By Jerry DiStefano

The Revere High Patriots football team is off this week and it could not have come at a better time. Revere Head Coach Lou Cicatelli believes it is just what the doctor ordered for his squad.

“This bye could not have come at a better time for us. We are just about to start league play and we are little beat up—more than what I would like. We have five injuries to key players, and that does not even count players who have nagging injuries. We have also lost a starting linebacker for the year. My boys have…a lot of resiliency… They have not let injuries affect their play or their minds on the field. This is what football is all about. Every team has to go through serious injuries and nagging injuries, it is just the nature of the game,” Cicatelli commented.

The Patriots had a very physical and taxing game last week against Salem and they fell short, 20–6, in that highly intense contest. The game came down to the last drive when the clock—more than anything—did the Patriots in. It was also a wet and muddy field.

Revere will be squaring off against 0–5 Peabody after the bye week. The Patriots are still going to be looking for big performances from Joe Ritchie, Kyle Gotham, Bobby Rose, Steven Piazza, Tommy Portrait, Marvin Rios, and Andy Restiano. This bunch has been instrumental for Revere’s success game in and game out, and helped lead Revere to a solid 3–1 start.

Coach Cicatelli knows just because Peabody in winless thus far does not mean his squad can take them lightly. He stated: “We must be very physical against Peabody. Our physicality, game in and game out, is a huge reason why we have been so successful thus far. Also, Peabody will be another solid test, and it is great we get the Tanners before we square off against Lynn English. As long as my boys remain physical, pay attention to detail, and are prepared, then we will be just fine.”

Next Friday Revere will try to continue its roll and improve its record to 4–1 against the Tanners.