PHILIP 28, Norwood 0
SEPT. 29: King Philip 28, TAUNTON 7
OCT. 6: KING PHILIP 52, Attleboro 0
OCT. 13: King Philip 13, FOXBORO 7
OCT. 20: KING PHILIP 23, Milford 14
OCT. 27: KING PHILIP 42, North Attleboro 14
NOV. 3: KING PHILIP 41, Diman 0
NOV. 10: KING PHILIP 31, Winchester 3
**NOV. 16: King Philip 41, Barnstable 21
NOV. 21: King Philip 35, Franklin 0
* – Home staff in caps. ** – Neutral subject
MARSHFIELD RAMS
Head coach: Chris Arouca
SEPT. 8: St. John’s Prep 41, MARSHFIELD 20
SEPT. 15: METHUEN 27, Marshfield 24
SEPT. 22: MARSHFIELD 15, Mansfield 9
SEPT. 29: Marshfield 33, BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM 7
OCT. 7: MARSHFIELD 41, Silver Lake 0
OCT. 13: Marshfield 43, HINGHAM 22
OCT. 20: Marshfield 49, PLYMOUTH NORTH 21
OCT. 27: MARSHFIELD 44, Whitman-Hanson 15
NOV. 3: MARSHFIELD 55, Plymouth North 34
NOV. 10: MARSHFIELD 51, Bishop Feehan 24
**NOV. 18: Marshfield 52, Catholic Memorial 40
NOV. 23: DUXBURY 23, Marshfield 21
* – Home staff in caps. ** – Neutral subject
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HISTORY
King Philip is taking part in in its sixth championship recreation, all coming since 2016. The Warriors are 2-3, with the final victory coming in 2017 when Cole Baker’s 30-yard subject aim with 1:30 remaining gave King Philip a 10-7 win over Lincoln-Sudbury within the Div. 2 championship.
Marshfield is showing in its eleventh championship with an general report of 5-5. The Rams are taking part in on the large stage for the primary time since 2014 when Jack Masterson and Jacob Maher every ran for 2 scores in a 45-6 win over Longmeadow to assert the Div. 2 title.
Source: www.bostonherald.com