Game of the Week Audible: Everett 43 Barnstable 14

            We learned a lot of things about both the teams who did battle in Everett Saturday afternoon, like DJ Crook being just good in person as he is on tape, and DiBiaso to Costello is as pretty a combo as Light to Rogers or any other big time QB/WR duo in the state.  But the biggest thing we learned on Saturday: Everett is back, and better than ever.

            This Barnstable team isn’t an upstart program with inexperienced players.  They aren’t a bunch who was in awe of the Everett tradition.  As a matter of fact, I think Barnstable has the ability to beat Everett.  But not on Saturday.  This time at least, Everett was head and shoulders above their Cape counterparts.

            Everett started the onslaught early, with Junior John DiBiaso connecting with Senior Matt Costelo on the first of what would be five touchdown passes.  The two would hook up again on their next possession, this time on a seven yard strike, putting Everett up 7-0.

            Then Barnstable buckled down.  Crook got the passing game going, and the Barnstable offensive line, over matched for much of the day, allowed him just enough time to move his team down the field, finishing it off with a 31-yard strike to the ever impressive Jordan Henderson.

            Barnstable stood tough for the next 7 minutes.  They forced two straight 3-and-outs.  They got good penetration.  They forced Everett into mistakes.  But their own inability to stay away from the inevitable trash talking did them in.  After a great stop, the Red raiders were flagged for a personal foul, forcing them to start their next drive inside their own 20 as opposed to around the 40.  This would be the kiss of death.  Everett seemed re-energized, forced a 3-and-out, then poured on the points.

            It started with a 4 yard run by Manuel Asprilla.  Then, just before the half, Costelo hauled in a beautifully thrown pass from DiBiaso for an 83 yard strike.  A 36-yarder in the third (again to Costello), and a 27 yarder to Asrpilla would finish out the Everett scoring.  Crook would find Matt Delaney to bring the final tally to 43-14.  Notes…

Everett

• I’m glad I reserved judgment on my top Defensive units until this week, because the Everett defense is stacked.  They are fast, aggressive, and just as disciplined as ever.  They were able to hassle Crook all day, disallowing him to get into any real rhythm. 
• Two players really caught my eye on the Everett defense: senior Shaquille Taylor and sophomore Ryan Pietrantonio.  Taylor was an absolute beast off the ball.  He consistently drove the Barnstable center into the backfield, forcing Crook to have to move the pocket every play.  He is low, sturdy, and uses his hands well.  Division 1 type talent.  Pietrantonio is a monster who is just as good in coverage as he is near the line of scrimmage.  His most impressive play was when he blew up a reverse, resulting in a 7 yard loss.  He is very comfortable in his body for his age, and moves his hips well.  As he fills out, schools will begin to take notice.  Two great talents.
• Yes, John DiBiaso can play.  But what’s most impressive is his leadership skills.  Case in point: after a Barnstable defender made an impressive play to stop DiBiaso and end an Everett drive, the player decided to share a few words with DiBiaso.  The junior quarterback's response?  Clap to his own players, ignore the woofing, and take a respectful look at the ump.  Result? A 15-yard penalty on the same player when he did the same exact thing 4 plays later.  If DiBiaso gets up and partakes in the trash talking, or scolds the ref for not throwing a flag, his squad never gets the second call.  Everett’s got a true leader. 
• Vondell Langston is impressive.  I’m just not sure if he’s more impressive on offense or defense.  While he’s not the fastest or shiftiest runner, instinctively, he’s tops.  Good visions.  Good feet.  North/South runner with all kinds of power behind his stiff arm.  On defense, he tackles with his hips, driving his legs through the ball carrier.  He also is disciplined and plays his zone well.  AQ-type player, no question.
• Manuel Asprilla is fun to watch with the ball in his hands.  Very good cuts, stays low, and has the rare ability to shield himself from contact, lessening the impact of the hits he takes. 

Barnstable

• Nick LeSpada is the best player in the state.  Doug Crook Jr. is the best quarterback in the state.  His feet are solid and always stay under him.  He points his shoulder where he wants to throw.  His release is quick and high.  He does NOT Tebow the ball (dip, extend, throw), which is something many of our state’s top signal callers tend to do.  He is a leader, and one of the best players I have seen thus far.
• Jordan Henderson was the only Barnstable receiver who saw consistent success.  He was able to shake loose and get open.  He made catches over the middle, was not afraid to take hits, and was the only player always  Sold routes, solid burst off the line.  Very good prospect.
• Dennis Reddy is a load.  He runs low, hard, and took it to every Everett defender who tried to take him down.  The kiss of death for him was 4 out of every 5 times they called his number, he was swarmed before he could get back to the line.
• Sophomore Andrew Ellis is a young linebacker with a big upside.  He not only hits, but he plays under control and with a nose for the ball.  As his fundamentals come together, he will catch plenty of eyes.  Write his name down.
• This Branstable team is still a contender in my eyes.  If they can fix their defensive and O-Line struggles, they can play with anyone.