Everett High quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso looks downfield in Saturday’s 41-8 victory over Taunton.
We’re sure that all-time greats like Charlie Brickley and Frank Nuzzo Jr. and Diamond Ferri and Omar Easy and more recently Frank III and Matt Nuzzo had some memorable quarters during their spectacular careers in the Everett High football program.
But Everett High senior quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso may have surpassed them all with his aerial display in Saturday’s game against Taunton.
The state’s leading passer this season, DiBiaso had five touchdown passes overall, three coming in the first quarter on an 18-yard pass to Jakarrie Washington (following completions on the drive to three other receivers), a 60-yarder to Jaylen McRae, and a 56-yarder again to Washington.
DiBiaso’s second on-the-money strike to a streaking Washington drew the adjective, “unbelievable,” from E Club Executive Director Vincent Ragucci, who marveled at the Crimson quarterback’s exploits along with the rest of the Everett faithful.
It all added up to a very convincing Everett High 41-8 victory over Taunton at sun-drenched Everett Memorial Stadium.
Taunton coach Mark Shannon said afterwards that DiBiaso and the No. 1-ranked Everett High football team were impressive.
“DiBiaso’s great, they have a great offensive line that gives him plenty of protection – he picked out the open receiver and they have a lot of speed,” said Hannon.
DiBiaso was 13-for-17 for 229 yards and his five touchdown passes give him 79 for his career. Washington led the way with two touchdown receptions and 61 yards receiving. McRae caught two passes for 80 yards and one touchdown. Kenny Calaj had four catches for 30 yards and a touchdown while Vondell Langston had two catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Felix caught three passes for 27 yards.
Defensively, linemen Ralph Jonathas, Milton Lopez, Omar Garciano, Paul Marckini, and Jeff Soulouque blanketed the Taunton offense. The Tigers scored their only touchdown on the last play of the game.
Sophomore linebacker Angel Duarte stepped in for senior Chris McCarthy and turned in an outstanding performance in his first start.
Everett coach John DiBiaso took his foot off the accelerator in the second half and the sportsmanship was noted by the Taunton coach.
“They’re a class act and I wish them well – I hope they go on and win another Super Bowl,” said Hannon. “The coaching staff has a lot of class. They shut it down in the second half and gave some of their players a little playing time. They were very respectful of our kids and we didn’t have to hang our heads when we got on the bus for the one hour and fifteen ride.”
Asked whether he would schedule Everett again next year, Hannon smiled and replied, “That would be a negative.”