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By Dom Nicastro
The 2024 Revere High School football season came to a close on Thanksgiving Day with a 25-0 loss to rival Winthrop, ending the Patriots’ campaign with a 5-6 overall record.
While the defeat marked a disappointing finale to an otherwise memorable season, the year was defined by standout performances, resilience and a glimpse of the program’s bright future.
Head coach Lou Cicatelli reflected on the game and the season, acknowledging the challenges of facing a strong Winthrop team.
“They were better than us,” Cicatelli said. “Their offensive and defensive lines dominated, and we had a lot of missed assignments. Those things add up. But I’m proud of the season we had, especially with such a young team.”
Revere’s season was marked by a five-game midseason win streak, which included a signature victory over perennial powerhouse Everett, the program’s first since 1991. That triumph served as a cornerstone for the Patriots’ year, showcasing their potential and rallying the community.
It was Coach Cicatelli’s 101st career win.
“That win was huge for the program,” Cicatelli said. “It gave our kids the belief that they can do big things. The minute we beat them, more kids were saying they wanted to play next year. That’s the kind of momentum we need.”
The Patriots scored over 40 points in four of their five wins, demonstrating an explosive offense led by senior stars Geovani Woodard and Danny Hou.
Woodard capped off a stellar career with 1,280 rushing yards on 140 carries and eight rushing touchdowns. He also added seven receiving touchdowns, bringing his total to 15 scores on the season.
Hou, the team’s dynamic quarterback, accumulated 765 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground while completing 31 of 71 passes for 785 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
“Geo and Danny were the heart and soul of our team,” Cicatelli said. “The numbers they put up were incredible, and they’ve set a high bar for the younger guys coming up.”
If 2024 was a season of senior leadership, it was also one of freshman emergence. Defensive standout Charles Dobre led the team with 100 tackles, eight sacks and five forced fumbles, cementing his status as one of the most impactful first-year players in recent memory.
“Charles is a beast,” Cicatelli said. “We moved him around on defense, and he made plays everywhere. He’s one of the best freshmen I’ve ever had.”
Fellow freshman Reda Atoui also shone, recording 66 tackles, four interceptions two pick-sixes and a strip-and-score for a 68-yard touchdown. Anthony Pelatere and Jose Fuentes rounded out a foursome of strong rookie contributions, contributing on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve never had a freshmen class like this,” Cicatelli said. “These kids played a huge role all season, and they’re only going to get better.”
The loss to Winthrop underscored areas for growth, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. However, with the foundation laid by this year’s young core, the Patriots have plenty on which to build.
“Our freshmen stepping up and our seniors leading the way made this a special year,” Cicatelli said. “We have a lot of guys coming back, and I’m excited to see what they can do.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the Patriots will lean on returning players like Dobre, Atoui and Fuentes to fill the void left by graduating seniors. Meanwhile, Mario Ramirez, Yousef Benhamou and other underclassmen are expected to take on larger roles.
“This season proved that we can compete with anyone,” Cicatelli said. “With the talent we have coming back, I think the future is very bright for Revere football.”
Though the season ended shy of a winning record, Revere’s 2024 campaign will be remembered for its resilience, highlighted by the five-game win streak and the historic victory over Everett.
“It would’ve been nice to finish with a win on Thanksgiving, but I’m still very proud of these kids,” Cicatelli said. “They worked hard, grew together as a team, and gave us a lot to look forward to.”
