Posted by Bob Holmes, Globe Staff November 27, 2009
The MIAA announced the lineup for Tuesday's football semifinals.
Division 1: Billerica plays Everett at Lowell's Cawley Stadium at 7:45 p.m.; Brockton faces Xaverian at Weymouth at 7:45.
Division 1A: Gloucester and Westford will meet at 7:45 at Manning Field in Lynn; Needham will play at host Bridgewater-Raynham at 7:45.
Division 2: Dracut plays at host Reading at 7:45; Natick plays at Franklin at 7:45.
Division 2A: Masconomet will face Concord-Carlisle at Lowell at 5:15; Marshfield and Duxbury meet again, this time in Weymouth at 5:15.
Division 3: Rockland faces Marblehead in Lynn at 5:15; Bishop Feehan faces Dighton-Rehoboth at Taunton at 7:45.
Division 3A: Austin Prep plays Lynnfield at Reading at 5:15; Cohasset faces Holliston at Bridgewater-Raynham at 5:15.
Division 4: East Boston plays Bristol-Plymouth at Taunton at 5:15. Whittier earns a bye.
Division 4A: Marian plays Northeast at Arlington at 7:15; Brighton faces Tri-County at Franklin at 5:15.
The MIAA has released the schedule for Gilllette Stadium. Division 3A is at 9 a.m. followed in order by Div. 3 at 11 a.m., Div. 2A at 1:30, Div. 2 at 3:30, Div. 1 at 6, and Div. 1A at 8. Tickets at Gillette are $13 for adults, $10 for students. Division 4 and 4A will be played at Bentley
Friday, November 27, 2009
Iverson reconsidering as coaches Brown, Thompson line up to talk to him
dailypress.com
Staff, wire service reports
11:20 PM EST, November 26, 2009
According to reporter Stephen A. Smith, sources close to Allen Iverson are saying he's already having a change of heart after seeing some of the reaction around the league to his retirement announcement Wednesday.
"I think he just wants to feel wanted again," one of the sources said.
A couple of the notable reactions from around the league included the Heat's Dwyane Wade and the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony.
"I'm No. 3. He made No. 3 cool," Wade told NBA.com. "He made crossovers cool. He did so much for the game as a pioneer. It's sad to see him think about retirement."
"It's tough -- just a messed-up way to go out like that," Anthony told The Denver Post.
Bobcats coach Larry Brown might try to talk Iverson out of retiring, the Charlotte Observer reported. Brown coached the former Bethel High star with the 76ers.
Also, Iverson's former Georgetown coach, the elder John Thompson, wants to talk with him. Thompson told ESPN.com's J.A. Adande he was "vehemently opposed" to Iverson retiring, "especially out of frustration."
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
Staff, wire service reports
11:20 PM EST, November 26, 2009
According to reporter Stephen A. Smith, sources close to Allen Iverson are saying he's already having a change of heart after seeing some of the reaction around the league to his retirement announcement Wednesday.
"I think he just wants to feel wanted again," one of the sources said.
A couple of the notable reactions from around the league included the Heat's Dwyane Wade and the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony.
"I'm No. 3. He made No. 3 cool," Wade told NBA.com. "He made crossovers cool. He did so much for the game as a pioneer. It's sad to see him think about retirement."
"It's tough -- just a messed-up way to go out like that," Anthony told The Denver Post.
Bobcats coach Larry Brown might try to talk Iverson out of retiring, the Charlotte Observer reported. Brown coached the former Bethel High star with the 76ers.
Also, Iverson's former Georgetown coach, the elder John Thompson, wants to talk with him. Thompson told ESPN.com's J.A. Adande he was "vehemently opposed" to Iverson retiring, "especially out of frustration."
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
Allen Iverson retires from NBA
dailypress.com
By Nick Mathews
Daily Press
10:39 PM EST, November 25, 2009
Apparently, retirement is the answer for Allen Iverson.
For now anyway.
Iverson -- who starred on the Peninsula at Bethel High and with Boo Williams' AAU program and will one day be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame -- announced his plans to retire from the NBA on Wednesday.
The decision -- published on stephena.com, the web site of syndicated radio personality and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith -- comes after Iverson failed to sign with a team following his Nov. 17 release from the Memphis Grizzlies.
"I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association," wrote Iverson, a 10-time all-star, a four-time scoring champion and the 2001 NBA MVP. "I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."
That bittersweet beginning to his statement appears to leave open the possibility of a short retirement, should a team be interested in signing him. But he contradicted those statements quickly.
"Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids," wrote Iverson, nicknamed "The Answer."
"This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I've ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day, and I see it as my greatest gift."
Williams, who led Iverson and teammates to a 17-and-under AAU national title in 1992, isn't sure this is the end of Iverson's career. "Interesting," Williams said after being read Iverson's 415-word announcement. "It sounds like a guy that didn't want to retire.
"When you read that, you will say he will come back if the right option will present itself. But the question is, will the right option present itself?"
The 6-foot Iverson, who averaged 27.0 points during his NBA career (sixth-best all-time), starred for Georgetown, was the No. 1 overall pick by Philadelphia in 1996 and played 10 full seasons with the 76ers -- highlighted by the MVP award and an NBA Finals appearance in 2001. He was traded to Denver in 2006 and then to Detroit last November.
Iverson signed with the Grizzlies during the off-season but played in just three games before an indefinite leave of absence on Nov. 7 to deal with a personal issue. The 34-year-old guard played only three games with Memphis, all in California. He averaged 12.3 points and 22.3 minutes coming off the bench.
It was the second straight ugly ending for Iverson, who was unhappy last season playing for the Pistons. He was upset that Detroit coach Michael Curry and Memphis' Lionel Hollins used him as a reserve.
"There is no greater competitor I have been associated with," Williams said of Iverson. "I can't see him wanting to come off the bench. He didn't want to come off the bench as a little boy. That isn't changing."
Williams didn't like what he saw in the last couple of stops for Iverson.
"That was a fiasco in Detroit," Williams said. "And the Memphis thing was a miscommunication. I don't know what was expected from him. But they weren't on the same page. That's just me on the outside looking in."
After his release from Memphis, Iverson was considered by other teams, most seriously the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks passed on signing Iverson, leading to Wednesday's news.
"I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA," Iverson wrote on the Web site, "and I am grateful."
If this is the end, Williams didn't see Wednesday as a sad day.
"Talk about a guy who had a great career," Williams said. "I think now he can move on. But, I think in his heart, he thinks he can still play on a day-to-day basis."
Coaches in the league agree with Williams that Iverson's career may continue.
"I think he still has something left to give some team out there," said George Karl, who coached Iverson in Denver. "If that's his decision, he'll go down in history, I think, as the greatest little guard ever to play the game of basketball.
"I was happy to have him for a couple years, and hopefully our paths will cross. But I have a sneaky feeling that somewhere along the way, an injury or a circumstance with a team will open that window back up."
Added Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers: "I don't ever believe anyone retires until they get to the point they have to. He had a great career if it is true, but I still think he has more to offer."
While on the Peninsula, Iverson was a two-sport star. In his junior year, he led the Bruins to the 1992 Division 5 state football championship as a quarterback and safety, and to the 1993 Group AAA basketball title. The Associated Press named Iverson the Group AAA player of the year in both sports.
In the summer before his junior year, Iverson led Williams' team to a national title.
During the national tournament in Winston-Salem, N.C., Williams said that Iverson had three straight games in which he scored at least 30 points -- before halftime.
"That's going to be something I will remember for a long time," Williams said. "Of all the guys we've ever had, that is one of my fondest memories."
In his statement, Iverson looked back to the beginning of his career.
"To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown (with the 76ers) and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who've been a part of my career, thank you as well," he wrote.
"I'd like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies' organization all of the success that the game has to offer.
"And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers' uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears."
He closed: "God Bless all of you, Allen Iverson."
If this is the end for Iverson, it's not the one Williams expected. Nor wanted.
"I'm a little shocked," Williams said. "I'm a little disappointed that it ended the way it ended. He would have liked to end on a better note.
