By Charlie Adams
NEFJ Correspondent

PROVIDENCE – La Salle opened its season with a convincing win over North Kingstown on Sept. 4; the Rams repeated the result on Friday to punch their ticket to the state championship.

After winning 34-7 in September, the No. 2 Rams’ offense one-upped themselves in a 40-22 victory over the No. 3 Skippers.

“They got better, and hopefully we did too,” La Salle head coach Dan Koppen said. “It’s playoff time; if you win, you go on, and hopefully we’re playing our best ball.”

A dominant first half was led by La Salle’s connection between quarterback Samuel Perry and wide receiver Jabari Jackson, combining for three touchdowns. The defense delivered a shutout half as well to lead 21-0.

“Just proud of our guys,” Koppen said. “They came out and executed and did what we wanted them to do. They played physical from the start and didn’t let up.”

After a three-and-out, Perry wasted little time on La Salle’s second drive. Jackson brought in his first score on a 50-yard touchdown pass, with Mathys Aholou adding the extra point.

“In practice, going over the stuff that we go over,” Jackson said. “Just having that plan with him, having that consistency with him is great.”

North Kingstown running back Nick Stafford couldn’t handle the snap out of the wildcat on the responding drive, allowing Angelo Gomez to recover the fumble for La Salle on a short field where Perry got Jackson for a 31-yard score.

“Jabari’s been great all year,” Koppen said. “He’s a special kid. Sam’s just smart; he knows where the ball needs to go. Jabari’s running the right routes and making the right plays.”

Perry made the smart play again while facing second-and-25, with Jackson’s speed separating him enough to finish off the 64-yard sprint for his third touchdown.

Stafford broke off a big run to the red zone for North Kingstown, but La Salle’s defense forced a turnover on downs on fourth and short to keep its shutout.

The Rams turned to their run game in the second half, controlling the clock and cashing in with a one-yard touchdown from Elijah Bento on third-and-goal.

Stafford ended the shutout on a screen pass from Matthew Auclair, scampering 69 yards as Nick Silvia converted the PAT.

Adrian Alves answered to close the third quarter with a two-yard touchdown that made it a 27-point game before Bento brought in his second touchdown on a 15-yard rush.

The Skippers ended the game with the final 15 points as Stafford scored a four-yard touchdown before scoring a 46-yarder with under two minutes to go.

“Nick’s a special player; he’s a man running back there,” Koppen said. “We missed some tackles; we’ve got to clean that up, but you can only contain him for so long.”

Auclair connected with Ethan Machado on the two-point conversion to close the scoring and finish North Kingstown’s season as Perry kneeled out the remaining clock.

For a third straight year, La Salle is heading to the state championship. Also for a third straight year, the Rams will face No. 1 Bishop Hendricken.

Jackson was part of the Hawks’ program for three seasons before transferring to their rival ahead of the season. After three state titles, he will suit up for a team looking for its first since 2022.

“I love the guys I’m here with,” Jackson said. “I’m grateful; I’m blessed to be able to play under the coaching staff, under these guys and under these fans.”

The state championship between the familiar foes is scheduled for Friday at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium. Hendricken took the regular-season meeting on Oct. 9 with a 24-13 win.