Game of the Week - 10/19/12
Breakdown:
Friday will be a pivotal game for both Franklin (5-1) and Attleboro (4-2), as they are both coming off big momentum shifts. Franklin has won three straight, including a key Kelley-Rex win over North Attleboro two weeks ago. Attleboro has seen their sweet start turn sour over the past weeks, dropping back-to-back games by a combined 5 points. The Bombardiers were served their first divisional loss two weeks ago in a two-point loss to Mansfield. Despite the Kelley-Rex as much of a mystery as it was when the season started, it’s changed in so many ways. Heavily favorited North Attleboro has fizzled while Mansfield has yet to pick up consistency. This will be a key game in putting themselves in prime position in the Kelley-Rex, as King Philip will travel to Mansfield, meaning one of those teams will pick up a divisional loss.
When: Friday, October 19, 2012, 7:00
Where: Pisini Field, Franklin High School
Players to Watch:
It wasn’t a name we were watching when the season began, but it’s hard to overlook junior wide out and corner Robert Dellorco. He has been beyond impressive on more than one occasion, with a league leading two pick sixes. On top of that, he’s added three touchdown receptions and one rushing score. Senior back Kyle Finamore has been equally impressive this year, with six rushing touchdowns. One of the biggest pieces to the puzzle this year has been Panther quarterback Nick Zucco, who seems to perform best in crunch time. He has 12 total touchdowns (8 passing, 4 rushing) and has led Franklin in comeback situations. For Attleboro, the key piece has been running back Malique Clark. The senior has 9 rushing scores and has continued to punish defenses with his relentless speed. Junior quarterback Tim Walsh has come a long way since the beginning of the season, helping to control the offense including seven passing scores. Senior captain Oladipo Olaogun is a forced to be reckon with on both lines and has garnered a lot of attention from opposing offensive lives.
Key Matchup:
The Key Matchup will be Franklin’s ability to stop Malique Clark. Their defensive line will be faced with arguably one of the best backs amongst the 11 football schools in the Hock. Clark has collected 9 touchdowns on the ground, good for third best in the league. Clark has also proved costly against defenses that don’t pay enough attention. That could prove vital when the teams clash Friday.
Friday will be a pivotal game for both Franklin (5-1) and Attleboro (4-2), as they are both coming off big momentum shifts. Franklin has won three straight, including a key Kelley-Rex win over North Attleboro two weeks ago. Attleboro has seen their sweet start turn sour over the past weeks, dropping back-to-back games by a combined 5 points. The Bombardiers were served their first divisional loss two weeks ago in a two-point loss to Mansfield. Despite the Kelley-Rex as much of a mystery as it was when the season started, it’s changed in so many ways. Heavily favorited North Attleboro has fizzled while Mansfield has yet to pick up consistency. This will be a key game in putting themselves in prime position in the Kelley-Rex, as King Philip will travel to Mansfield, meaning one of those teams will pick up a divisional loss.
When: Friday, October 19, 2012, 7:00
Where: Pisini Field, Franklin High School
Players to Watch:
It wasn’t a name we were watching when the season began, but it’s hard to overlook junior wide out and corner Robert Dellorco. He has been beyond impressive on more than one occasion, with a league leading two pick sixes. On top of that, he’s added three touchdown receptions and one rushing score. Senior back Kyle Finamore has been equally impressive this year, with six rushing touchdowns. One of the biggest pieces to the puzzle this year has been Panther quarterback Nick Zucco, who seems to perform best in crunch time. He has 12 total touchdowns (8 passing, 4 rushing) and has led Franklin in comeback situations. For Attleboro, the key piece has been running back Malique Clark. The senior has 9 rushing scores and has continued to punish defenses with his relentless speed. Junior quarterback Tim Walsh has come a long way since the beginning of the season, helping to control the offense including seven passing scores. Senior captain Oladipo Olaogun is a forced to be reckon with on both lines and has garnered a lot of attention from opposing offensive lives.
Key Matchup:
The Key Matchup will be Franklin’s ability to stop Malique Clark. Their defensive line will be faced with arguably one of the best backs amongst the 11 football schools in the Hock. Clark has collected 9 touchdowns on the ground, good for third best in the league. Clark has also proved costly against defenses that don’t pay enough attention. That could prove vital when the teams clash Friday.
What To Expect...
...From Attleboro - The Bombardiers have arguably the most explosive offensive player in the league (especially with the recent injury to North's Alex Jette) in Malique Clark. The star running back is a threat to take every hand-off the distance as well as to run by defensive backs in the passing game. Junior quarterback Tim Walsh has a great arm and, in addition to Clark, multiple weapons to aim for, including wideout Cotey Martinez and tight end Luke Morrison. The question mark, as it seems to be every season for Attleboro, is whether or not the offensive line can give Walsh enough time or Clark a little bit of space to make plays. There are times when the Bombardiers can be overwhelmed by bigger teams and can wear down over the course of a game.