"But he can't be discouraged. He's had a great career."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
By Nick Mathews
Daily Press
10:39 PM EST, November 25, 2009
Apparently, retirement is the answer for Allen Iverson.
For now anyway.
Iverson -- who starred on the Peninsula at Bethel High and with Boo Williams' AAU program and will one day be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame -- announced his plans to retire from the NBA on Wednesday.
The decision -- published on stephena.com, the web site of syndicated radio personality and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith -- comes after Iverson failed to sign with a team following his Nov. 17 release from the Memphis Grizzlies.
"I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association," wrote Iverson, a 10-time all-star, a four-time scoring champion and the 2001 NBA MVP. "I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."
That bittersweet beginning to his statement appears to leave open the possibility of a short retirement, should a team be interested in signing him. But he contradicted those statements quickly.
"Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids," wrote Iverson, nicknamed "The Answer."
"This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I've ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day, and I see it as my greatest gift."
Williams, who led Iverson and teammates to a 17-and-under AAU national title in 1992, isn't sure this is the end of Iverson's career. "Interesting," Williams said after being read Iverson's 415-word announcement. "It sounds like a guy that didn't want to retire.
"When you read that, you will say he will come back if the right option will present itself. But the question is, will the right option present itself?"
The 6-foot Iverson, who averaged 27.0 points during his NBA career (sixth-best all-time), starred for Georgetown, was the No. 1 overall pick by Philadelphia in 1996 and played 10 full seasons with the 76ers -- highlighted by the MVP award and an NBA Finals appearance in 2001. He was traded to Denver in 2006 and then to Detroit last November.
Iverson signed with the Grizzlies during the off-season but played in just three games before an indefinite leave of absence on Nov. 7 to deal with a personal issue. The 34-year-old guard played only three games with Memphis, all in California. He averaged 12.3 points and 22.3 minutes coming off the bench.
It was the second straight ugly ending for Iverson, who was unhappy last season playing for the Pistons. He was upset that Detroit coach Michael Curry and Memphis' Lionel Hollins used him as a reserve.
"There is no greater competitor I have been associated with," Williams said of Iverson. "I can't see him wanting to come off the bench. He didn't want to come off the bench as a little boy. That isn't changing."
Williams didn't like what he saw in the last couple of stops for Iverson.
"That was a fiasco in Detroit," Williams said. "And the Memphis thing was a miscommunication. I don't know what was expected from him. But they weren't on the same page. That's just me on the outside looking in."
After his release from Memphis, Iverson was considered by other teams, most seriously the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks passed on signing Iverson, leading to Wednesday's news.
"I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA," Iverson wrote on the Web site, "and I am grateful."
If this is the end, Williams didn't see Wednesday as a sad day.
"Talk about a guy who had a great career," Williams said. "I think now he can move on. But, I think in his heart, he thinks he can still play on a day-to-day basis."
Coaches in the league agree with Williams that Iverson's career may continue.
"I think he still has something left to give some team out there," said George Karl, who coached Iverson in Denver. "If that's his decision, he'll go down in history, I think, as the greatest little guard ever to play the game of basketball.
"I was happy to have him for a couple years, and hopefully our paths will cross. But I have a sneaky feeling that somewhere along the way, an injury or a circumstance with a team will open that window back up."
Added Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers: "I don't ever believe anyone retires until they get to the point they have to. He had a great career if it is true, but I still think he has more to offer."
While on the Peninsula, Iverson was a two-sport star. In his junior year, he led the Bruins to the 1992 Division 5 state football championship as a quarterback and safety, and to the 1993 Group AAA basketball title. The Associated Press named Iverson the Group AAA player of the year in both sports.
In the summer before his junior year, Iverson led Williams' team to a national title.
During the national tournament in Winston-Salem, N.C., Williams said that Iverson had three straight games in which he scored at least 30 points -- before halftime.
"That's going to be something I will remember for a long time," Williams said. "Of all the guys we've ever had, that is one of my fondest memories."
In his statement, Iverson looked back to the beginning of his career.
"To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown (with the 76ers) and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who've been a part of my career, thank you as well," he wrote.
"I'd like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies' organization all of the success that the game has to offer.
"And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers' uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears."
He closed: "God Bless all of you, Allen Iverson."
If this is the end for Iverson, it's not the one Williams expected. Nor wanted.
"I'm a little shocked," Williams said. "I'm a little disappointed that it ended the way it ended. He would have liked to end on a better note.
"But he can't be discouraged. He's had a great career."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2009, Newport News, Va., Daily Press
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
New Bedford nets top honor
By Liz Torres, Globe Correspondent | November 22, 2009
NORTHBORO - In a match between undefeated teams - with the MIAA Division 1 state title on the line - it could be expected that the defense would be the key and that the scores would be close.
New Bedford had just a little bit more last night at Algonquin Regional, beating Central Catholic, 3-1, with the three victories each coming by 2 points.
“It all starts on defense. You’ve heard the old saying, ‘Defense wins championships,’ ’’ said Whalers coach Neil Macedo after his team won its first title since 1994.
New Bedford (23-0) prevailed, 25-23, 17-25, 27-25, and 26-24.
The match featured a net duel between New Bedford’s Maura Manley (6 feet) and Central Catholic’s Katie Zenevitch (6-3).
In the fourth game, the Raiders stole the lead but the Whalers, paced by junior Cheyenne Howard (12 kills) and junior Kristina Thompson (17 digs), wouldn’t go away. Manley penetrated the Raiders’ double blockers for a 24-23 lead. After Central Catholic tied, Howard’s powerful spike provided a 25-24 lead. Moments later, the Whalers were champions.
After losing the first game, the Raiders (22-1) stole the spotlight in the second game, taking a 10-point lead before tying the match.
The Raiders had control of the third game until the Whalers came back to tie it at 17. A point-for-point battle followed until Howard wrapped up the game with a kill.
Division 2 - With the Division 2 state championship in sight, Medfield didn’t deviate from its staple all season long: perfection.
The Warriors won their second straight title, beating South representative Bourne, 3-0. The win wrapped up a stellar 25-0 season.
“I’m glad it’s over, because this has been a long, long way,’’ said 20-year coach Jack Hastings. “I turned 59 yesterday, and I feel about 80.’’
Medfield won, 25-23, 25-16, and 25-14, capturing its third title in four years.
“This one’s definitely the best,’’ said senior cocaptain Morganne Gagne, who has been on the team for all three title runs.
Gagne led her team with 14 kills, fellow cocaptain and three-time champion Jessica McLeod fed her teammates 39 assists, and Kathleen Krah chipped in 10 kills and three aces.
If it is possible for a 25-0 team to get hot at the right time, Medfield did. The champions never lost a game in the playoffs. However, the Warriors did have to sweat it out in yesterday’s first game. Fueled by Hannah Gasper and Taylor Slesinski, Bourne jumped to a 17-13 lead. Medfield scored the next 5 points, tying the game at 22 on an ace by Krah before sealing the win.
Medfield held a comfortable 9-point lead halfway through the second game, its eventual winning margin. Bourne (18-2) registered the first point of Game 3, but that was the last lead it would have in its own successful season.
Division 3 - Facing a 20-13 deficit in the second game, Case was in danger of allowing Notre Dame of Tyngsboro back into the match.
Instead, the Cardinals reeled off a 12-2 run, taking the game, 25-22, to secure a commanding 2-0 lead, before going on to win the state title with a 3-0 sweep of the Lancers.
“I was really pleased with what the girls did today,” said 10th-year Case coach Denise Levesque. “We had no expectations coming into the season and I was really pleased with how they jelled. We’re a comeback team, so coming back like that is nothing new for us.”
Case was led by sophomore middle hitter Shannon Orton (five blocks, seven kills). She said that the team’s preparation for Notre Dame’s height paid off.
“We tried to work on going around the big girls,” she said. “I’m tall, but not that tall, and I have to use my skills to get around them. My goal was to get the team back in, and we came back really well [in the second game].”
The Cardinals (22-2) cruised in the first game, using a 9-3 run to take a 14-6 lead and put Notre Dame on the defensive. Case scored 6 straight points to end the first match, 25-10.
