Young Raiders pick up win
Led by underclassmen, Shea stops EP
PAWTUCKET – Three different players scored touchdowns for the Shea High football team on Saturday night. Similar to the Raiders’ starting quarterback, the three ball carriers who found the end zone against East Providence are sophomores.
On the surface, head coach Dino Campopiano and his staff have a promising young core to build around in the quest to help the Raiders regain their status as a playoff contender in Division I. The hope is that the lessons they learned during this “Fall II” season will pay dividends next fall and beyond.
Before the baton is passed the next wave of Shea talent, the program’s seniors sought to conclude the home portion of their high school careers on a winning note. On that front, it was mission accomplished as the Raiders staged their first league win of the season, a 21-6 triumph over the Townies at Max Read Field.
“We don’t have a lot of seniors, but they’re great individuals and very dedicated to me personally and the team,” said Campopiano.
No single player embodied the “Senior Night” atmosphere more than Tony Morgan. He opened the season as Shea’s starting quarterback before a switch was made to sophomore Cam Seaver, who started against EP. Through it all, Morgan remained the consummate team player.
Against East Providence, Morgan recovered two fumbles. Playing linebacker as well as tight end while also contributing on special teams, he was a major reason why the Raiders held the Townies off the scoreboard during the second half.
“Tony has done a lot for us. Not just this year but all four years,” said Campopiano. “He’s definitely an MVP. We thank him.”
Added Morgan, “Being a captain, you have no choice but to step up and do what’s best for the team.”
Another senior who made an impact against the Townies was Kenny Silva. Also a member of the Raiders’ basketball program, Silva caught two passes for 29 yards and was involved in a host of tackles.
“He’s another great kid,” said Campopiano. “I was happy to see him catch a pass late in the game and almost get in [the end zone].”
Similar to the Raiders, the Townies entered Saturday’s primetime affair looking to snap a drought that no team wants to be associated with. Through two league games, neither side proved successful when it came to crossing the goal line.
After trading turnovers on the game’s first two possessions, the Raiders broke through at 4:34 of the first quarter. Sophomore Zion Duarte discarded a couple of would-be tacklers on his way to a 30-yard score.
Shea’s 7-0 lead was trimmed down to a single point after East Providence quarterback Justin Fiore scored on first-and-goal from three yards out at 8:16 of the second quarter. It remained a 7-6 game until the fourth quarter when sophomores Jaydiel Diaz and Cincere Matthews scored on runs of four and two yards, respectively.
Of the four turnovers that EP committed, two resulted in TDs for the home team. The Raiders (1-2, Division I-A) turned the ball over three times.
“We knew we had a young group going into the season, but I’m so proud of them,” said Campopiano.
Right now, the Raiders are scheduled to close out the regular season this coming Saturday in non-league action against La Salle. EP wraps up 0-3 in league play, 0-4 overall.
Campopiano was appreciative of East Providence head coach Jon Stringfellow’s willingness to wait an extra day. Originally, this game was scheduled for Friday, a night that featured miserable weather conditions.
“He allowed us to change the game because it was our Senior Night. I appreciate that,” said Campopiano. “Because of the bad weather, I didn’t want the parents to come down in bad weather.” East Providence 0 – 6 – 0 – 0 --- 6
Shea 7 – 0 – 0 – 14 --- 21 (First Quarter)
S – Zion Duarte 30-yard run (Anilton Semedo kick), 4:34
(Second Quarter)
EP – Justin Fiore 3-yard run (run failed), 8:16
(Fourth Quarter)
S – Jaydiel Diaz 4-yard run (Semedo kick), 3:30
S – Cincere Matthews 2-yard run (Semedo kick), 1:31