Tide football smokes Somerville in home opener to secure first win

Everett now gets ready to take on host Lynn English Friday night at Manning Field beginning at 6 p.m.

By Joe McConnell

After playing a competitive, hard-fought game against perennial Super Bowl contender Xaverian to open up the season, the Everett Crimson Tide football team (1-0 in the GBL, and 1-1 overall) came home to wallop Greater Boston League (GBL) rival Somerville to the tune of 59-0 last Friday night at Everett Stadium.

First-year Tide coach Justin Flores was happy to see his team taking full advantage of Somerville’s mistakes in all phases of the game.

“(Somerville) made some mistakes in all three phases of the game that we took advantage of,” said Flores. “Similar to what Xaverian did to us the previous week, we capitalized on field position.

“No matter who we play, we prepare as if they are a top-quality opponent in the state. The players on this team understand it’s not just about competing with the top teams, but winning those games the next time the opportunity arises for us down the road.”

By game’s end, Flores credited Damien Lackland for his offensive contributions, and Christian Zamor for being a standout on defense.

The Tide jumped out to a 30-0 first quarter lead, and led at halftime, 47-0. They scored two more touchdowns in the second half to account for the final score.

Zamor hooked up with quarterback Carlos Rodriguez for a 25-yard touchdown pass to begin the onslaught. Lackland then completed another scoring drive with a three-yard run to paydirt. Rodrigues found Yariel Ortiz for a 40-yard scoring strike. Following a safety for two more points, Rodrigues called his own number, and proceeded to scamper 28 yards for six more points to complete the first quarter scoring spree.

To begin the second quarter, Ortiz connected with Rodrigues again for a 26-yard touchdown reception. Jayden Prophete electrified the Everett Stadium crown with a 75-yard punt return for six more points. Adoni Santos then booted a 47-yard field goal to close out the first half scoring at 47 points.

Rodrigues scored Everett’s lone third quarter touchdown on a 26-yard run. Lackland finished things up for the offense in the fourth quarter with a two-yard TD run.

Statistically speaking

Offensively, Rodrigues completed four passes – two for touchdowns – against the Highlanders for 111 yards. He also ran the ball three times for 59 yards, with two of the rushes also going for touchdowns. Lackland was credited with eight carries for 118 yards, and two touchdowns. Zamor caught one pass for 25-yards, which went for six points. Ortiz had two receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Jaysaun Coggins caught one pass for 20 yards.

On defense, Aidan Duclos and Dom Papa each made three tackles. Jason Stark, Pedro Rodrigues and Jalen Jones chipped in with two tackles apiece. Kevin Diaz came up with a tackle, along with Donald Michel, Armani Negron and Prophete.

Bulldogs next on deck

Next up for the Tide is a trip to Lynn to face the Lynn English Bulldogs at Manning Field Friday night, starting at 6 p.m.

“Lynn (English) is a tough team that already had a couple of battles this season (Lawrence shut them out two weeks ago, 27-0, and Swampscott beat them last week, 27-12),” said Flores. “They have some solid skill players on the perimeter, and a quarterback who can move around a little bit. We will attack the holes they give us on defense, and when we are on defense, we need to be physical to stop their run game.”