Globe correspondents John Raymond and Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.
NORTHBORO - In a match between undefeated teams - with the MIAA Division 1 state title on the line - it could be expected that the defense would be the key and that the scores would be close.
New Bedford had just a little bit more last night at Algonquin Regional, beating Central Catholic, 3-1, with the three victories each coming by 2 points.
“It all starts on defense. You’ve heard the old saying, ‘Defense wins championships,’ ’’ said Whalers coach Neil Macedo after his team won its first title since 1994.
New Bedford (23-0) prevailed, 25-23, 17-25, 27-25, and 26-24.
The match featured a net duel between New Bedford’s Maura Manley (6 feet) and Central Catholic’s Katie Zenevitch (6-3).
In the fourth game, the Raiders stole the lead but the Whalers, paced by junior Cheyenne Howard (12 kills) and junior Kristina Thompson (17 digs), wouldn’t go away. Manley penetrated the Raiders’ double blockers for a 24-23 lead. After Central Catholic tied, Howard’s powerful spike provided a 25-24 lead. Moments later, the Whalers were champions.
After losing the first game, the Raiders (22-1) stole the spotlight in the second game, taking a 10-point lead before tying the match.
The Raiders had control of the third game until the Whalers came back to tie it at 17. A point-for-point battle followed until Howard wrapped up the game with a kill.
Division 2 - With the Division 2 state championship in sight, Medfield didn’t deviate from its staple all season long: perfection.
The Warriors won their second straight title, beating South representative Bourne, 3-0. The win wrapped up a stellar 25-0 season.
“I’m glad it’s over, because this has been a long, long way,’’ said 20-year coach Jack Hastings. “I turned 59 yesterday, and I feel about 80.’’
Medfield won, 25-23, 25-16, and 25-14, capturing its third title in four years.
“This one’s definitely the best,’’ said senior cocaptain Morganne Gagne, who has been on the team for all three title runs.
Gagne led her team with 14 kills, fellow cocaptain and three-time champion Jessica McLeod fed her teammates 39 assists, and Kathleen Krah chipped in 10 kills and three aces.
If it is possible for a 25-0 team to get hot at the right time, Medfield did. The champions never lost a game in the playoffs. However, the Warriors did have to sweat it out in yesterday’s first game. Fueled by Hannah Gasper and Taylor Slesinski, Bourne jumped to a 17-13 lead. Medfield scored the next 5 points, tying the game at 22 on an ace by Krah before sealing the win.
Medfield held a comfortable 9-point lead halfway through the second game, its eventual winning margin. Bourne (18-2) registered the first point of Game 3, but that was the last lead it would have in its own successful season.
Division 3 - Facing a 20-13 deficit in the second game, Case was in danger of allowing Notre Dame of Tyngsboro back into the match.
Instead, the Cardinals reeled off a 12-2 run, taking the game, 25-22, to secure a commanding 2-0 lead, before going on to win the state title with a 3-0 sweep of the Lancers.
“I was really pleased with what the girls did today,” said 10th-year Case coach Denise Levesque. “We had no expectations coming into the season and I was really pleased with how they jelled. We’re a comeback team, so coming back like that is nothing new for us.”
Case was led by sophomore middle hitter Shannon Orton (five blocks, seven kills). She said that the team’s preparation for Notre Dame’s height paid off.
“We tried to work on going around the big girls,” she said. “I’m tall, but not that tall, and I have to use my skills to get around them. My goal was to get the team back in, and we came back really well [in the second game].”
The Cardinals (22-2) cruised in the first game, using a 9-3 run to take a 14-6 lead and put Notre Dame on the defensive. Case scored 6 straight points to end the first match, 25-10.
Globe correspondents John Raymond and Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.
Keith Parker, John Sousa end run
By Dan Ventura | Wednesday, November 25, 2009 | http://www.bostonherald.com | High School Football
Thanksgiving will mark the end of an era in the Boston City League.
Boston English’s Keith Parker will hang up his clipboard following the annual game against Boston Latin, leaving after spending the last 30 years as the school’s football coach.
Across town, John Sousa will march into White Stadium for one last time as the East Boston coach. Unlike Parker, Sousa’s season will extend beyond tomorrow as his Jets will face Bristol-Plymouth in the playoffs.
Leo Sybertz spent 31 years as coach at West Roxbury, amassing 202 wins, before retiring following the 2007 season. He said there will be a major void in the city when Sousa and Parker are done in the next week or so.
“First of all, both of them are excellent people, guys I really respect,” Sybertz said. “They’re both outstanding coaches, they work hard with the kids and have a great rapport with them.
“I’d want my kids playing for either one of those guys.”
It’s been a tough season for Parker, starting in August, when he was slammed in a newspaper article by a select few who suggested his time was up. As the team struggled during the season, Parker also had to deal with the death of his mother, Marjorie, in late October.
The highlight of what has become a 3-7 season heading into the Thanksgiving Day game with Boston Latin was the final home game against Charlestown on Oct. 30. Many of his former players were in the house, including several members of the 1993 Super Bowl team.
“That was a pretty special group of young men,” Parker said. “They lost a lot of close games as juniors, but they came back as seniors to win a Super Bowl championship. Those are the memories I’ll take from here.”
Across town, Sousa’s final sojourn as East Boston coach has been more pleasurable. The Jets already have clinched the Boston North title, thus the Thanksgiving Day game against South Boston won’t be the last Sousa coaches at East Boston.
“I’ve been reflecting about things more and more,” said Sousa, who spent 17 years as an assistant to Parker before leaving for East Boston in 1994. “You remember all of the good times, the special games, like the Southie game in 2000 when Wayne Harris scored the winning touchdown on a option run.
“That’s what keep you coming back. If I had a dollar every time I said this is my last year, I’d be a millionaire. But it’s the kids that makes you want to come back for that one last year.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/football/view.bg?articleid=1214402
Thanksgiving will mark the end of an era in the Boston City League.
Boston English’s Keith Parker will hang up his clipboard following the annual game against Boston Latin, leaving after spending the last 30 years as the school’s football coach.
Across town, John Sousa will march into White Stadium for one last time as the East Boston coach. Unlike Parker, Sousa’s season will extend beyond tomorrow as his Jets will face Bristol-Plymouth in the playoffs.
Leo Sybertz spent 31 years as coach at West Roxbury, amassing 202 wins, before retiring following the 2007 season. He said there will be a major void in the city when Sousa and Parker are done in the next week or so.
“First of all, both of them are excellent people, guys I really respect,” Sybertz said. “They’re both outstanding coaches, they work hard with the kids and have a great rapport with them.
“I’d want my kids playing for either one of those guys.”
It’s been a tough season for Parker, starting in August, when he was slammed in a newspaper article by a select few who suggested his time was up. As the team struggled during the season, Parker also had to deal with the death of his mother, Marjorie, in late October.
The highlight of what has become a 3-7 season heading into the Thanksgiving Day game with Boston Latin was the final home game against Charlestown on Oct. 30. Many of his former players were in the house, including several members of the 1993 Super Bowl team.
“That was a pretty special group of young men,” Parker said. “They lost a lot of close games as juniors, but they came back as seniors to win a Super Bowl championship. Those are the memories I’ll take from here.”
Across town, Sousa’s final sojourn as East Boston coach has been more pleasurable. The Jets already have clinched the Boston North title, thus the Thanksgiving Day game against South Boston won’t be the last Sousa coaches at East Boston.
“I’ve been reflecting about things more and more,” said Sousa, who spent 17 years as an assistant to Parker before leaving for East Boston in 1994. “You remember all of the good times, the special games, like the Southie game in 2000 when Wayne Harris scored the winning touchdown on a option run.
“That’s what keep you coming back. If I had a dollar every time I said this is my last year, I’d be a millionaire. But it’s the kids that makes you want to come back for that one last year.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/football/view.bg?articleid=1214402
English’s Melvin Booker reverses field, finds path to success
By Steve Buckley | Wednesday, November 25, 2009 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Columnists
When Melvin Booker is busting out of the backfield for Boston English High School, he has many choices before him.
