Game of the Week - 10/05/12
Breakdown:
As of Monday morning, the game between Stoughton and Foxboro is still on. On Saturday, Stoughton lost a member of their team, David Wade. This Friday, the Black Knights will take the field hosting the Foxboro Warriors, with the winner having a big advantage in the Davenport Division. There will be a lot of heavy hearts on the field Friday. Last year, Stoughton escaped with a 21-13 win over the Warriors after a key fourth quarter stop. Both teams have shown improvement since last year, and have both picked up wins over top ranked Kelley-Rex teams.
When: Friday, October 5, 2012, 6:00
Where: Anthony L. Sarno Field, Stoughton High School
Players to Watch:
At times, Stoughton has a suffocating defense that won't let an offense do anything. Black Knight head coach Greg Burke called Adam Leonard "the smartest kid" they have and it shows. Last week, Leonard had a strip sack that set up Stoughton's second touchdown and swung all the momentum in their favor. For Foxboro, Luc Valenza is a force on both sides of the ball. Not only can he run the ball on offense, he's usually the lead blocked for Kiivone Howard. On defense, Valenza is all over the place and it won't be easy to get by him.
Key Matchup:
This week, we aren't going to focus on a match up involving an offensive player and a defensive player. Both teams have top notch backfields and that's what this week's Key Matchup will be. Foxboro's Kiivone Howard has been arguably the best back in the entire league this year. He's scored three touchdowns in each of the first four games and has racked up over a 100 yards in all of those games. He has a strong offensive line and a very strong fullback in Luc Valenza. Howard has been successful going to the outsides, which will be something Stoughton will want to shut down. For the Black Knights, Frankie Morris has emerged as the number one back. Morris doubled his touchdown total in just one game and now 8 on the season. Part of what makes Morris so successful are the options Stoughton has at back. Beyond Morris, Aaron Mack and Malachi Baugh offer different options that will keep the Foxboro defense guessing. We know both teams will be successful on the ground, but who will have the edge?
As of Monday morning, the game between Stoughton and Foxboro is still on. On Saturday, Stoughton lost a member of their team, David Wade. This Friday, the Black Knights will take the field hosting the Foxboro Warriors, with the winner having a big advantage in the Davenport Division. There will be a lot of heavy hearts on the field Friday. Last year, Stoughton escaped with a 21-13 win over the Warriors after a key fourth quarter stop. Both teams have shown improvement since last year, and have both picked up wins over top ranked Kelley-Rex teams.
When: Friday, October 5, 2012, 6:00
Where: Anthony L. Sarno Field, Stoughton High School
Players to Watch:
At times, Stoughton has a suffocating defense that won't let an offense do anything. Black Knight head coach Greg Burke called Adam Leonard "the smartest kid" they have and it shows. Last week, Leonard had a strip sack that set up Stoughton's second touchdown and swung all the momentum in their favor. For Foxboro, Luc Valenza is a force on both sides of the ball. Not only can he run the ball on offense, he's usually the lead blocked for Kiivone Howard. On defense, Valenza is all over the place and it won't be easy to get by him.
Key Matchup:
This week, we aren't going to focus on a match up involving an offensive player and a defensive player. Both teams have top notch backfields and that's what this week's Key Matchup will be. Foxboro's Kiivone Howard has been arguably the best back in the entire league this year. He's scored three touchdowns in each of the first four games and has racked up over a 100 yards in all of those games. He has a strong offensive line and a very strong fullback in Luc Valenza. Howard has been successful going to the outsides, which will be something Stoughton will want to shut down. For the Black Knights, Frankie Morris has emerged as the number one back. Morris doubled his touchdown total in just one game and now 8 on the season. Part of what makes Morris so successful are the options Stoughton has at back. Beyond Morris, Aaron Mack and Malachi Baugh offer different options that will keep the Foxboro defense guessing. We know both teams will be successful on the ground, but who will have the edge?
What To Expect...