On defense, Attleboro counts on linebacker Sean Curran and tackle Oladipo Olaogun to be the primary run stoppers, but against a spread attack like Franklin's the secondary will be needed to step up, make tackles, and provide downfield coverage. Walsh is one of the players that will need to step up. Morrison will also need to show his versatility as a defensive end to help slow down Panthers QB Nick Zucco. In the past, the Bombardiers have struggled to react against a zone read offense and they will need to be on top of their game against Franklin. - Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com.
...From Franklin - Franklin has been successful this season because of their balanced offense. Kyle Finamore has been a solid back for the Panthers and Nick Zucco has been arguably the best quarterback in the entire Hockomock. Finamore impresses up the middle and to the outside and not just because of his skill. His offensive line is big and can move the bodies needed to give Finamore the space. Zucco has a solid arm but his ability to run with the ball puts him ahead of other quarterbacks in the league. A simple pass play can turn into a huge gain with Zucco’s vision.
On the defensive side of the ball, Franklin has been very solid defending the pass. The Panthers have only allowed four scores through the air, three of which came against Lowell. Their solid secondary will probe very helpful seeing as Attleboro’s main focus will be running the ball. If Franklin can trust their secondary, they will be able to stack the box and try to stuff the run.
The x-factor could be Franklin kicker and punter Mike Carden. Carden has been very consistent and with Attleboro having played in many close games, it could be a reliable kicker that earns the win. - Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com
...From Attleboro - The Bombardiers have arguably the most explosive offensive player in the league (especially with the recent injury to North's Alex Jette) in Malique Clark. The star running back is a threat to take every hand-off the distance as well as to run by defensive backs in the passing game. Junior quarterback Tim Walsh has a great arm and, in addition to Clark, multiple weapons to aim for, including wideout Cotey Martinez and tight end Luke Morrison. The question mark, as it seems to be every season for Attleboro, is whether or not the offensive line can give Walsh enough time or Clark a little bit of space to make plays. There are times when the Bombardiers can be overwhelmed by bigger teams and can wear down over the course of a game.
On defense, Attleboro counts on linebacker Sean Curran and tackle Oladipo Olaogun to be the primary run stoppers, but against a spread attack like Franklin's the secondary will be needed to step up, make tackles, and provide downfield coverage. Walsh is one of the players that will need to step up. Morrison will also need to show his versatility as a defensive end to help slow down Panthers QB Nick Zucco. In the past, the Bombardiers have struggled to react against a zone read offense and they will need to be on top of their game against Franklin. - Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com.
...From Franklin - Franklin has been successful this season because of their balanced offense. Kyle Finamore has been a solid back for the Panthers and Nick Zucco has been arguably the best quarterback in the entire Hockomock. Finamore impresses up the middle and to the outside and not just because of his skill. His offensive line is big and can move the bodies needed to give Finamore the space. Zucco has a solid arm but his ability to run with the ball puts him ahead of other quarterbacks in the league. A simple pass play can turn into a huge gain with Zucco’s vision.
On the defensive side of the ball, Franklin has been very solid defending the pass. The Panthers have only allowed four scores through the air, three of which came against Lowell. Their solid secondary will probe very helpful seeing as Attleboro’s main focus will be running the ball. If Franklin can trust their secondary, they will be able to stack the box and try to stuff the run.
The x-factor could be Franklin kicker and punter Mike Carden. Carden has been very consistent and with Attleboro having played in many close games, it could be a reliable kicker that earns the win. - Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com
The Pick
Each morning of game day, we will roll out our predictions in the section titled "The Pick." Here are our predictions with a brief explanation.
Tim Rosenthal, HockomockSports.com – These are clearly two teams going in opposite directions. Attleboro has lost two straight, while Franklin hasn't lost since since Sept. 21 against Lowell and have a perfect record in the Hockomock League. That said, Malique Clark should be able to give the Bombardiers a lift and I also see QB Tim Walsh progressing against Franklin's D. But I still see the Nick Zucco, Kyle Finamore and the upstart Panthers pulling out a close victory.
The Pick: Franklin 27, Attleboro 23
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com – When healthy, Attleboro may boast the most talented backfield in the league, but injuries to Brandon Annone and Jared Harris set it back. Attleboro has struggled with spread offense in the past and they face a Franklin team that is clicking right now. Expect this to be a close game right to the end, but I think it will be the third straight close defeat for Attleboro.
The Pick: Franklin 28, Attleboro 20
Brendan Hall, ESPNBoston.com – Did I not tell everyone to watch out for Franklin during the preseason? Don't look now, but the Panthers are on a roll. They settled on Nick Zucco at QB in the preseason, and over the last month he's made huge strides with his top target Rob Dellorco as they've won three straight. But this is a defense that can force turnovers, and I expect them to come up with a few in this one.
The Pick: Franklin 20, Attleboro 10
Dan Libon, Wrentham Patch – In a league dominated by Mansfied, KP, and North Attleboro recently, it's nice to see Franklin and Attleboro in it too. I think it's going to be close but Malique Clark should be enough to get Attleboro a slight edge over Franklin.