He can take a deep breath and plow straight ahead, carrying half of the opposition’s defensive line with him. Or he can go to his right. Or to his left.
To Melvin Booker, that’s one of the beauties of playing football: With a little help from your friends, you have choices, options.
It didn’t used to be this way. It was just four years ago - though, to him, it seems a lifetime ago - that Melvin Booker graduated from a string of petty thefts to a crime that was serious enough that, when he finally landed in the custody of the Department of Youth Services, his own mother told him, “Don’t call me from jail asking me to come see you, because I’m not. And if I do see you, it will be because I want to, not because you want me to.”
The crime for which Booker was charged was horrifying: armed robbery.
Troubled past
“It was just some random guy minding his own business,” Booker said, recalling that day four years ago. “We robbed him, thought we were going to come out big, but we ended up coming out with, like, 5 dollars and 16 cents.
“I had a shotgun,” he said.
A shotgun? Sawed-off?
“Yeah.”
Booker and his accomplice didn’t get very far. They were arrested in front of Randolph High School, and soon Booker was in the custody of the DYS. That’s when his mother, Anissa Booker, made with the tough love.
Straighten yourself out, she said, or spend the rest of your life in prison.
“I was labeled a bad kid,” Booker said. “Nobody wanted to talk with me. I had a couple of friends here and there, but that was about it.
“I was illiterate when I was younger. I barely went to elementary school. I got into a lot of mischief. I went to jail.”
As Booker spoke these words, he was sitting in the front row of a set of wooden bleachers at the West Roxbury High School football field on a gray, chilly late Friday afternoon. Boston English had just suffered a 28-16 loss to West Roxbury, though Booker made things interesting late in the game by busting loose for a 65-yard run and then scoring a touchdown.
Now, as Booker sat there talking about his past, a West Roxbury High fan approached the bleachers and said, “Hey, that was one hell of a run you had there.”
“Thanks, man,” said Booker.
“That was really nice,” said the guy. “Some really strong running. Awesome.”
“Thanks,” Booker said again, smiling.
He started to talk again about the bad old days, about the fights, the mayhem, about not being able to read.
Now a member of the victorious West Roxbury High football team came up to Booker, extended a hand, and said, “Man, good game.”
“Thanks,” Booker said.
And it made me think: Some guys can’t run away from their past, but at this moment, seated in the front row of those bleachers, still wearing his Boston English football uniform, Melvin Booker found it difficult to run to his past.
He wanted to talk about all the bad stuff, as if by doing so he could remind himself where he’s been. But no: Too many people wanted to shake his hand and talk about today.
‘A feel-good story’
Seems everyone is rooting for Melvin Booker. One DYS official familiar with Booker’s case said that sometimes kids really find the capacity to take inventory of their lives and turn things around.
Keith Parker, the longtime football coach at Boston English who will coach his final game tomorrow morning when the Bulldogs take on Boston Latin at Harvard Stadium, said, “Melvin has done everything we’ve asked him to do, on and off the field. He listened the day he got here two years ago, and he’s still listening. And not just in football. There’s a light bulb in his head, and it’s on. He made the honor roll last year. He’s got a bright future.”
Bill Stewart Jr., the referee who worked the Boston English-West Roxbury game and whose father, the late Bill Stewart Sr., was athletic director at English for 35 years, said, “The greatest inventor of all time is the guy who invented the eraser. Because it allows you to start over again. Now I don’t know Melvin Booker, but I know about him. And from everything I hear, he’s really worked hard to straighten himself out.”
Stewart isn’t just throwing words around. A scholarship is given at Boston English in memory of his father, and, as Stewart puts it, “We don’t just give it to the straight-A student. It goes to a kid who works hard, who is goal-oriented, who believes in sacrifice, dedication. If George Washington didn’t have these kind of guys in his boat he never would have made it across the Delaware and we’d all be drinking tea at 5 in the afternoon.”
Though this year’s scholarship hasn’t been awarded yet, “Melvin Booker would be a good candidate,” Stewart said.
And Keith Ford, the associate football coach at Boston English and the man who will succeed Parker next season, said, “When we were trying to get the players to show up for weight training, it was Melvin who was calling them. He’s a mentor to a lot of the players. They believe in him. This is a feel-good story.”
To be fair, it is a feel-good story in the making. It’s not over yet. To be sure, it’s a feel-good story so far: How, during the more than two years Booker spent in the state’s juvenile justice system, he honed his reading skills and, when he got out, enrolled as a junior at Boston English.
So far, so good . . .
But though his high school football career will come to an end tomorrow morning at Harvard Stadium, he still has to complete his senior year at Boston English. He needs to explore the possibility of playing college football, perhaps at a local Division 3 school. He needs to keep hitting the books. And, especially, he needs to steer clear of the kind of life that landed him in custody in the first place.
Scary reminder
It’s not going to be easy. He knows that. As recently as three weeks ago, as if to serve as a reminder of the importance of making the right choices, Booker received a visit from his past. Let’s have him pick up the story from here:
“To be completely honest, and I’ve not really talked to anybody about this, I’ve only told my football players and whatever, but I was walking down my street and I saw this kid I used to chill with,” he said. “He’s like a real gangster, whatever. He’s like 23 now. He was saying, ‘Hey, what’s going on,’ playing it real safe, and real cool. I was walking away, saying bye, and he says, ‘Yo, come here real quick.’
“And I looked real nice, had on nice clothes, had my cell phone, it was a nice day,” Booker said. “And he was, like, ‘Yo, give me that,’ and he looked at my shoes and he looked at my phone. And I said, ‘Give you what?’ And he said, ‘Your wallet. Your phone.’ And I said, ‘Are you playin’?’ And he said, ‘Gimme your (expletive.)’ And he pulled out a gun on me.
“I was thinking about running. I could have easily ran. But I don’t think I’m that fast. So I gave him my wallet. And he was walking off, and I said, ‘I just hope that doesn’t happen to you.’ And he says, ‘What the (expletive) does that mean? What are you trying to say? You tryin’ to say you coming back?’ I said, ‘No. I swear to God I won’t do anything. But I pray to God that doesn’t happen to you. I pray to God that doesn’t happen to you.’ ”
This is one thing Melvin Booker has learned: “If you rob somebody, there’s two things that are going to happen,” he said. “They might come back and kill you if they’re mad enough, or you might go to jail. If you do the good thing, you have a job, you support yourself, you support your family one day when you grow older. And you have fun. There’s so many options when you do the good thing. When you do the bad thing, there’s only two. One of them is death at a young age and the other is jail.”
Melvin Booker already has done the jail.
Now, he chooses to live.
And now, he has everyone from his own coaches to West Roxbury football fans who like what they are seeing.
Feel-good story?
This is just the beginning of the story.
Melvin Booker, and Melvin Booker alone, will decide how it ends.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1214395
When Melvin Booker is busting out of the backfield for Boston English High School, he has many choices before him.
He can take a deep breath and plow straight ahead, carrying half of the opposition’s defensive line with him. Or he can go to his right. Or to his left.
To Melvin Booker, that’s one of the beauties of playing football: With a little help from your friends, you have choices, options.
It didn’t used to be this way. It was just four years ago - though, to him, it seems a lifetime ago - that Melvin Booker graduated from a string of petty thefts to a crime that was serious enough that, when he finally landed in the custody of the Department of Youth Services, his own mother told him, “Don’t call me from jail asking me to come see you, because I’m not. And if I do see you, it will be because I want to, not because you want me to.”
The crime for which Booker was charged was horrifying: armed robbery.
Troubled past
“It was just some random guy minding his own business,” Booker said, recalling that day four years ago. “We robbed him, thought we were going to come out big, but we ended up coming out with, like, 5 dollars and 16 cents.
“I had a shotgun,” he said.
A shotgun? Sawed-off?
“Yeah.”
Booker and his accomplice didn’t get very far. They were arrested in front of Randolph High School, and soon Booker was in the custody of the DYS. That’s when his mother, Anissa Booker, made with the tough love.
Straighten yourself out, she said, or spend the rest of your life in prison.
