The Everett and Barnstable football teams both entered their intersectional showdown Saturday averaging more than 40 points a game.
There was also the interesting sub-plot of the two most prolific passers in the state, Everett’s Jonathan DiBiaso and Barnstable’s D.J. Crook, continuing their highly publicized chase of the all-time touchdown record.
In the end Everett and Jonathan DiBiaso prevailed as the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide improved their record to 4-0 with a convincing 34-21 victory over the Red Raiders.
DiBiaso was 16-for-29 for 214 yards with four touchdown passes. Crook was 29-for-58 for 307 yards with two touchdown passes. The two senior quarterbacks are tied with 74 career touchdown passes, 11 shy of Tommy Colombo’s record.
Paul Halloran, analyst on Everett cable television’s broadcasts of EHS games, said the opposing quarterbacks each showed their capabilities.
“The matchup at quarterback lived up to its expectations,” said Halloran. “Jonathan is doing a very good job of spreading the ball around. He has four receivers who are all making multiple catches. But I think the key to the game was the Everett defense answering the challenge and limiting Barnstable to seven points through three quarters (Everett led 34-7 before Barnstable scored two TDs late in the game).
Everett junior Joey White made the defensive play of the game late in the second quarter. With the Tide protecting a slim 7-0 lead and Barnstable driving, linebacker Chris McCarthy jarred the ball loose and White recovered the fumble and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. Instead of a potential 7-7 tie, Everett led 14-0 at the break.
Jalen Felix registered two interceptions, one in the end zone, to foil the Red Raiders’ offense.
Jakarrie Washington boosted his status as one of the team’s most electrifying players by catching two touchdown passes. Vondell Langston and Ralph Jonathas also had touchdown receptions.
Kenny Calaj had another solid two-way performance. Calaj picked up some valuable yardage on the ground and joined in the Everett secondary’s role in keeping Crook in check.
Everett head coach John DiBiaso and his staff had their team ready for its longest road trip of the season and a difficult test from the explosive Raiders’ offense. Though the defense bent on occasion, the unit made big plays when it needed them.
“It was a good football game,” said DiBiaso. “It was a lot closer than I would have liked but Barnstable is a very good team and I give them all the credit in the world. They fought and battled to the end.”
Everett hosts Taunton Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Everett Memorial Stadium.