Courtesy of the RIIL
It is championship weekend in Rhode Island we have got you covered. Here is our preview of each game, including picks.
State Championship Game
#1 Bishop Hendricken vs. #2 LaSalle Academy: The LaSalle, Hendricken state title game match up is an annual tradition in the Ocean State. Both teams boast talented rosters once again. The Hawks are led by quarterback Daniel Lynch and Sebastian Lora. The Rams have the state’s best back in Terrance Campbell and a rising star in quarterback Samuel Perry.
Hendricken won the first match up, 24-12 earlier this season but this is for all the marbles. Hendricken beat Cumberland to get here while the Rams beat St. Ray’s. Expect another nip and tuck game between these two rivals.
Pick: Bishop Hendricken
Division I Consolation Bowl
#5 North Kingstown vs. #7 Burrillville: I hate that the D1 championship game is referred to as a consolation game but that is what it is unfortunately based on the structure in Rhode Island. North Kingstown played a tough schedule this season and it paid dividends for them come playoff time. NK beat Burriville earlier this season, 35-14.
Quarterback Jack Diano leads a potent passing attack for NK but the Skippers offense depends on several different players to touch the ball to be effective. For Burriville, quarterback Logan Gelinas and running back Leland Kelleher power an offense that is dynamic and has big play potential. I think this game is much closer than the last match up but I am still leaning NK in what should be a great game.
Pick: North Kingstown
Division II Championship
#1 South Kingstown vs. #3 West Warwick: South Kingstown has had a great season and is looking to cap it off with a D2 state title. The Rebels beat East Providence, 31-19 to get here while the Wizards beat Westerly, 27-13.
For SK, it is simple. Dominate the line of scrimmage and control the clock. The Rebels need to be physical and they need to wear down the Wizards to win. Stopping West Warwick running back James Branch is also key. Branch can break chunk runs and he is dynamic in space. Expect a back and forth affair in this one as well. Branch will get his but it is hard to pick against the Rebels. They have had a great season.
Pick: South Kingstown
Division III Championship
#1 Classical vs. #3 Ponaganset: Classical beat Rogers 58-22 while Ponaganset beat Pilgrim 32-16. This game is all about one player. Jordan Duke. The Classical running back has been arguably the best player in the state this season. He is explosive and can change the complexion of a game on one carry. If Ponaganset wants to win this game, they are going to need to control the clock, finish drives and keep Duke on the sideline.
Easier did than done. Duke will steal the show and the Purple will win the D3 state title.
Pick: Classical
Division IV Championship
#1 Narragansett vs. #3 Davies: Narragansett won a shootout over Smithfield, 48-30. Same with Davies who beat EWG Prout 49-34. I would expect a shootout in this game. Both teams like to spread it out, play fast and score. Defense will be optional in this game. In all seriousness, whichever defense can get stops, especially in the second half will lead their team to a win and a state title. Narragansett has had a great season but I think Davies athleticism and big play potential proves to be the difference.
Pick: Davies