“I was labeled a bad kid,” Booker said. “Nobody wanted to talk with me. I had a couple of friends here and there, but that was about it.
“I was illiterate when I was younger. I barely went to elementary school. I got into a lot of mischief. I went to jail.”
As Booker spoke these words, he was sitting in the front row of a set of wooden bleachers at the West Roxbury High School football field on a gray, chilly late Friday afternoon. Boston English had just suffered a 28-16 loss to West Roxbury, though Booker made things interesting late in the game by busting loose for a 65-yard run and then scoring a touchdown.
Now, as Booker sat there talking about his past, a West Roxbury High fan approached the bleachers and said, “Hey, that was one hell of a run you had there.”
“Thanks, man,” said Booker.
“That was really nice,” said the guy. “Some really strong running. Awesome.”
“Thanks,” Booker said again, smiling.
He started to talk again about the bad old days, about the fights, the mayhem, about not being able to read.
Now a member of the victorious West Roxbury High football team came up to Booker, extended a hand, and said, “Man, good game.”
“Thanks,” Booker said.
And it made me think: Some guys can’t run away from their past, but at this moment, seated in the front row of those bleachers, still wearing his Boston English football uniform, Melvin Booker found it difficult to run to his past.
He wanted to talk about all the bad stuff, as if by doing so he could remind himself where he’s been. But no: Too many people wanted to shake his hand and talk about today.
‘A feel-good story’
Seems everyone is rooting for Melvin Booker. One DYS official familiar with Booker’s case said that sometimes kids really find the capacity to take inventory of their lives and turn things around.
Keith Parker, the longtime football coach at Boston English who will coach his final game tomorrow morning when the Bulldogs take on Boston Latin at Harvard Stadium, said, “Melvin has done everything we’ve asked him to do, on and off the field. He listened the day he got here two years ago, and he’s still listening. And not just in football. There’s a light bulb in his head, and it’s on. He made the honor roll last year. He’s got a bright future.”
Bill Stewart Jr., the referee who worked the Boston English-West Roxbury game and whose father, the late Bill Stewart Sr., was athletic director at English for 35 years, said, “The greatest inventor of all time is the guy who invented the eraser. Because it allows you to start over again. Now I don’t know Melvin Booker, but I know about him. And from everything I hear, he’s really worked hard to straighten himself out.”
Stewart isn’t just throwing words around. A scholarship is given at Boston English in memory of his father, and, as Stewart puts it, “We don’t just give it to the straight-A student. It goes to a kid who works hard, who is goal-oriented, who believes in sacrifice, dedication. If George Washington didn’t have these kind of guys in his boat he never would have made it across the Delaware and we’d all be drinking tea at 5 in the afternoon.”
Though this year’s scholarship hasn’t been awarded yet, “Melvin Booker would be a good candidate,” Stewart said.
And Keith Ford, the associate football coach at Boston English and the man who will succeed Parker next season, said, “When we were trying to get the players to show up for weight training, it was Melvin who was calling them. He’s a mentor to a lot of the players. They believe in him. This is a feel-good story.”
To be fair, it is a feel-good story in the making. It’s not over yet. To be sure, it’s a feel-good story so far: How, during the more than two years Booker spent in the state’s juvenile justice system, he honed his reading skills and, when he got out, enrolled as a junior at Boston English.
So far, so good . . .
But though his high school football career will come to an end tomorrow morning at Harvard Stadium, he still has to complete his senior year at Boston English. He needs to explore the possibility of playing college football, perhaps at a local Division 3 school. He needs to keep hitting the books. And, especially, he needs to steer clear of the kind of life that landed him in custody in the first place.
Scary reminder
It’s not going to be easy. He knows that. As recently as three weeks ago, as if to serve as a reminder of the importance of making the right choices, Booker received a visit from his past. Let’s have him pick up the story from here:
“To be completely honest, and I’ve not really talked to anybody about this, I’ve only told my football players and whatever, but I was walking down my street and I saw this kid I used to chill with,” he said. “He’s like a real gangster, whatever. He’s like 23 now. He was saying, ‘Hey, what’s going on,’ playing it real safe, and real cool. I was walking away, saying bye, and he says, ‘Yo, come here real quick.’
“And I looked real nice, had on nice clothes, had my cell phone, it was a nice day,” Booker said. “And he was, like, ‘Yo, give me that,’ and he looked at my shoes and he looked at my phone. And I said, ‘Give you what?’ And he said, ‘Your wallet. Your phone.’ And I said, ‘Are you playin’?’ And he said, ‘Gimme your (expletive.)’ And he pulled out a gun on me.
“I was thinking about running. I could have easily ran. But I don’t think I’m that fast. So I gave him my wallet. And he was walking off, and I said, ‘I just hope that doesn’t happen to you.’ And he says, ‘What the (expletive) does that mean? What are you trying to say? You tryin’ to say you coming back?’ I said, ‘No. I swear to God I won’t do anything. But I pray to God that doesn’t happen to you. I pray to God that doesn’t happen to you.’ ”
This is one thing Melvin Booker has learned: “If you rob somebody, there’s two things that are going to happen,” he said. “They might come back and kill you if they’re mad enough, or you might go to jail. If you do the good thing, you have a job, you support yourself, you support your family one day when you grow older. And you have fun. There’s so many options when you do the good thing. When you do the bad thing, there’s only two. One of them is death at a young age and the other is jail.”
Melvin Booker already has done the jail.
Now, he chooses to live.
And now, he has everyone from his own coaches to West Roxbury football fans who like what they are seeing.
Feel-good story?
This is just the beginning of the story.
Melvin Booker, and Melvin Booker alone, will decide how it ends.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1214395
Friday, November 20, 2009
Brockton wins eighth straight Big 3 title
November 16, 2009
By Mike Scandura
Globe Correspondent
NEW BEDFORD -- Two words summed up Brockton football coach Peter Colombo’s feelings yesterday after the Boxers beat New Bedford, 22-12, in a key Big 3 game.
“Mission accomplished,” Colombo said after Brockton (8-1, 2-0) captured its eighth consecutive Big 3 title. “We’re going to the playoffs, and we’re thrilled to be there.”
Conversely the Whalers (5-4, 0-1) missed out on their first trip to the playoffs since 2001.
“We believe in our kids,” New Bedford coach Dennis Golden said. “We believe we can play with anybody and we’re going to keep believing that. Each time we take the field we expect to be successful.”
New Bedford was successful twice on defense when it appeared Brockton was going to score and break the game open. But in each case, Brockton still scored without its offense touching the ball.
Brockton led 7-6 midway through the second quarter when Trevon Offley -- who gained 203 yards on 23 carries -- was held to one yard on fourth-and-goal from the 2. But after New Bedford went three-and-out, Jordan McDonald blocked Brian Hopwood’s punt.
Hopwood fell on the ball in the end zone, but was smothered for a safety.
Then, early in the fourth quarter with Brockton leading 15-6, Offley again was stopped short, this time on fourth-and-goal from the 2. But two plays later, Kadeem McIntosh intercepted a Nate Lewis pass Lewis and returned it 14 yards for the clinching score.
“Jordan’s been awesome this year,” Colombo said. “He didn’t play last year but he’s made play after play for us this year.
“Kadeem is a senior who hung in there. He finally got a chance to play this year and I’m so proud of him.
“You’re disappointed you didn’t finish the drives,” Colombo added. “But by forcing their offense to play out of their end zone helped us get (nine) points.”
New Bedford gave every indication it might spring an upset when it took opening kickoff and covered 75 yards in seven plays, with Lewis connecting with Jon Williams on a 12-yard swing pass for a touchdown.
But Brockton needed only three plays to go ahead for good.
With the Boxers in a passing situation, New Bedford stacked the box. But once Offley broke through the line of scrimmage there was nothing between him and the end zone and he sprinted 59 yards for the score.
While Lewis completed 14 of 28 passes for 194 yards, New Bedford’s running game wasn’t a factor.
“Our defense just continues to make plays,” Colombo said. “That’s really our heart, the defense. They’re tremendous.”
