Game of the Week - 11/2/12
Breakdown:
Both Sharon and Franklin are in the thick of things when it comes to divisional races in the Hockomock, and both have put themselves in position to win their respectable divisions. Sharon currently sits atop the Davenport with a 2-0 record, partnered with a 7-1 overall record. The Eagles picked up a key win over Stoughton, arguably their biggest competition in the division. This will be a good tune up for Sharon before taking on Foxboro (2-1 in the Davenport) on November 10th, which is have huge implications. Franklin suffered a tough 1-point loss to Taunton last week, giving them a 2-1 division record -- the same as three other teams. Their overall 6-2 record has been impressive, but they will want to rebound against a hungry Sharon team. It won't get any easier after this Friday with games against Mansfield and King Philip.
When: Friday, November 2, 2012, 7:00
Where: Pisini Field, Franklin, MA.
Players to Watch:
Franklin quarterback Nick Zucco hasn't just emerged this season as the best quarterback in the league, he's established himself in that position after his performance in recent weeks. He leads the league with 13 touchdown passes and the reason he's above other quarterbacks is his ability to get out of the pocket and make plays. He's added six scores with his feet and that has been the x-factor for Franklin. Robert Dellorco is still one of the best defensive backs in the league while he has been one of Zucco's favorite targets. Brandon Eccher is also a favorite of the QB while Kyle Finamore has been the feature back. For the Eagles, Sean Asnes is very similar to Finamore in his ability to move between the tackles and find the gaps. Sean O'Neill has also been one of the top gun slingers in the league with the help of Brad Kaufman (7 touchdowns). Evant Elisma has also been a positive coming out of the back.
Both Sharon and Franklin are in the thick of things when it comes to divisional races in the Hockomock, and both have put themselves in position to win their respectable divisions. Sharon currently sits atop the Davenport with a 2-0 record, partnered with a 7-1 overall record. The Eagles picked up a key win over Stoughton, arguably their biggest competition in the division. This will be a good tune up for Sharon before taking on Foxboro (2-1 in the Davenport) on November 10th, which is have huge implications. Franklin suffered a tough 1-point loss to Taunton last week, giving them a 2-1 division record -- the same as three other teams. Their overall 6-2 record has been impressive, but they will want to rebound against a hungry Sharon team. It won't get any easier after this Friday with games against Mansfield and King Philip.
When: Friday, November 2, 2012, 7:00
Where: Pisini Field, Franklin, MA.
Players to Watch:
Franklin quarterback Nick Zucco hasn't just emerged this season as the best quarterback in the league, he's established himself in that position after his performance in recent weeks. He leads the league with 13 touchdown passes and the reason he's above other quarterbacks is his ability to get out of the pocket and make plays. He's added six scores with his feet and that has been the x-factor for Franklin. Robert Dellorco is still one of the best defensive backs in the league while he has been one of Zucco's favorite targets. Brandon Eccher is also a favorite of the QB while Kyle Finamore has been the feature back. For the Eagles, Sean Asnes is very similar to Finamore in his ability to move between the tackles and find the gaps. Sean O'Neill has also been one of the top gun slingers in the league with the help of Brad Kaufman (7 touchdowns). Evant Elisma has also been a positive coming out of the back.
What To Expect...
...From Sharon - Sharon took another step forward in last Friday night’s 27-8 win in Randolph. Slow starts have hampered the Eagles at times this year, but against the Blue Devils, that was not an issue. Sharon forced a turnover and then scored a touchdown just 1:17 into the game, and never looked back.
Offensively, junior running back Evantz Elisma, Jr. had his most prolific game this season. Elisma, Jr. took the bulk of the Eagles’ carries and followed his blockers nicely, recording several long carries and a touchdown. Head Coach Dave Morse said that Elisma, Jr. had a hop in his step with the ball in his hands. Sharon’s offensive line consistently paved holes for ballcarriers both on interior rushes and on runs towards the sideline. Junior quarterback Sean O’Neill posted another strong outing, throwing long touchdowns to senior wideout Bradley Kaufman on consecutive possessions to salt the game away.
Defensively, Sharon was active up front. Junior Erik Kushner had an early strip-sack, and senior captain Adam Banks consistently wreaked havoc in the backfield. Senior safety Drew Kowalski came up with his first pick of the season. On special teams, senior kicker Eric Lesser nailed three of four extra points.