...From Stoughton - Last week against heavily-favored Mansfield, Stoughton didn't just win; the Black Knights delivered a knock-out punch, but Foxborough dealt heavily-favored North Attleboro a similar blow.
A nice win for both teams, but it means little in the race for the Davenport Division title and a playoff berth. However Friday's tilt between Stoughton and Foxborough has real playoff implications. The first of four division games for both teams, each will be looking to gain an early edge towards clinching the division's playoff berth.
Breaking down "X's and O's," the key test for the Stoughton defense will be stopping Kiivone Howard, who has 12 rushing touchdowns through four games. Stoughton has proven it can stop backs like Mansfield's Robert Rapoza, and the Black Knights' run defense, which has been excellent, will have to be on task again Friday night.
But this game goes beyond just "X's and O's." Stoughton lost one of its seniors, lineman David Wade, following a tragic accident on Sept. 29. How will Stoughton respond Friday night? This has been a difficult, emotionally-draining week for the whole Stoughton community, the football team in particular. But, this is a mentally tough and disciplined squad, so if any team can overcome and rally around this, it's Stoughton. - Jeffrey Pickette, Stoughton Patch
...From Foxboro - The main weapon for the Warriors is going to be runningback Kiivone Howard. With 12 touchdown after four games, I’m sure that the Warrior fans are thanking the senior’s family for moving to Foxboro from Maryland last year.
The key for the Warriors is going to be possession, possession, and possession. What they have been good at this year is putting together long drives that take plenty of time off the clock. If you look at what they did against North Attleboro last week, they turned the game into a battle of possession with those four plus minute drives being huge for the Warriors. With that being said, it’s going to take more than Howard to keep those drives going.
If that offensive line led by senior captain Paul Nader can’t hold the Stoughton defense back, then it’s not going to matter how fast Howard is. In addition to Howard, Luc Valenza should be used as a second ‘back for the Warriors.
Through the air, QB Mike Slaby is going to be looking for Alex Pacitti and Jess Todd to pick up some yards and maybe some scores. In a league dominated by running backs, any time a team can move the ball through the air will be an advantage. - Dan Libon, Wrentham Patch
...From Stoughton - Last week against heavily-favored Mansfield, Stoughton didn't just win; the Black Knights delivered a knock-out punch, but Foxborough dealt heavily-favored North Attleboro a similar blow.
A nice win for both teams, but it means little in the race for the Davenport Division title and a playoff berth. However Friday's tilt between Stoughton and Foxborough has real playoff implications. The first of four division games for both teams, each will be looking to gain an early edge towards clinching the division's playoff berth.
Breaking down "X's and O's," the key test for the Stoughton defense will be stopping Kiivone Howard, who has 12 rushing touchdowns through four games. Stoughton has proven it can stop backs like Mansfield's Robert Rapoza, and the Black Knights' run defense, which has been excellent, will have to be on task again Friday night.
But this game goes beyond just "X's and O's." Stoughton lost one of its seniors, lineman David Wade, following a tragic accident on Sept. 29. How will Stoughton respond Friday night? This has been a difficult, emotionally-draining week for the whole Stoughton community, the football team in particular. But, this is a mentally tough and disciplined squad, so if any team can overcome and rally around this, it's Stoughton. - Jeffrey Pickette, Stoughton Patch
...From Foxboro - The main weapon for the Warriors is going to be runningback Kiivone Howard. With 12 touchdown after four games, I’m sure that the Warrior fans are thanking the senior’s family for moving to Foxboro from Maryland last year.
The key for the Warriors is going to be possession, possession, and possession. What they have been good at this year is putting together long drives that take plenty of time off the clock. If you look at what they did against North Attleboro last week, they turned the game into a battle of possession with those four plus minute drives being huge for the Warriors. With that being said, it’s going to take more than Howard to keep those drives going.
If that offensive line led by senior captain Paul Nader can’t hold the Stoughton defense back, then it’s not going to matter how fast Howard is. In addition to Howard, Luc Valenza should be used as a second ‘back for the Warriors.
