By Cary Shuman
Joao Barreiros is a running back, placekicker, and punter for the Everett High School football team.
Excelling in all phases, Barreiros rushed for three touchdowns and kicked four extra points to help lead the Crimson Tide to a 34-7 victory over defending GBL champion Medford Friday night at the John DiBiaso Jr. Football Field at Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Barreiros also pinned Medford inside the 2-yard line on a 40-yard punt.
Head coach Rob DiLoreto made a successful return to the Everett sidelines In the first game played on the newly minted turf field that has been named in honor of former head coach John DiBiaso Jr.
The Mustangs traveled down Mystic Valley Parkway hoping to start their season with a big win over their neighbors. But Barreiros set the tone for Everett’s offense with a 57-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He then added the first of his three PATs in the first half.
Quarterback Tyler Freni scored on two 3-yard runs to extend the lead to 21-0 at the half. Freni also had two key third-down pass completions to junior receiver Jamauri Dulin.
“Tyler had some important runs and passes and showed some real grit and toughness throughout the entire game,” credited Coach DiLoreto.
Offensive linemen Danny Fernandez, Enno Neto, Guerlins Christalin, Gaetano Foster, and Nathan Fortune opened the season with a solid effort.
Medford scored its lone touchdown in the third quarter and trailed 21-7 heading into the fourth quarter. But Barreiros turned a hard-fought game into a comfortable victory with touchdown runs of 18 and 17 yards in the fourth quarter.
Jeremiah Joseph was a defensive standout with two interceptions. Armani Negron also had an interception. Defensive end Wael Fanidi was effective in disrupting the screen-pass aspect of the Mustangs’ offense.
“Medford is a spread-offense, well-coached team, and we really had to have our pass coverages in check throughout the game. It was a very competitive game and close (21-7) going into the fourth quarter.”
DiLoreto is looking for continued improvement against Lynn Classical (a 16-14 setback to Lawrence in the opener) this Friday (6 p.m) at Manning Field.
“We have a lot of things to clean up in terms of discipline and performance, but we’re proud of the effort that the kids put forth.”
DiLoreto scouted the Rams in person during a driving rainstorm last Saturday at Manning Field.
“It was a monsoon,” reported DiLoreto, who did not have any shelter from the rain.
Coach’s Comments
Rob DiLoreto said entire the coaching staff was pleased with the overall effort.
“It’s nice to get an early season win under your belt, and I was very proud of the effort the kids put forth,” said DiLoreto, who had a 21-3 record in his previous two seasons as head coach. “The big key in the game was that we were able to run the ball with consistency and then hit on some big pass plays when needed. It was a very positive atmosphere overall at the stadium, especially with the commemoration of the new field. You could feel the excitement.”