Although the upcoming game against Kelly-Rex foe Franklin has no bearing on Sharon’s playoff fate, the Eagles need to continue to show improvements. Friday’s outing is the Eagles’ last before they return to the Davenport Division for the ultra-important matchup versus Foxboro. When the Warriors come to town, Sharon would love to be coming off of a strong performance in Franklin and taking in an 8-1 mark. - Yoni Monat, Sharon Beat Writer
...From Franklin - Franklin's no-huddle offense is the biggest adjustment for opposing defenses. It is not always a hurry-up attack as sometimes the Panthers get to the line of scrimmage, but then stop to get the signals from the sidelines. Many teams in the Hockomock make limited substitutions anyway, but the Panthers keep defenses constantly on their toes, which can wear teams down more than normal. This has helped Franklin in the 4th quarter against strong teams like North Attleboro. Nick Zucco is the key to the Panthers' spread attack. His adjustments at the line and the ability to mix run and pass keeps defenses guessing. Kyle Finamore is the main running back for Franklin and if defenses sit back, as Oliver Ames did, Finamore can provide big plays for the Panthers. Zucco is an accurate passer and his favorite target is Robert Dellorco, who is sneaky quick and runs good routes. Zucco's biggest issue is holding the ball too long, which can lead to big losses and push the offense back.
Defensively, Franklin started the season very well, but over the past two weeks, the Panthers have given up 41 points to Attleboro and 28 points to Taunton. Injuries take their toll on all teams as the season progresses and Franklin have been no different. Junior Griffin Tighe was banged up against the Bombardiers and is important for Franklin on the interior and linebacker Michael Carlucci, who has also taken his fair share of hits this season, is one the team leaders from his middle linebacker position. The past few weeks, teams have been able to run on the Panthers and they need to clamp down to hold on to the Kelley-Rex lead. The one big advantage Franklin has on just about everyone is kicker Mike Carden, who beat Attleboro with a 41-yard field goal and just missed from 48 against Taunton. His leg can be a huge difference maker for the Panthers. - Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com Managing Editor
...From Sharon - Sharon took another step forward in last Friday night’s 27-8 win in Randolph. Slow starts have hampered the Eagles at times this year, but against the Blue Devils, that was not an issue. Sharon forced a turnover and then scored a touchdown just 1:17 into the game, and never looked back.
Offensively, junior running back Evantz Elisma, Jr. had his most prolific game this season. Elisma, Jr. took the bulk of the Eagles’ carries and followed his blockers nicely, recording several long carries and a touchdown. Head Coach Dave Morse said that Elisma, Jr. had a hop in his step with the ball in his hands. Sharon’s offensive line consistently paved holes for ballcarriers both on interior rushes and on runs towards the sideline. Junior quarterback Sean O’Neill posted another strong outing, throwing long touchdowns to senior wideout Bradley Kaufman on consecutive possessions to salt the game away.
Defensively, Sharon was active up front. Junior Erik Kushner had an early strip-sack, and senior captain Adam Banks consistently wreaked havoc in the backfield. Senior safety Drew Kowalski came up with his first pick of the season. On special teams, senior kicker Eric Lesser nailed three of four extra points.
Although the upcoming game against Kelly-Rex foe Franklin has no bearing on Sharon’s playoff fate, the Eagles need to continue to show improvements. Friday’s outing is the Eagles’ last before they return to the Davenport Division for the ultra-important matchup versus Foxboro. When the Warriors come to town, Sharon would love to be coming off of a strong performance in Franklin and taking in an 8-1 mark. - Yoni Monat, Sharon Beat Writer
...From Franklin - Franklin's no-huddle offense is the biggest adjustment for opposing defenses. It is not always a hurry-up attack as sometimes the Panthers get to the line of scrimmage, but then stop to get the signals from the sidelines. Many teams in the Hockomock make limited substitutions anyway, but the Panthers keep defenses constantly on their toes, which can wear teams down more than normal. This has helped Franklin in the 4th quarter against strong teams like North Attleboro. Nick Zucco is the key to the Panthers' spread attack. His adjustments at the line and the ability to mix run and pass keeps defenses guessing. Kyle Finamore is the main running back for Franklin and if defenses sit back, as Oliver Ames did, Finamore can provide big plays for the Panthers. Zucco is an accurate passer and his favorite target is Robert Dellorco, who is sneaky quick and runs good routes. Zucco's biggest issue is holding the ball too long, which can lead to big losses and push the offense back.
Defensively, Franklin started the season very well, but over the past two weeks, the Panthers have given up 41 points to Attleboro and 28 points to Taunton. Injuries take their toll on all teams as the season progresses and Franklin have been no different. Junior Griffin Tighe was banged up against the Bombardiers and is important for Franklin on the interior and linebacker Michael Carlucci, who has also taken his fair share of hits this season, is one the team leaders from his middle linebacker position. The past few weeks, teams have been able to run on the Panthers and they need to clamp down to hold on to the Kelley-Rex lead. The one big advantage Franklin has on just about everyone is kicker Mike Carden, who beat Attleboro with a 41-yard field goal and just missed from 48 against Taunton. His leg can be a huge difference maker for the Panthers. - Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com Managing Editor
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.