Through the air, QB Mike Slaby is going to be looking for Alex Pacitti and Jess Todd to pick up some yards and maybe some scores. In a league dominated by running backs, any time a team can move the ball through the air will be an advantage. - Dan Libon, Wrentham Patch
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.
John Botelho, SportsJournal.co - Stoughton earned the right to be the favorite in this one with convincing wins over Pembroke (a playoff team last year) and a strong Mansfield team. With little room for error in the Hockomock League Davenport Division, it's safe to expect both teams to come out on all cylinders in this one. Stoughton, who will be on the field for the first time since losing teammate David Wade last weekend, figures to have something bigger to play for this week than simply positioning in the standings. With their fallen teammate in their hearts, expect Stoughton's best performance of the year.
The Pick: Stoughton 31, Foxboro 14
Tim Rosenthal, HockomockSports.com – Coming off two impressive victories over Kelley-Rex powers Mansfield and North Attleboro, respectively, Stoughton and Foxboro head into Friday's contest with early Davenport Division implications at stake. Foxboro running back Kiivone Howard's league leading 12 rushing TD's through four games are tops in the Hock, but he'll be tested against a Stoughton defense that is giving up just 6.5 points per game. That combined with a healthy dose of Frankie Morris, Marcus Middleton, Malachi Baugh and Aaron Mack should lift the Black Knights again in week five.
The Pick: Stoughton 20, Foxboro 13
Jason Mastrodonato, The Boston Globe – This game is about one thing: David Wade, the 17-year-old Stoughton senior who was shot dead by his older brother last weekend. You see the backlash from tragedies like these a lot, particularly in high school sports, where a team that goes through major adversity comes through better and stronger. When Justin Bailey died suddenly last winter, the Natick hockey team went on a roll. When Meghan McCarthy died, Danielle DePierro wore her jersey and led the Tewksbury basketball team on a run. There’s a football game to be played in Stoughton on Friday night, but in a close one, give the edge to the team that’s playing for more than a “W.”
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 20
Scott Barboza, ESPNBoston – The big question heading into Friday’s game will obviously be how Stoughton is able to handle all the emotions brought by losing a teammate. I think the Black Knights will be able to channel the feelings of pain and loss into a good result in what should prove to be a very important Davenport division game. That being said, I think Kiivone Howard and the Warriors offense will get theirs, so it’s going to be a tight one. I just like Stoughton’s depth at the skill positions a little bit more. They do it for David.
The Pick: Stoughton 21, Foxboro 17
Brendan Hall, ESPNBoston.com – Given last weekend's tragedy, football is probably the last thing on the minds of people in the Stoughton community this week. But a night like this can at least clear the head. Expect some inspired football.
The Pick: Stoughton 13, Foxboro 10
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com – This might be the fastest game played this season as the ball should stay on the ground the entire 44 minutes. Kiivone Howard has been a revelation for Foxboro this season including his three TD's last week against North. On the other side, Stoughton feature two strong backs in Aaron Mack and Frankie Morris. In the end, Stoughton have proved that they may have one of the best defenses in the league and has one or two more options offensively.
The Pick: Stoughton 20, Foxboro 8
Danny Ventura, Boston Herald – There will certainly be a great deal of emotion Friday night when Stoughton hosts Foxboro in a key Hockomock Davenport showdown. The Black Knights will be playing with heavy hearts after the tragic death of teammate David Wade. The Stoughton defense will have to keep an eye on Kiivone Howard wherever he goes on the field as evidenced by his 12 touchdowns. I see an inspired effort from the Black Knight defense as well as a solid ground attack leading the way to victory.
The Pick: Stoughton 21, Foxboro 12
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com – It might be the HockomockSports.com Game of the Week, but it will be much more than a game. The teams on the field will be battling for early Davenport supremacy, but David Wade will be on the minds of the Stoughton players and community. The players will surely be playing in his honor and will earn the win for their fallen teammate.
