The secret is out.
The Everett High School has a potential Matt Nuzzo-Jonathan DiBiaso-caliber quarterback in freshman Michael Walsh, and the future is bright.
Walsh completed separate 69-yard passes to Jeremiah Joseph and Jamuari Dulin for touchdowns as the Crimson Tide bested BC High, 22-19, Friday afternoon on the Eagles’ home field.
Tyler Freni also scored for the Tide on a three-yard run in the second quarter.
“We had a nice team win and a very solid effort in all three phases,” said Everett head coach Rob DiLoreto. “It took a complete effort, offense, defense, and special teams to get that win over there. It was hard-fought and I’m very proud of our team.”
The individual star of the day was Walsh, who seemed unaffected by the windy conditions off the coast of Quincy Bay, where the football stadium is situated.
“We didn’t have to face the rain (from the impending Nor’easter), but the wind was howling,” reported DiLoreto. “Both teams were impacted by the elements. Michael really had to be on point with some really key throws in that game. He threw the ball 14 times, which is a good amount in that type of weather.”
Everett’s winning ‘drive’
Not all possessions have to end in points on the scoreboard to be successful, and that’s what occurred in the fourth quarter for Everett.
Leading, 22-19, Everett was pinned deep in its own territory by the BC High punter with 4:48 remaining in the game.
Everett methodically marched downfield to earn three first downs and emphatically run out the clock.
“That’s how we secured the game,” said DiLoreto. “We had a strong execution of the four-minute drill, which is something we work on during practice.”
DiLoreto credited his offensive line for its outstanding pass protection and run blocking. Earning plaudits for their work in the trenches were left tackle Kellyson Linhares, left guard Guerlins Christalin, center Omarian Ayala, right guard Moises Interiano, and James Dos Santos.
Asked if the win was a signature moment in his return to the helm of the Everett football program, Walsh replied, “I’m old school and try to treat every game like it’s the Super Bowl, and it’s the most important game our kids are playing. But when you play the prestige and the level of competition in the Catholic Conference, so to come out and have a victory over BC High, a very solid Catholic Conference program, is a credit to how hard our players are working and their belief in each other. It was a big bounce-back week following our loss to Xaverian.”
Everett, who is ranked 11th in the MIAA Division 1 power rankings this week (the top 16 teams qualify for the playoffs) plays a tough 2-1 Malden team at Macdonald Stadium Friday night. The Tornadoes have a Division 1-caliber running back in Jayden McGuffie, who has more than 2,000 career rushing yards.