Scott Barboza, ESPNBoston.com – Following Sharon’s 43-0 blanking against King Philip, the Eagles showed their resolve with a huge 16-14 win over Stoughton the following week, seizing control of the Davenport division race for the time being. The Eagles now have another crossover test against Franklin, which will be smarting after last week’s surprising 28-27 loss to Taunton. While the Panthers might be looking ahead to the final two weeks with all-important Kelley-Rex games against Mansfield and King Philip to finish the season, I think Sharon could pull another surprising result in a topsy-turvy year in the Hock.
The Pick: Sharon 30, Franklin 28
Zuri Berry, Boston.com – There's a lot to like about Franklin's Nick Zucco, with both his ability to keep games within reach with his arm, and his ability to run it if necessary. Last week's loss to Taunton was disappointing, but it's not a stretch to believe the Panthers are playing at a higher level and have been matched up more evenly against quality opponents . Sharon's wins against conference and non-conference opponents, with the exception of Stoughton, simply aren't as impressive. If anything, Taunton was a trap game for Franklin and they use this week as motivation to bounce back.
The Pick: Franklin 28, Sharon 21
John Botelho, SportsJournal.Co – Franklin is pretty banged up and it showed last week when they dropped a tough one to Taunton (who is probably better than their record would indicate). Sharon got trounced by King Philip a few weeks ago, but turned things around with a big over Stoughton two weeks back. Have to think that we're more likely to see that version of the Eagles this weekend.
The Pick: Sharon 20, Franklin 15
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com – Franklin's spread offense can cause teams tons of problems and if Nick Zucco is making solid decision with the ball the Panthers could turn this into a shootout, which the Eagles might not be equipped to handle. If Franklin jump into the lead early this could turn into a blowout, but if Sharon can hold the scoring down through the first quarter then they will have a chance of picking up the victory. I think Franklin come out angry from last week's game and win big.
The Pick: Franklin 42, Sharon 20
Tim Rosenthal, HockomockSports.com – While there will be no divisional implications for either team this week, Sharon and Franklin enter Friday nights game looking to generate some momentum in the final stretch. The Eagles are certainly surprising many as they sit in first place in the Davenport at 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the division, while the Panthers (6-2 overall), despite losing to Taunton last week, still remains in the thick of things; tied with three other teams who are 2-1 in the Kelley-Rex. Both offenses have been prominent this season with Sharon's backfield of Sean Asnes, Brad Kaufman and Evan Elisma carrying the load and the emergence of quarterback Sean O'Neill has been a welcome sign; and Franklin has one of the best gun-slingers in the league in Nick Zucco to go along with a talented receiving core that includes Brandon Eccher and Robert Dellorco - who is also one of the top defensive back's in the Hock. Expect Franklin to exact revenge and come out on top in a shootout.
The Pick: Franklin 35, Sharon 31
Danny Ventura, The Boston Herald – You have to figure Franklin is going to come into this game in an angry mood after being upset by Taunton a week ago. Buoyed by its stunning win over Stoughton, Sharon has emerged as the surprise team of the Hockomock League. I sense a big effort from the Panthers this week as they atone for last week.
The Pick: Franklin 21, Sharon 14
Brendan Hall, ESPNBoston.com – I honestly have thrown my hands in the air at this point. I don't know who's a favorite anymore, and who's the best team. Week after week, someone's upsetting someone else, someone's throwing a surprise beatdown, and someone's winning in the waning minutes. When all else fails, go with the story, and you have to appreciate what a turnaround Dave Morse has devised at Sharon High. Go with the Eagles, in an unpredictable game.
The Pick: Sharon 22, Franklin 18
Jason Mastrodonato, The Boston Globe - As close as this game should be, we might see the third consecutive week where Franklin’s fate is held in the feet of kicker Mike Carden. Carden drilled a 41-yard field goal with time winding down to push the Panthers over Attleboro two weeks ago and nearly pulled off the miracle again last weekend (his 48-yard attempt fell just a few yards short as Taunton held on for a 28-27 victory). Two weeks in a row, though, Franklin has allowed at least 28 points against, and if the Panthers can’t buckle down on defense – in a game where points will be at a premium – Sharon’s magical season should be able to continue.
The Pick: Sharon 21, Franklin 7
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com – I have a feeling Sharon is going to have trouble running the ball against Franklin on Friday night. With that, they might become one dimensional. Expect Nick Zucco to take control, especially on his home field. I think Kyle Finamore punches more than one in and the Panthers win comfortably.
