Football Pats gear up for 2024 season with a young, energetic squad

By Dom Nicastro

As the Revere High School football team prepares to open its 2024 season Friday night at home against Whittier Tech (6 p.m.), Head Coach Lou Cicatelli is optimistic about what lies ahead despite some significant challenges. The Patriots, coming off a promising finish to the 2023 season, will open their campaign with six straight home games, starting with a tough non-league matchup. Revere went 0-5 to start last season but finished winning four out of six games.

“We’re a young team this year,” said Cicatelli. “We’ve got a solid quarterback in Danny Hou (5-10, 162 pounds, senior), and another captain, Geo Woodard (5-9, 160 pounds, senior), who will be key for us. But our offensive line and defense are all made up of new kids, so we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

The team will have mostly a sophomore line filled with players green to the varsity scene. They’ll be protecting new quarterback Hou, who saw some snaps last year before being sidelined by injury. He will be stepping into the starting quarterback role full-time. His athleticism and dual-threat ability, particularly as a runner, will be crucial in leading Revere’s offense.

“Danny has gotten bigger and stronger, and he’s throwing the ball really well,” Cicatelli said. “But what sets him apart is his running ability. He’s going to be a problem for opposing defenses. His running abilities can hopefully keep us in games.”

Woodard joins Hou and as one of the team’s captains alongside fellow seniors running back/linebacker Darian Martinez and two-way lineman Adam Metawea. Woodard was a workhorse last year, shouldering most of the team’s running load. Martinez’s and Metawea’s experience and leadership will be important as the team navigates a season where many of the starters on defense will be underclassmen. The Patriots will rely heavily on senior Metawea (5-11, 240 pounds) who will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines.

“Adam is one of our few returning linemen, and he’ll be a key part of our line play on both sides of the ball,” said Cicatelli. With smaller numbers on the offensive line this year, Metawea’s consistency and leadership will be crucial for the team’s success in the trenches.

One of the more exciting aspects of the team is the influx of young talent, including freshman Anthony Pelatere (5-9, 150 pounds) and Reda Atoui (5-7, 165), who are expected to see time at running back and slot receiver positions. Both will also contribute defensively as defensive backs.

Revere’s defense, in particular, is a concern for Cicatelli. After losing eight players from last year’s defensive unit, the coach acknowledges that this side of the ball will require significant work. “We ran off four straight last year, and that’s a positive thing,” Cicatelli said. “I think the kids were looking forward to this season because of that. But again, it’s a lot of young kids, especially defense, which is probably a weakness to say the least, because we lost about eight kids. That’s a tough thing to replace, but we’ll be competitive.”

The Greater Boston League (GBL) remains competitive, but with perennial power Everett now playing independently, the league championship is up for grabs, offering Revere a chance to contend. The Patriots open the GBL portion of the schedule on Sept. 26 against Medford. “With Everett gone, the GBL is wide open for everyone, and it’s something we’re striving for,” said Cicatelli. “It’s going to be tough, but we hope to be in the mix.”

As Revere opens its season with a string of home games, Cicatelli knows the importance of setting the tone early. “Starting the season with six straight at home is a bit unusual, but it gives us an opportunity to build momentum,” he said. “We’ve just got to make sure we don’t dig ourselves into a hole.”

The Patriots face a difficult non-league schedule, including matchups against Masconomet and Whittier Tech, two programs known for their physical play and depth. But if Revere’s young core can come together, there’s hope that the team can exceed expectations and make a strong playoff push.

The season kicks off Friday night at Harry Della Russo Stadium, and Coach Cicatelli and his team are ready to show what they’ve got. “We’re young, but we’re ready,” said Cicatelli. “It’s going to be a fun season.”