By Mike Scandura
Globe Correspondent
NEW BEDFORD -- Two words summed up Brockton football coach Peter Colombo’s feelings yesterday after the Boxers beat New Bedford, 22-12, in a key Big 3 game.
“Mission accomplished,” Colombo said after Brockton (8-1, 2-0) captured its eighth consecutive Big 3 title. “We’re going to the playoffs, and we’re thrilled to be there.”
Conversely the Whalers (5-4, 0-1) missed out on their first trip to the playoffs since 2001.
“We believe in our kids,” New Bedford coach Dennis Golden said. “We believe we can play with anybody and we’re going to keep believing that. Each time we take the field we expect to be successful.”
New Bedford was successful twice on defense when it appeared Brockton was going to score and break the game open. But in each case, Brockton still scored without its offense touching the ball.
Brockton led 7-6 midway through the second quarter when Trevon Offley -- who gained 203 yards on 23 carries -- was held to one yard on fourth-and-goal from the 2. But after New Bedford went three-and-out, Jordan McDonald blocked Brian Hopwood’s punt.
Hopwood fell on the ball in the end zone, but was smothered for a safety.
Then, early in the fourth quarter with Brockton leading 15-6, Offley again was stopped short, this time on fourth-and-goal from the 2. But two plays later, Kadeem McIntosh intercepted a Nate Lewis pass Lewis and returned it 14 yards for the clinching score.
“Jordan’s been awesome this year,” Colombo said. “He didn’t play last year but he’s made play after play for us this year.
“Kadeem is a senior who hung in there. He finally got a chance to play this year and I’m so proud of him.
“You’re disappointed you didn’t finish the drives,” Colombo added. “But by forcing their offense to play out of their end zone helped us get (nine) points.”
New Bedford gave every indication it might spring an upset when it took opening kickoff and covered 75 yards in seven plays, with Lewis connecting with Jon Williams on a 12-yard swing pass for a touchdown.
But Brockton needed only three plays to go ahead for good.
With the Boxers in a passing situation, New Bedford stacked the box. But once Offley broke through the line of scrimmage there was nothing between him and the end zone and he sprinted 59 yards for the score.
While Lewis completed 14 of 28 passes for 194 yards, New Bedford’s running game wasn’t a factor.
“Our defense just continues to make plays,” Colombo said. “That’s really our heart, the defense. They’re tremendous.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Latin Academy blanks Brighton
LATIN ACADEMY 14, BRIGHTON 0
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | November 7, 2009
As the sunlight faded on a blustery day at White Stadium, so did Brighton’s chances of clinching a Boston South title and securing a trip to the playoffs.
Although Latin Academy turned the ball over three times, it was the Bengals’ miscue at the end of the third quarter that turned the tide for good, helping the Dragons hold on for a 14-0 victory.
When Latin Academy (7-2, 3-1) punted from its 19-yard line, Brighton mishandled the return. Senior Ohimai Aisiku, who had a first-quarter interception, recovered for the Dragons.
“I think Brighton could have had a situation where they could have gained some momentum,’’ said Latin Academy coach Rocco Zizza. “The ball bounced our way on that kick . . . the wind was a factor. The ball actually came back about 6, 7 yards in the air and hit the ground and hit a kid. And the kid was doing what he was supposed to be doing, but because of the weather that’s what happened.’’
Latin Academy, which hasn’t been to the postseason since 1992, posted the game’s first points about a minute into the second quarter, with Justin Miles hitting Edbiko Elysee on a 63-yard touchdown pass.
The sophomore quarterback struggled for much of the first half, but connected on three consecutive passes for 36 yards to set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Cuong Nguyen just before halftime for a 14-0 lead.
“I’ve been waiting four long seasons for this day,’’ Nguyen said. “We’ve had a losing season ever since I started on this team, so I’m just getting tired of it. I really just [wanted] that win.’’
The Bengals (3-5, 3-1) weren’t able to break through in the second half.
“You win some, you lose some,’’ said Brighton coach James Philip. “It’s a matter of not blocking and tackling and not running the ball well.’’
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | November 7, 2009
As the sunlight faded on a blustery day at White Stadium, so did Brighton’s chances of clinching a Boston South title and securing a trip to the playoffs.
Although Latin Academy turned the ball over three times, it was the Bengals’ miscue at the end of the third quarter that turned the tide for good, helping the Dragons hold on for a 14-0 victory.
When Latin Academy (7-2, 3-1) punted from its 19-yard line, Brighton mishandled the return. Senior Ohimai Aisiku, who had a first-quarter interception, recovered for the Dragons.
“I think Brighton could have had a situation where they could have gained some momentum,’’ said Latin Academy coach Rocco Zizza. “The ball bounced our way on that kick . . . the wind was a factor. The ball actually came back about 6, 7 yards in the air and hit the ground and hit a kid. And the kid was doing what he was supposed to be doing, but because of the weather that’s what happened.’’
Latin Academy, which hasn’t been to the postseason since 1992, posted the game’s first points about a minute into the second quarter, with Justin Miles hitting Edbiko Elysee on a 63-yard touchdown pass.
The sophomore quarterback struggled for much of the first half, but connected on three consecutive passes for 36 yards to set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Cuong Nguyen just before halftime for a 14-0 lead.
“I’ve been waiting four long seasons for this day,’’ Nguyen said. “We’ve had a losing season ever since I started on this team, so I’m just getting tired of it. I really just [wanted] that win.’’
The Bengals (3-5, 3-1) weren’t able to break through in the second half.
“You win some, you lose some,’’ said Brighton coach James Philip. “It’s a matter of not blocking and tackling and not running the ball well.’’
Charlestown, Mansfield run away from foes
DIVISION 2 TRACK
By Chris Estrada, Globe Correspondent | February 23, 2009
Heading into the 4 x 400, the final event of the MIAA Division 2 state meet, the Charlestown boys were trailing Woburn by two points. As the meet-deciding relay unfolded, Townies anchor Omar Abdi found himself trailing Reading's Peter Finigan in the final lap.
Abdi could have just settled there and clinched the state title the easy way. He chose the hard way instead.
Abdi got past Finigan in Turn 4 for the win and the state crown. Charlestown finished with 40 points, edging Woburn (34) and Mansfield (33).
The team triumph of Abdi, Yaovi Jondoh, Ahmed Ali, and Kamal Riley in 3 minutes 26.43 seconds was amplified by multiple individual wins. Abdi won the mile in 4:15.53, missing the meet record by .04 seconds. Jondoh won the 300 in 36.09 and Ali came through with his own final-lap kick to win the 2-mile in 9:28.13.
To coach Kristyn Hughes, the championship was proof of what can be done with determination.
"I see some kids kick the can and get mad, but not [Abdi, Jondoh, Ali, and Riley]," she said. "They've had bad races, but they come back and say, 'How can we fix this?' instead of giving up."
Abdi can probably attest to that, having finished last in the boys' junior mile at the Boston Indoor Games Feb. 7.
"I've had some pretty bad races in the last couple of weeks, so [winning yesterday] gives me a lot of confidence," he said. "Coming back from [the Boston Indoor Games] and run a 4:15, it's great."
"Great" may be an understatement for what Mansfield accomplished on the girls' side.
The Hornets crushed their competition, racking up 62 points to beat North Attleboro and Notre Dame of Hingham (26 apiece). Mansfield won six events, including two wins by Meghan Ferreira and a win in the 4 x 400 relay (Ferreira, Emily Broyles, Erika Unger, and Michelle Jenssen in 4:04.54).
Ferreira won the long jump (16 feet 10 1/2 inches) by a half-inch over Marshfield's Julie McCauley. But in order to claim victory in the 55-meter hurdles (8.34), she had to come from behind to beat Westford's Cassandra Ryding.
Also scoring individual wins for Mansfield were Broyles in the 300 (40.92), Jenssen in the 600 (1:37.48), and Kelly McCabe in the shot put (41 feet).
In the girls' 4 x 200 relay, the North Attleboro team of Julianne Cappadona, Christy Deininger, Lauren Goldberg, and Carolyn Udall won in 1:44.52, shattering O'Bryant's 2004 record of 1:47.14.
