Typically, Super Bowl matchups in any division will discover faculties that aren’t in the identical convention and neither program is simply too acquainted with the opposite, hailing from totally different elements of the state.
But West Boylston and St. Bernard’s are Central Massachusetts acquaintances and know all about one another heading to Gillette Stadium this Friday for the Div. 7 title.
West Boylston (10-2) contains a four-headed monster of a backfield in Connor Muldoon, Bobby Humphrey, Jamie McNamara and John Ruas as all of them contribute to go coach Mike Ross’ double wing offense.
“(St. Bernard’s is) a lot like us, they do a lot of similar things. They run the ball, we run the ball — a lot of similarities. We have a couple of kids that we can get the ball and the O-line has been solid all year; not the biggest in size, but tough and make plays,” stated Ross. “We’ve been playing year in and year out and St. Bernard’s has been a good rivalry for years. Normally when we play, it’s a big game for the season.”
The Bernardians are veterans of the Gillette Stadium highlight with Super Bowl appearances in 2015, 2018 and 2019 with back-to-back wins within the ultimate two showcases. But this all goes out the window as head coach Tom Bingham agrees the groups know one another effectively.
“We are not in the same leagues in Central Mass., but we see each other quite often with our alignment,” stated Bingham. “Coach Ross is the best to do it, does it the right way, and their kids work hard. They don’t hurt themselves, high football IQ, simple and fundamentally sound,”
St. Bernard’s (11-1) staple is the Delaware Wing-T offense counting on deception. Senior operating backs Damien Jones (27 touchdowns; 1,693 yards) and Antonio Mancini (16 TDs; 1,280 yards) lead the scoring with Keegan Rose and Jameson Williams additionally taking part in key roles within the four-back set.
But the credit score this season for St. Bernard’s goes to the offensive line which has expertise, dimension and has been the true basis for Bingham’s squad.
Tackles Stefano Allen and Rocco LaMonica are bookends and junior guard Jordan Clifton has helped the offensive push, creating all season lengthy as a bunch.
“This will be a war in the trenches. They have two backs that are spectacular and we have to slow them down,” stated Ross.
Bingham believes the ground-and-pound system utilized by each groups will make for a chess match on the sector.
“With Coach Ross and his staff and his kids, that nervousness is out the window this year,” stated Bingham. “We know what we are getting into and at the end of day it will be the team with the least mistakes and that tackles well which comes out on top.”
DIV. 7 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Friday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. at Gillette
St. Bernard’s vs. West Boylston
ST. BERNARD’S BERNARDIANS (11-1)
Head coach: Tom Bingham
ST. BERNARD’S 30, Blackstone Valley 0
Stoneham 24, ST. BERNARD’S 6
ST. BERNARD’S 42, South Hadley 0
St. Bernard’s 44, LEICESTER 14
ST. BERNARD’S 40, Nipmuc 7
St. Bernard’s 50, SUTTON 16
St. Bernard’s 46, BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE 6
ST. BERNARD’S 52, Northbridge 12
ST. BERNARD’S 42, Mashpee 12
ST. BERNARD’S 20, Uxbridge 14
St. Bernard’s 32, Cohasset 19
St. Bernard’s 48, ST. PAUL 20
HOME TEAM IN CAPS
WEST BOYLSTON LIONS (10-2)
Head coach: Mike Ross
West Boylston 37, NORTHBRIDGE 0
WEST BOYLSTON 43, Assabet Valley 18
WEST BOYLSTON 6, Blackstone Valley 0
West Boylston 42, CLINTON 7
West Boylston 28, TYNGSBORO 15
West Boylston 51, OXFORD 15
Lunenburg 25, WEST BOYLSTON 22
WEST BOYLSTON 41, Littleton 0
WEST BOYLSTON 42, Tech Boston 0
WEST BOYLSTON 36, Wahconah 6
West Boylston 33, Amesbury 20
MAYNARD 48, West Boylston 13
HOME TEAM IN CAPS
SUPER BOWL HISTORY
St. Bernard’s is heading to its fifth championship sport, posting a 3-1 total document. The Bernardians gained back-to-back Div. 8 titles in 2018 and 2019. St. Bernard’s defeated West Bridgewater 30-8 in 2019 as Nico Mancini ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns, whereas Tyler Thibodeau added 104 dashing yards and a rating.
West Boylston is 2-0 in title sport appearances. The Lions defeated Grafton, 15-6, in 1988 and topped Leicester 14-6 within the Div. 5 ultimate in 2012 as Mike Pace ran for 92 yards and a rating, whereas Steven Gould added the opposite rating.
Source: www.bostonherald.com