The 2nd ranked Everett Crimson Tide completed a 9-1 regular season last Friday, with a 54-20 win over Malden, in which virtually all of the starters were out of the game by the second half.
However, the Tide will face a test unlike any they’ve faced in the past, as they prepare for their first round playoff game with Masconommet, without the help of a Thanksgiving Day game to help keep them sharp.
When the Everett High team next takes the field, more than two weeks will have passed since their game against Malden. It is something that Coach John DiBiaso acknowledges and is working to overcome with his staff.
“We’ve never faced this kind of situation before, but it’s something that we’re going to have to go through,” said DiBiaso. “We’re giving the team some time off this week, we’ll try to get healthy, rest up some of the players and then get back to practice, sharpen up on a few things and be ready to go on that Tuesday night (November 26.)”
The Tide was certainly ready to go on Friday night, as they compiled 48 of their 54 in the first half, led by three touchdowns from Jalen Felix and two more by Jakarrie Washington, including 15-yard run to open the scoring in the first and a 41-yard reception from Raheem Winguard.
Felix’s three scores came on a one-yard run, and 86 yard kickoff return and a 70-yard run.
“I was obviously very pleased with our offense, we scored 54 points in a little more than a half,” said DiBiaso. “But I did feel like we have to tighten some things up on defense. Their quarterback (Jake Martino) threw for one touchdown and ran for another, he played a very good game, so that’s something we’re going to have to work on.”
Kenny Calaj, Matt Pothier and Joey White had the other Everett scores.
“It was a good game for us, we were able to get everyone into the game, it was our last home game, so a lot of the seniors played big minutes and everyone played well,” added DiBiaso.
Now, the next big test is to not get complacent in the two plus weeks between now and their next game.