BY CHARLIE ADAMS, TSM HEAD SPORTSWRITER
CRANSTON, RI - Cranston East football’s season hasn’t started off on the right foot, to say the least, losing their first two games by wide margins. Entering what arguably would be their second most anticipated football game of the fall, the ‘Bolts had to improve greatly from their previous results. In front of an enormous, paraded-in “Thunderstorm”, problems on both sides of the ball persisted as the Rebels rained on East’s parade, 35-14.
South Kingstown had fought in two close games to a 1-1 record, led by their run game and senior quarterback Rian O’Rourke. The Thunderbolts were up against it, missing key senior WR/DB Naz Milien for the contest and only having fellow senior WR/DB Romeo Cordeiro for limited action. The Rebels run game proved to be too much for the ‘Bolts, as South moved the ball at will after the opening kickoff.
The Rebels won the opening toss, deferring their choice to the second half. Kicking off to start the game proved to be a mistake for South, as Antonello Lucchetti returned the kickoff 90 yards to the house - his second kickoff return for a touchdown this season (85-yarder against Coventry). A’driahn Foreman successfully rushed in the two-point conversion to give the ‘Bolts an 8-0 lead before a full minute had gone off the clock.
After moving the ball quickly down the field on the ground with chunk plays, South Kingstown’s Isiah Carter was able to punch it in on the ground. Seeking a tie, their two-point conversion was also successful as Amani Boamah got past the pylon on a toss to tie the game early at 8.
In the first offensive drive for the Thunderbolts, they failed to convert a 4th and 2 in enemy territory, turning the ball over on downs. Rebel running back Isiah Carter had his way with Cranston East’s run defense, and South Kingstown looked primed to score. However, once in the Thunderbolt red zone, the ‘Bolts forced a fumble, recovered by DionAndre Brown, to stop the Rebels in their tracks.
Da’Qwon Foster was able to break off a huge rush on a quarterback misdirection, moving across midfield. However, a low snap on the next play got past Foster, and South Kingstown was able to recover. As time expired in the first quarter the game remained knotted at 8, but the Rebels had already moved into position to take their first lead of the contest.
The ‘Bolts goal line defense stayed strong until 4th down, finally breaking to a rush by Phoenix Sward. A questionable third down horse collar penalty against the ‘Bolts dampered their defensive stand, as the ensuing extra point was booted through the uprights to give the Rebels a 7-point lead, 15-7.
Cranston East failed to answer, punting following a three and out. Phoenix Sward continued the Rebels’ ground attack, bullying their way down the field. Back on the East goal line again, quarterback Rian O’Rourke was able to sneak into the endzone. Tagging on the extra point, South Kingstown led 22-8 before halftime.
The Thunderbolt offensive struggles continued on the ensuing possession, as they again turned the ball over on downs near midfield. Amani Boamah became the fourth Rebel to record a rushing touchdown in the game, and another Kai Sorlien extra point brought their lead to a mountainous 21 points entering the half, 29-8.
Out of the half, the Thunderbolts’ struggles continued. The Rebels run game continued to run it down the ‘Bolts' throats, converting when necessary and eating plenty of clock. Their 7-minute drive culminated in Amani Boamah’s second rushing touchdown, and South Kingstown pushed their lead to 35-8.
As the third quarter came to a close, the ‘Bolts defense was finally able to force a turnover on downs against the Rebels second-stringers.
In the fourth quarter, East’s offense managed to move the ball into the red zone for the first time of the night. Da’Qwon capitalized on it as he scrambled for the Thunderbolts first offensive touchdown at home this season. A failed two-point conversion left the game at 35-14.
With the game all but decided, South Kingstown was able to run out the clock and secure their second win of the season, dropping East to 0-3, 35-14.
Recurring issues continued for the Thunderbolts on both sides of the football. Struggling to stop the run and not able to generate consistent offense of their own left the ‘Bolts with an uphill climb after Lucchetti’s kick return. A fired-up crowd at the beginning of the game left cold at the end, as East had to turn to their next contest, this Friday when they’ll travel to Barrington to face the Eagles.
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