5th annual fight night held at Dilboy stadium
Photos by Katy Rogers
The 5th Annual Fight Night at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville attracted hundreds of fans on Friday night, Aug. 20, and served as the location for several boxing matches, including the first competitive fight for Everett’s Shea Willcox.
Willcox is a member of the Somerville Boxing Club under the guidance of his coach, Alex Rivera. While Everett’s Robert LaMontagne (nephew of Richie “The Mountain” LaMontagne) was anticipating his first fight as well, he went unopposed. However, he said he still looks forward to his first match in the near future.
The stadium drew a huge crowd, many of them supporters from Everett.
Everett QB McAfee will take next step at UConn
By Cary Shuman
Everett High School senior Jordan McAfee will be playing his college football at Division 1 University of Connecticut.
The talented 6-foot-4-inch, 213-pound quarterback made a verbal commitment after participating in UConn Junior Day. He was the first recruit from the Class of 2017 to commit to the Huskies.
UConn is a big-time football program that has several games on national television each season and plays its home games at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field which seats 40,000 fans. UConn played Oklahoma in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl and has more than 20 players in the National Football League.
McAfee’s scholarship totals more than $200,000 for four years. He joins a star-studded list of John DiBiaso-coached players who are competing at all levels of college football.
McAfee is excited to be heading to UConn, a school known widely for its men’s and women’s (four consecutive NCAA titles) basketball teams but becoming a national contender in football as well.
“I’m very excited to be going to UConn,” said McAfee following Everett’s first preseason practice Friday. “It’s a great university and it feels like home to me. Everyone is nice there. The coaches are building some great teams and the program keeps getting better.”
McAfee had received offers from Boston College and other Division 1 schools but he liked the atmosphere he experienced during his visit to UConn.
“I went to UConn’s Junior Day and I liked the vibe down there and the community and I made my commitment,” said McAfee. “One of my goals when I began at Everett High School was to play Division 1 college football so I was thrilled when they offered me a scholarship.”
McAfee is beginning his third season as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback. He first burst on the scene in the eighth grade as a quarterback of a national champion Everett Crimson Tide Pop Warner Pilgrim Division team.
McAfee displayed every facet of his Cam Newton-style skills during a memorable last-minute drive in a thrilling 18-14 victory against Peabody High in last year’s playoffs. McAfee completed the winning touchdown pass to Theo Zidor with 14 seconds remaining, capping a stunning comeback before 5,000 fans in Peabody.
“That was a big moment – that’s where I came from and grew up so it felt good to win that game,” said McAfee. “The big guy [Zidor] made a great catch. But I give credit to our offensive line for the protection. We couldn’t have won that game without them.”
McAfee credited coach John DiBiaso for developing him in to a college quarterback. “He’s been great coaching me. He made me in to the player I am. I’m very grateful to have him as my coach. Everett has a great tradition and I want to bring the state championship back to Everett.”
DiBiaso said McAfee is sitting on a huge season for the Crimson Tide. He has an excellent receiving corps that includes 6-foot-6-inch Theo Zidor, Anthony Norcia, Mike Sainristil, and Jason Maitre. Marvin Fedna leads a potent backfield.
“Jordan is primed for a big year,” said DiBiaso. “He has two years of experience under his belt. We’re expecting big things from him. We’re counting on him to take over a leadership role because he’s a senior. He’s a good kid and a good student and he sets a good example as a role model for the younger guys. Now we just have to put it all together this season.”
Jordan is the son of Steve McAfee and Charlotte McAfee. Brenda McAfee said she has been watching her grandson Jordan’s games since he was toddler.
“Jordan had a basketball in his hand at the age of three and he could dribble and he could shoot. We thought that was his calling. He surprised us when he came home one day talking about ‘playing helmets.’ He started playing flag football at the age of eight or nine and now it’s history.
“Jordan getting a scholarship to UConn – I’m just so proud of him. I just want him to be happy and enjoy life. Football got him to this point but it’s all about education – though I can’t wait to see him play at UConn. Roll Tide, Bleed Blue.”
Everett Women’s Volleyball starts 45th season
The Everett Women’s Volleyball League, one of the longest running sports leagues in the history of Everett, will have registration for the upcoming 2016-2017 season, on Wednesday evening, September 7 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Recreation Center, 47 Elm Street. Team players must be at least 18 years old. There will be a non-refundable $35.00 registration fee and $5.00 weekly dues. Sign-ups will not be accepted without the non-refundable fee.
The league plays regulation games with a referee Wednesday nights from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM at the Recreation Center. Due to the limited number of openings, Everett residents and previous members are given preference.