The Pick: Franklin 31, Sharon 14
Scott Barboza, ESPNBoston.com – Following Sharon’s 43-0 blanking against King Philip, the Eagles showed their resolve with a huge 16-14 win over Stoughton the following week, seizing control of the Davenport division race for the time being. The Eagles now have another crossover test against Franklin, which will be smarting after last week’s surprising 28-27 loss to Taunton. While the Panthers might be looking ahead to the final two weeks with all-important Kelley-Rex games against Mansfield and King Philip to finish the season, I think Sharon could pull another surprising result in a topsy-turvy year in the Hock.
The Pick: Sharon 30, Franklin 28
Zuri Berry, Boston.com – There's a lot to like about Franklin's Nick Zucco, with both his ability to keep games within reach with his arm, and his ability to run it if necessary. Last week's loss to Taunton was disappointing, but it's not a stretch to believe the Panthers are playing at a higher level and have been matched up more evenly against quality opponents . Sharon's wins against conference and non-conference opponents, with the exception of Stoughton, simply aren't as impressive. If anything, Taunton was a trap game for Franklin and they use this week as motivation to bounce back.
The Pick: Franklin 28, Sharon 21
John Botelho, SportsJournal.Co – Franklin is pretty banged up and it showed last week when they dropped a tough one to Taunton (who is probably better than their record would indicate). Sharon got trounced by King Philip a few weeks ago, but turned things around with a big over Stoughton two weeks back. Have to think that we're more likely to see that version of the Eagles this weekend.
The Pick: Sharon 20, Franklin 15
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com – Franklin's spread offense can cause teams tons of problems and if Nick Zucco is making solid decision with the ball the Panthers could turn this into a shootout, which the Eagles might not be equipped to handle. If Franklin jump into the lead early this could turn into a blowout, but if Sharon can hold the scoring down through the first quarter then they will have a chance of picking up the victory. I think Franklin come out angry from last week's game and win big.
The Pick: Franklin 42, Sharon 20
Tim Rosenthal, HockomockSports.com – While there will be no divisional implications for either team this week, Sharon and Franklin enter Friday nights game looking to generate some momentum in the final stretch. The Eagles are certainly surprising many as they sit in first place in the Davenport at 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the division, while the Panthers (6-2 overall), despite losing to Taunton last week, still remains in the thick of things; tied with three other teams who are 2-1 in the Kelley-Rex. Both offenses have been prominent this season with Sharon's backfield of Sean Asnes, Brad Kaufman and Evan Elisma carrying the load and the emergence of quarterback Sean O'Neill has been a welcome sign; and Franklin has one of the best gun-slingers in the league in Nick Zucco to go along with a talented receiving core that includes Brandon Eccher and Robert Dellorco - who is also one of the top defensive back's in the Hock. Expect Franklin to exact revenge and come out on top in a shootout.
The Pick: Franklin 35, Sharon 31
Danny Ventura, The Boston Herald – You have to figure Franklin is going to come into this game in an angry mood after being upset by Taunton a week ago. Buoyed by its stunning win over Stoughton, Sharon has emerged as the surprise team of the Hockomock League. I sense a big effort from the Panthers this week as they atone for last week.
The Pick: Franklin 21, Sharon 14
Brendan Hall, ESPNBoston.com – I honestly have thrown my hands in the air at this point. I don't know who's a favorite anymore, and who's the best team. Week after week, someone's upsetting someone else, someone's throwing a surprise beatdown, and someone's winning in the waning minutes. When all else fails, go with the story, and you have to appreciate what a turnaround Dave Morse has devised at Sharon High. Go with the Eagles, in an unpredictable game.
The Pick: Sharon 22, Franklin 18
Jason Mastrodonato, The Boston Globe - As close as this game should be, we might see the third consecutive week where Franklin’s fate is held in the feet of kicker Mike Carden. Carden drilled a 41-yard field goal with time winding down to push the Panthers over Attleboro two weeks ago and nearly pulled off the miracle again last weekend (his 48-yard attempt fell just a few yards short as Taunton held on for a 28-27 victory). Two weeks in a row, though, Franklin has allowed at least 28 points against, and if the Panthers can’t buckle down on defense – in a game where points will be at a premium – Sharon’s magical season should be able to continue.
The Pick: Sharon 21, Franklin 7
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com – I have a feeling Sharon is going to have trouble running the ball against Franklin on Friday night. With that, they might become one dimensional. Expect Nick Zucco to take control, especially on his home field. I think Kyle Finamore punches more than one in and the Panthers win comfortably.
The Pick: Franklin 31, Sharon 14
| HockomockSports.com Picks | ||||||||||
| Ryan Lanigan |
Tim Rosenthal |
Josh Perry |
Dan Libon |
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| HockomockSports.com Staff |  |
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| Sharon @ Franklin Friday 7:00PM |
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| Season | Lanigan 3-2 | Rosenthal 3-2 | Perry 3-2 | Libon 1-3 |
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