The Pick: Attleboro 28, Franklin 21
Danny Ventura, The Boston Herald – Much of the intrigue leading up the game is a question of whether star running back Malique Clark, The senior standout, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his first five games, didn't play last week for reasons which were never made clear. If Clark is in the lineup, he will give the Bombardiers a much more balanced attack to go along with quarterback Tim Walsh. Franklin has won three straight since losing to Lowell, including a wild 20-13 come-from-behind win over North Attleboro.
The Pick: Attleboro 21, Franklin 20 (provided Clark plays)
Jason Mastrodonato, The Boston Globe: Aside from Barnstable’s Nick Peabody, I haven’t been more impressed by a quarterback this year than I was by Franklin junior Nick Zucco. Zucco isn’t your typical gun-slinger – he’s only 5-foot-9 and certainly isn’t busting out of any t-shirts – but he’s shown terrific command of the offense and the ability to drive the Panthers into the red zone late in the game. He’s also established quite the connection with fellow junior Robert Dellorco at wide receiver. Franklin has won three in a row while Attleboro has dropped the last two, and I think the Panthers keep rolling here.
The Pick: Franklin 21, Attleboro 20.
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com – Attleboro is a very strong team and if Franklin can’t contain Malique Clark, they are going to be in trouble. Attleboro will have to limit their turnovers and keep Nick Zucco on the sideline. I’m not sure they can do that though. Mike Carden could play the role of hero.
The Pick: Franklin 23, Attleboro 20
Tim Rosenthal, HockomockSports.com – These are clearly two teams going in opposite directions. Attleboro has lost two straight, while Franklin hasn't lost since since Sept. 21 against Lowell and have a perfect record in the Hockomock League. That said, Malique Clark should be able to give the Bombardiers a lift and I also see QB Tim Walsh progressing against Franklin's D. But I still see the Nick Zucco, Kyle Finamore and the upstart Panthers pulling out a close victory.
The Pick: Franklin 27, Attleboro 23
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com – When healthy, Attleboro may boast the most talented backfield in the league, but injuries to Brandon Annone and Jared Harris set it back. Attleboro has struggled with spread offense in the past and they face a Franklin team that is clicking right now. Expect this to be a close game right to the end, but I think it will be the third straight close defeat for Attleboro.
The Pick: Franklin 28, Attleboro 20
Brendan Hall, ESPNBoston.com – Did I not tell everyone to watch out for Franklin during the preseason? Don't look now, but the Panthers are on a roll. They settled on Nick Zucco at QB in the preseason, and over the last month he's made huge strides with his top target Rob Dellorco as they've won three straight. But this is a defense that can force turnovers, and I expect them to come up with a few in this one.
The Pick: Franklin 20, Attleboro 10
Dan Libon, Wrentham Patch – In a league dominated by Mansfied, KP, and North Attleboro recently, it's nice to see Franklin and Attleboro in it too. I think it's going to be close but Malique Clark should be enough to get Attleboro a slight edge over Franklin.
The Pick: Attleboro 28, Franklin 21
Danny Ventura, The Boston Herald – Much of the intrigue leading up the game is a question of whether star running back Malique Clark, The senior standout, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his first five games, didn't play last week for reasons which were never made clear. If Clark is in the lineup, he will give the Bombardiers a much more balanced attack to go along with quarterback Tim Walsh. Franklin has won three straight since losing to Lowell, including a wild 20-13 come-from-behind win over North Attleboro.
The Pick: Attleboro 21, Franklin 20 (provided Clark plays)
Jason Mastrodonato, The Boston Globe: Aside from Barnstable’s Nick Peabody, I haven’t been more impressed by a quarterback this year than I was by Franklin junior Nick Zucco. Zucco isn’t your typical gun-slinger – he’s only 5-foot-9 and certainly isn’t busting out of any t-shirts – but he’s shown terrific command of the offense and the ability to drive the Panthers into the red zone late in the game. He’s also established quite the connection with fellow junior Robert Dellorco at wide receiver. Franklin has won three in a row while Attleboro has dropped the last two, and I think the Panthers keep rolling here.
The Pick: Franklin 21, Attleboro 20.
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com – Attleboro is a very strong team and if Franklin can’t contain Malique Clark, they are going to be in trouble. Attleboro will have to limit their turnovers and keep Nick Zucco on the sideline. I’m not sure they can do that though. Mike Carden could play the role of hero.
The Pick: Franklin 23, Attleboro 20
| HockomockSports.com Picks | ||||||||||
| Ryan Lanigan |
Tim Rosenthal |
Josh Perry |
Dan Libon |
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| HockomockSports.com Staff |  |
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| Attleboro @ Franklin Friday 7:00PM |
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| Season | Lanigan 2-1 | Rosenthal 2-1 | Perry 2-1 | Libon 1-1 |
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