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 20
John Botelho, SportsJournal.co - Stoughton earned the right to be the favorite in this one with convincing wins over Pembroke (a playoff team last year) and a strong Mansfield team. With little room for error in the Hockomock League Davenport Division, it's safe to expect both teams to come out on all cylinders in this one. Stoughton, who will be on the field for the first time since losing teammate David Wade last weekend, figures to have something bigger to play for this week than simply positioning in the standings. With their fallen teammate in their hearts, expect Stoughton's best performance of the year.
The Pick: Stoughton 31, Foxboro 14
Tim Rosenthal, HockomockSports.com – Coming off two impressive victories over Kelley-Rex powers Mansfield and North Attleboro, respectively, Stoughton and Foxboro head into Friday's contest with early Davenport Division implications at stake. Foxboro running back Kiivone Howard's league leading 12 rushing TD's through four games are tops in the Hock, but he'll be tested against a Stoughton defense that is giving up just 6.5 points per game. That combined with a healthy dose of Frankie Morris, Marcus Middleton, Malachi Baugh and Aaron Mack should lift the Black Knights again in week five.
The Pick: Stoughton 20, Foxboro 13
Jason Mastrodonato, The Boston Globe – This game is about one thing: David Wade, the 17-year-old Stoughton senior who was shot dead by his older brother last weekend. You see the backlash from tragedies like these a lot, particularly in high school sports, where a team that goes through major adversity comes through better and stronger. When Justin Bailey died suddenly last winter, the Natick hockey team went on a roll. When Meghan McCarthy died, Danielle DePierro wore her jersey and led the Tewksbury basketball team on a run. There’s a football game to be played in Stoughton on Friday night, but in a close one, give the edge to the team that’s playing for more than a “W.”
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 20
Scott Barboza, ESPNBoston – The big question heading into Friday’s game will obviously be how Stoughton is able to handle all the emotions brought by losing a teammate. I think the Black Knights will be able to channel the feelings of pain and loss into a good result in what should prove to be a very important Davenport division game. That being said, I think Kiivone Howard and the Warriors offense will get theirs, so it’s going to be a tight one. I just like Stoughton’s depth at the skill positions a little bit more. They do it for David.
The Pick: Stoughton 21, Foxboro 17
Brendan Hall, ESPNBoston.com – Given last weekend's tragedy, football is probably the last thing on the minds of people in the Stoughton community this week. But a night like this can at least clear the head. Expect some inspired football.
The Pick: Stoughton 13, Foxboro 10
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com – This might be the fastest game played this season as the ball should stay on the ground the entire 44 minutes. Kiivone Howard has been a revelation for Foxboro this season including his three TD's last week against North. On the other side, Stoughton feature two strong backs in Aaron Mack and Frankie Morris. In the end, Stoughton have proved that they may have one of the best defenses in the league and has one or two more options offensively.
The Pick: Stoughton 20, Foxboro 8
Danny Ventura, Boston Herald – There will certainly be a great deal of emotion Friday night when Stoughton hosts Foxboro in a key Hockomock Davenport showdown. The Black Knights will be playing with heavy hearts after the tragic death of teammate David Wade. The Stoughton defense will have to keep an eye on Kiivone Howard wherever he goes on the field as evidenced by his 12 touchdowns. I see an inspired effort from the Black Knight defense as well as a solid ground attack leading the way to victory.
The Pick: Stoughton 21, Foxboro 12
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com – It might be the HockomockSports.com Game of the Week, but it will be much more than a game. The teams on the field will be battling for early Davenport supremacy, but David Wade will be on the minds of the Stoughton players and community. The players will surely be playing in his honor and will earn the win for their fallen teammate.
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 20
| HockomockSports.com Picks | ||||||||||
| Ryan Lanigan |
Tim Rosenthal |
Josh Perry |
Dan Libon |
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| HockomockSports.com Staff |  |
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| Foxboro @ Stoughton Friday 6:00PM |
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| Season | Lanigan 0-1 | Rosenthal 0-1 | Perry 0-1 | Libon 0-1 |
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