By Cary Shuman
What better way to get ready for the game of the year than by producing the quarterbacking performance of the year – so far.
Everett junior signal caller Jonathan DiBiaso tuned up for his team’s showdown with Xaverian by setting single-game and all-time records. The sizzling southpaw threw six touchdown passes in a 42-7 victory over Taunton Saturday afternoon.
DiBiaso shattered the career record held by Matt Nuzzo, who threw 31 touchdown passes during his brilliant four-year career in the Crimson Tide program. Fittingly enough, DiBiaso eclipsed the record with a 39-yard touchdown pass to the team’s leading receiver, Matt Costello, late in the first half.
By halftime, DiBiaso had amassed 260 yards of passing on a 12-of-17 day.
“I’m honored to be named in Matt Nuzzo’s company,” said Jonathan DiBiaso. “I watched the great things he did in an Everett uniform – especially helping his team win all those games, GBL titles, and Super Bowls. Our goals as a team are to win the GBL title and the Super Bowl and those goals are more important than any individual accomplishments along the way.”
DiBiaso connected with Costello for two TD passes, while Vondell Langston, Manny Asprilla, Kenny Calaj, and Jakarrie Washington each had one TD reception.
DiBiaso, who was named a Boston Globe star of the week in Division 1, again handed out accolades to his unsung offensive line, including right tackle Brian DaSilva, right guard Mike Ottersburg, center Nick Chiarello, left guard Nick Stanfield, left tackle John Montelius, tight end Ralph Jonathas, and fullback Vondell Langston.
“We have the best line in the state,” said DiBiaso, whose father, head coach John DiBiaso, agreed with that assessment.
Coach DiBiaso said his defense did “a gresat job” shutting down the Taunton attack.
All members of the ‘D’ unit were singled out for bows of excellence, notably linemen Shaquille Taylor and Milton Lopez, defensive ends Paul Markini and Ralph Jonathas, linebackers Chris McCarthy, Vondell Langston, and Ryan Pietrantonio, safeties Kenny Calaj and Ronnie Richards, and cornerbacks Ra’ess Wingard and Jahil Wingard.
DiBiaso and the Crimson Tide’s attention is squarely on No. 1-ranked Xaverian (Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Westwood), a team that defeated them twice last year and may have been a little too exuberant in its post-game celebrations. Xaverian will carry a 21-game winning streak into the game.
“I don’t know how you couldn’t be excited about this game,” said DiBiaso. “We’re getting the chance to play the No. 1 team and we’re in the spotlight, so I’m excited.”