Shrewsbury (1:46.53), Reading (1:46.82), and Westford (1:47.09) also beat the old mark.
Another Red Rocketeer, Nick Wade, won the boys' 600 in 1:21.06, beating the 6-year-old mark of Dartmouth's John Doherty (1:21.66).
By Chris Estrada, Globe Correspondent | February 23, 2009
Heading into the 4 x 400, the final event of the MIAA Division 2 state meet, the Charlestown boys were trailing Woburn by two points. As the meet-deciding relay unfolded, Townies anchor Omar Abdi found himself trailing Reading's Peter Finigan in the final lap.
Abdi could have just settled there and clinched the state title the easy way. He chose the hard way instead.
Abdi got past Finigan in Turn 4 for the win and the state crown. Charlestown finished with 40 points, edging Woburn (34) and Mansfield (33).
The team triumph of Abdi, Yaovi Jondoh, Ahmed Ali, and Kamal Riley in 3 minutes 26.43 seconds was amplified by multiple individual wins. Abdi won the mile in 4:15.53, missing the meet record by .04 seconds. Jondoh won the 300 in 36.09 and Ali came through with his own final-lap kick to win the 2-mile in 9:28.13.
To coach Kristyn Hughes, the championship was proof of what can be done with determination.
"I see some kids kick the can and get mad, but not [Abdi, Jondoh, Ali, and Riley]," she said. "They've had bad races, but they come back and say, 'How can we fix this?' instead of giving up."
Abdi can probably attest to that, having finished last in the boys' junior mile at the Boston Indoor Games Feb. 7.
"I've had some pretty bad races in the last couple of weeks, so [winning yesterday] gives me a lot of confidence," he said. "Coming back from [the Boston Indoor Games] and run a 4:15, it's great."
"Great" may be an understatement for what Mansfield accomplished on the girls' side.
The Hornets crushed their competition, racking up 62 points to beat North Attleboro and Notre Dame of Hingham (26 apiece). Mansfield won six events, including two wins by Meghan Ferreira and a win in the 4 x 400 relay (Ferreira, Emily Broyles, Erika Unger, and Michelle Jenssen in 4:04.54).
Ferreira won the long jump (16 feet 10 1/2 inches) by a half-inch over Marshfield's Julie McCauley. But in order to claim victory in the 55-meter hurdles (8.34), she had to come from behind to beat Westford's Cassandra Ryding.
Also scoring individual wins for Mansfield were Broyles in the 300 (40.92), Jenssen in the 600 (1:37.48), and Kelly McCabe in the shot put (41 feet).
In the girls' 4 x 200 relay, the North Attleboro team of Julianne Cappadona, Christy Deininger, Lauren Goldberg, and Carolyn Udall won in 1:44.52, shattering O'Bryant's 2004 record of 1:47.14.
Shrewsbury (1:46.53), Reading (1:46.82), and Westford (1:47.09) also beat the old mark.
Another Red Rocketeer, Nick Wade, won the boys' 600 in 1:21.06, beating the 6-year-old mark of Dartmouth's John Doherty (1:21.66).
BACK IN THE CITY
Danny Ventura| Boston Herald
O’Bryant hired David Siggers as the school’s new boys basketball coach, replacing Juan Figueroa, who left following the 2008-2009 season for Beaver Country Day. A longtime assistant under Mike Rubin at East Boston, Siggers was elevated to the head post when Rubin stepped down to become the school’s headmaster. In two seasons at East Boston, Siggers captured a Boston City League title as well as the Division 2 North sectional crown.
“People should expect to see the same style basketball we used at East Boston,” said Siggers. “We’re going to be an uptempo team, running from end to end. I’m not going to change my coaching style at all.”
O’Bryant hired David Siggers as the school’s new boys basketball coach, replacing Juan Figueroa, who left following the 2008-2009 season for Beaver Country Day. A longtime assistant under Mike Rubin at East Boston, Siggers was elevated to the head post when Rubin stepped down to become the school’s headmaster. In two seasons at East Boston, Siggers captured a Boston City League title as well as the Division 2 North sectional crown.
“People should expect to see the same style basketball we used at East Boston,” said Siggers. “We’re going to be an uptempo team, running from end to end. I’m not going to change my coaching style at all.”
Sousa, Jets land North title
EAST BOSTON 29, MADISON PARK 0
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | November 14, 2009
After the game clock struck zero, John Sousa gathered his team to deliver a message: This was a memory to cherish the rest of their lives.
But the East Boston coach had plenty of reasons to treasure the moment, as well.
In Sousa’s 15th and final season as coach, the Jets shut out host Madison Park, 29-0, to clinch the Boston North title and a postseason berth.
“It’s a great feeling for me,’’ Sousa said. “It’s my last coaching season. I’d like to be the North League champs, but it’s better because these kids worked hard since August.’’
East Boston (8-1, 4-0) had one of its toughest schedules in team history, but its only loss was to Austin Prep in the first game. Since then, the Jets have defeated solid teams like Amesbury, Blue Hills, and Brighton.
“We played all the big boys, and the kids got better and better every week,’’ Sousa said. “They worked hard. They [came] to practice. They’re a good bunch of kids.’’
Although the Jets started out slowly, their hard work culminated in a well-rounded effort against the Cardinals.
Senior Stanley Greene ran 4 tough yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, with senior captain Brandon Amodeo rushing for the 2-point conversion to give the Jets an 8-0 lead heading into halftime.
But Sousa knew his team’s first-half performance wouldn’t cut it if East Boston wanted to walk away with the title.
“In the second half, Coach had a talk with us,’’ Greene said. “He said that if we wanted to win the city championship, [we’d] have to come out in the second half fired up and ready to go.’’
The Jets ate about eight minutes off the clock on their opening drive in the third quarter, ending in another 4-yard TD run for Greene. This time, the senior running back took the conversion in himself, bolstering East Boston’s lead to 16-0.
Madison Park (6-2, 4-1) gained momentum at the end of the third, when Antone Minot bolted 50 yards down the right sideline to the East Boston 1. But the Cardinals couldn’t punch it in and a fumble was recovered by Eastie senior Fabio Isaza.
In the fourth quarter, Amodeo tacked on another 6 points with a 35-yard rush, and senior safety Stephan Lockwood drove the final nail in the coffin with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Coming off a 5-5 finish last season, Sousa told his Jets the victory was proof that hard work pays off. But he had one final message to deliver: They’re not finished yet, not when a spot in the Division 4 Super Bowl is still up for grabs.
“This is a culmination of a great, long, hard season,’’ he said. “I’m very happy for the boys. I’m very proud of them.’’
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | November 14, 2009
After the game clock struck zero, John Sousa gathered his team to deliver a message: This was a memory to cherish the rest of their lives.
But the East Boston coach had plenty of reasons to treasure the moment, as well.
In Sousa’s 15th and final season as coach, the Jets shut out host Madison Park, 29-0, to clinch the Boston North title and a postseason berth.
“It’s a great feeling for me,’’ Sousa said. “It’s my last coaching season. I’d like to be the North League champs, but it’s better because these kids worked hard since August.’’
East Boston (8-1, 4-0) had one of its toughest schedules in team history, but its only loss was to Austin Prep in the first game. Since then, the Jets have defeated solid teams like Amesbury, Blue Hills, and Brighton.
“We played all the big boys, and the kids got better and better every week,’’ Sousa said. “They worked hard. They [came] to practice. They’re a good bunch of kids.’’
Although the Jets started out slowly, their hard work culminated in a well-rounded effort against the Cardinals.
Senior Stanley Greene ran 4 tough yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, with senior captain Brandon Amodeo rushing for the 2-point conversion to give the Jets an 8-0 lead heading into halftime.
But Sousa knew his team’s first-half performance wouldn’t cut it if East Boston wanted to walk away with the title.
“In the second half, Coach had a talk with us,’’ Greene said. “He said that if we wanted to win the city championship, [we’d] have to come out in the second half fired up and ready to go.’’
The Jets ate about eight minutes off the clock on their opening drive in the third quarter, ending in another 4-yard TD run for Greene. This time, the senior running back took the conversion in himself, bolstering East Boston’s lead to 16-0.
