by Charlie Adams, TSM Writer
1 September, 2022
ABOVE: Senior Brady Kitterick kicks off to get the 2022 football season at Cranston East underway. (photo courtesy of Rhode Island Interscholastic League)
CRANSTON, RI - The Thunderbolts kicked off their season with their Injury Fund half-game against Woonsocket, a match up that celebrated the fifty-year anniversary of the first Rhode Island Interscholastic League Super Bowls, when Cranston East won, 35-8, becoming the first Class A (now Division I) champion.
In front of a strong showing from passionate Cranston East fans, the ‘Bolts kicked off to start the game. They forced Woonsocket to punt out of the gate, as they started off strong with a three-and-out.
A stop route near the sideline thrown by quarterback Da’Qwon Foster on the first play of the Thunderbolts drive started them off on the right foot with a 60-yard catch and run touchdown by Nachbi Cherry. A failed 2-point conversion rush left the lead at 6-0.
A perfect deep ball placed by Woonsocket’s junior quarterback Daunte Melton into the hands of Jamaury Bell knotted the game at 6 apiece late in the first quarter. The Villa Novans botched the point after snap, keeping the score tied at six.
The ‘Bolts weren’t able to respond as their drive stalled out around midfield, leaving the game tied as they finished up the first quarter of the half-game.
On the ensuing possession, the ‘Bolts defense repeatedly could not get off the field on third down. Finally, Jonathan Peguro Jr of Woonsocket punched in a short run to break the tie with 7:54 left in the game.
It went from bad to worse following a three-and-out, as a muffed punt put the Villa Novans right back in scoring position at the Thunderbolt seven-yard line. A touchdown pass by Camden Gamache pushed the Villa Novans out to a 12 point lead.
A late fumble recovery on punt coverage by Thunderbolt senior Alex Jones was quickly negated when junior quarterback Jayden Chagnon was picked off on the first play of the ensuing drive.
After starting strong out of the gate on both sides of the ball, a long Woonsocket drive took the wind out of the Bolts’ sails. Struggling run blocking stalled the offense, and a tired Cranston East defense was worn down by Villa Novans’ run game, as they struggled to make clean tackles in open field.
The Thunderbolts will look to come back stronger when they’re back in action next Friday, September 9th, where they’ll host the Coventry Oakers in a non-league contest.
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