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
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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.’’
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