Madison Park (6-2, 4-1) gained momentum at the end of the third, when Antone Minot bolted 50 yards down the right sideline to the East Boston 1. But the Cardinals couldn’t punch it in and a fumble was recovered by Eastie senior Fabio Isaza.
In the fourth quarter, Amodeo tacked on another 6 points with a 35-yard rush, and senior safety Stephan Lockwood drove the final nail in the coffin with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Coming off a 5-5 finish last season, Sousa told his Jets the victory was proof that hard work pays off. But he had one final message to deliver: They’re not finished yet, not when a spot in the Division 4 Super Bowl is still up for grabs.
“This is a culmination of a great, long, hard season,’’ he said. “I’m very happy for the boys. I’m very proud of them.’’
Parker to retire from English
By Braden Campbell, Globe Correspondent | November 12, 2009
Longtime Boston English football coach Keith Parker will step down after the Thanksgiving Day game against Boston Latin.
In his 30-year tenure, Parker’s teams won five City League titles and two Division 5B Super Bowls. He has an overall record of 141-168-5.
“I’m 65 years old, and it’s time for me to go,’’ he said. “I’ve had a great career and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.’’
The program has been in decline since its heyday in the 1990s, when it made three Super Bowl appearances. Parker attributes that to a shrinking enrollment at English, which dropped from about 1,800 in 1997, the year of the team’s last Super Bowl win, to its current total of less than 700.
There had been whispers of Parker’s retirement since the end of last school year, according to Boston City athletic director Ken Still. He and English headmaster Sito Narcisse will conduct the search for a replacement.
“[We would] like to see someone who’s going to really instill some real football knowledge into the kids,’’ Still said. “Not only winning, but trying to make football a piece of the school, where the kids and the staff gather around the sport.’’
Since he started as an assistant coach 33 years ago, Parker has only missed two practices: one for his mother’s funeral, and one because of illness. Still said consistency is what made Parker stand out.
Parker said his most cherished memory is his 1992 team, whose 2-8 record doesn’t begin to tell the story. In six losses, English was within a touchdown.
“They were mostly juniors on that team,’’ he said, “and that turned over to my 1993 team that won the City League championship and the Super Bowl.’’
Longtime Boston English football coach Keith Parker will step down after the Thanksgiving Day game against Boston Latin.
In his 30-year tenure, Parker’s teams won five City League titles and two Division 5B Super Bowls. He has an overall record of 141-168-5.
“I’m 65 years old, and it’s time for me to go,’’ he said. “I’ve had a great career and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.’’
The program has been in decline since its heyday in the 1990s, when it made three Super Bowl appearances. Parker attributes that to a shrinking enrollment at English, which dropped from about 1,800 in 1997, the year of the team’s last Super Bowl win, to its current total of less than 700.
There had been whispers of Parker’s retirement since the end of last school year, according to Boston City athletic director Ken Still. He and English headmaster Sito Narcisse will conduct the search for a replacement.
“[We would] like to see someone who’s going to really instill some real football knowledge into the kids,’’ Still said. “Not only winning, but trying to make football a piece of the school, where the kids and the staff gather around the sport.’’
Since he started as an assistant coach 33 years ago, Parker has only missed two practices: one for his mother’s funeral, and one because of illness. Still said consistency is what made Parker stand out.
Parker said his most cherished memory is his 1992 team, whose 2-8 record doesn’t begin to tell the story. In six losses, English was within a touchdown.
“They were mostly juniors on that team,’’ he said, “and that turned over to my 1993 team that won the City League championship and the Super Bowl.’’
East Boston claims the crown
EAST BOSTON 1, MADISON PARK 0
When MP players kick to referee, game called
By Michael Grossi, Globe Correspondent | November 5, 2009
East Boston 1
Madison Park 0
With 4:30 left in regulation in yesterday’s East Boston-Madison Park boys’ soccer game at White Stadium in Franklin Park for the Boston City League title, referee Savas Trellopoulos blew his whistle, signaling a handball in the goalie box by a Madison Park player.
East Boston sent its best player, Carlos Andres Ruiz, to take the penalty shot. His shot nicked off the hands of Cardinals goalie Beithoven Baesa and into the back of the net, giving the Jets a 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals were set to kick off after the goal, but suddenly a fracas broke out.
The Madison Park players loudly disagreed with Trellopoulos’s call. They began to shout and gesture at the referee and coaches and police officers were needed to restrain some of them. While Trellopoulos was walking over to the sideline, Venude Depina threw the ball and hit him in the back of the head.
The game was stopped for more than five minutes while officials attempted to restore order. After the dust had settled, Trellopoulos called the game, giving East Boston the win.
“It was a really good, even game by both teams,’’ said Jets coach Lorenzo DiBenedetto. “When the score is 0-0 something is going to happen. We got a call that was good for us, and for [Madison Park] it wasn’t. The game shouldn’t have ended like that. They should have had more class, especially in the city championship.’’
“I wish the refs didn’t have to take [the game] away from them,’’ said Madison Park coach Joao Gomes. “If it was just that one call I would be OK, but the referees’ calls were inconsistent.’’
Before the incident, the teams had played a clean, back-and-forth match.
Each side had its share of chances. East Boston had a great bid in the 47th minute. With a wall of Cardinals blocking Ruiz’s free kick, the sophomore slid a pass to Anderson Gaviria, who rocketed the ball into Baesa’s stomach.
“We created a lot of opportunities in the second half but we couldn’t finish,’’ said DiBenedetto. “We weren’t on today.’’
The Cardinals also had opportunities. Luis Tavares lofted a free kick across the goalie box toward Arlindo Depina. Depina put too much mustard on the ball and chipped it over the crossbar.
Both teams’ goalies kept them in the game. Baesa had good looks at shots and recorded more than 10 saves. East Boston’s Jorge Benitez wasn’t called on as often but made the stops when it counted.
When MP players kick to referee, game called
By Michael Grossi, Globe Correspondent | November 5, 2009
East Boston 1
Madison Park 0
With 4:30 left in regulation in yesterday’s East Boston-Madison Park boys’ soccer game at White Stadium in Franklin Park for the Boston City League title, referee Savas Trellopoulos blew his whistle, signaling a handball in the goalie box by a Madison Park player.
East Boston sent its best player, Carlos Andres Ruiz, to take the penalty shot. His shot nicked off the hands of Cardinals goalie Beithoven Baesa and into the back of the net, giving the Jets a 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals were set to kick off after the goal, but suddenly a fracas broke out.
The Madison Park players loudly disagreed with Trellopoulos’s call. They began to shout and gesture at the referee and coaches and police officers were needed to restrain some of them. While Trellopoulos was walking over to the sideline, Venude Depina threw the ball and hit him in the back of the head.
The game was stopped for more than five minutes while officials attempted to restore order. After the dust had settled, Trellopoulos called the game, giving East Boston the win.
“It was a really good, even game by both teams,’’ said Jets coach Lorenzo DiBenedetto. “When the score is 0-0 something is going to happen. We got a call that was good for us, and for [Madison Park] it wasn’t. The game shouldn’t have ended like that. They should have had more class, especially in the city championship.’’
“I wish the refs didn’t have to take [the game] away from them,’’ said Madison Park coach Joao Gomes. “If it was just that one call I would be OK, but the referees’ calls were inconsistent.’’
Before the incident, the teams had played a clean, back-and-forth match.
Each side had its share of chances. East Boston had a great bid in the 47th minute. With a wall of Cardinals blocking Ruiz’s free kick, the sophomore slid a pass to Anderson Gaviria, who rocketed the ball into Baesa’s stomach.
“We created a lot of opportunities in the second half but we couldn’t finish,’’ said DiBenedetto. “We weren’t on today.’’
The Cardinals also had opportunities. Luis Tavares lofted a free kick across the goalie box toward Arlindo Depina. Depina put too much mustard on the ball and chipped it over the crossbar.
Both teams’ goalies kept them in the game. Baesa had good looks at shots and recorded more than 10 saves. East Boston’s Jorge Benitez wasn’t called on as often but made the stops when it counted.
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