Freshman quarterback Jake Willcox made an impressive debut as the Everett High football team belted Somerville, 56-8, Friday night at Dilboy Stadium.
Willcox was 9-for-12 for 137 yards and two touchdown passes in the first half as Everett scored on its first six possessions. Willcox was making his first varsity start in place of Jordan McAfee, who has been sidelined by a bout with mononucleosis.
Willcox was the quarterback of the Crimson Tide Pop Warner Patriot Division team that captured the national championship last December. Coach John DiBiaso said that Willcox will be the starting QB again Friday night when Everett plays Malden for the Greater Boston League title.
Mike Sainristil and Jackinson Joacine caught touchdown passes from Willcox. Luis Cardona, Dexter Cumberlander, Jonathan Pharel and Marvens Fedna rushed for scores as Everett built a 42-0 lead at the half.
Yvens Jean returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter while Jacob Miller had six-yard run to complete the scoring. Omar Herrera booted six PATs while Cardona had a two-point conversion.
DiBiaso lauded the play of Willcox.
“Jake had a really good game,” said DiBiaso. “We have a lot of older kids on the team and we’re asking Jake to manage things and he made an impressive debut.
DiBiaso said his team is very excited about the Malden game that will determine the GBL champion and a higher seed in the Division 1 playoffs.
“We’re excited about the game,” said DiBiaso. “They’re a good team and they’ll be sky high for this game. We’ve played really well the past two games. We have to be prepared for Malden and play our best.”