2025 Davenport Division Football Preview
Canton
2024 Record: 7-4
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 4 Round of 8
Coach: Anthony Fallon
Key/Returning Players: Angel Assad, Jr., RB; Brody Baldiga, Jr., RB; Nick Crowe, Sr., RB/LB; Rhancy Jean-Baptiste, Sr., OL/DL; Brian Kaelin, Sr., OL; Dylan Lank, Jr., DB; Paul Mellon, Jr., DB; Jake Marcell, Sr., WR/LB; Gavin Pushard, Jr., LB; Chris Pirrera, Sr., WR/DB; Tommy Rose, Jr., LB; Owen Sasin, Sr., OL/DL; Julian Tavares, Jr., OL; JT Norton, Sr., QB; Jerome Weeks, Sr., DB.
Outlook:
Canton is coming off a strong season that included a playoff victory and a near upset of powerhouse Duxbury, which went on to reach the Division 4 state final. The Bulldogs proved they could compete with some of the top teams in the state last fall, and with a large group of veterans returning on both sides of the ball, expectations are high for Canton to once again be in the mix for a Davenport division title and a playoff run.
The Bulldogs return plenty of experience on offense, led by senior quarterback JT Norton, who will guide a balanced attack. Norton will have veteran playmakers around him, including senior wide receiver Jake Marcell and senior wide receiver Chris Pirrera on the outside and senior running back Nick Crowe in the backfield. Up front, senior captains Owen Sasin and Rhancy Jean-Baptiste, along with senior Brian Kaelin, give Canton a strong and experienced offensive line to build around.
Defensively, Canton will lean on its physicality and speed. The linebacker group is a strength, featuring Marcell, Crowe, junior Tommy Rose, and junior Gavin Pushard. Pirrera and junior Dylan Lank return in the secondary, joined by junior Paul Mellon and junior Antoine Jamison, while Jean-Baptiste and Sasin stabilize the defensive line. Seniors Jerome Weeks and Julian Tavares, along with juniors Angel Assad and Brody Baldiga, are among the players expected to step into bigger roles this season.
The Bulldogs will lean on their defense, passing game, and overall physicality as their biggest strengths to start the season, but will need to be ready for a challenging schedule. With a difficult non-league slate (Franklin, Bedford, Holliston, Norwood — all playoff teams a year ago) paired with the always-tough Davenport division, Canton knows there will be no easy weeks. The experience and talent across the roster has the Bulldogs hoping to build on last year’s success and make another run.
“We bring back a good group of seniors and veterans who know what it takes to compete at a high level,” said Canton head coach Anthony Fallon. “Our defense, passing game, and speed should be strengths, but in this league and with our schedule, there are no weeks off. We are excited to get started and see how far this group can go.”
Foxboro
2024 Record: 8-5 (Davenport division co-champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 5 Super Bowl
Coach: Jack Martinelli
Key/Returning Players: Gabe Beaule, Sr., LB/FB; Jackson Bohlen, Jr., S/SE; Dana Corliss, Sr., OL; Cam Deleskey, Sr., QB/CB; Kawan Dias, Sr., DE/SE; Ryan Foley, Sr., LB/RB; Kolby Hassett, Sr., S/WR; Josh Hindin, Jr., DL; Ryan LaCroix, Sr., OL/DL; Joey Lombardi, Jr., LB; Matt O’Keefe, Sr., OL/DL; Anthony Pignone, Soph., RB; Trevor Palmer, Sr., DE/TE; Rashawn Rice, Jr., SE/S; Kameron Rice, Jr., WR/CB; Bismarck Suarez, Sr., OL/DL; Jack Taft, Jr., RB/CB; Evan Vieira, Sr., OL.
Outlook:
Foxboro has been one of the most consistent programs in the Hockomock League, reaching Gillette Stadium in back-to-back years. The Warriors graduated a talented senior class that was central to that run, but longtime head coach Jack Martinelli, now in his 43rd season on the sideline, brings back an experienced core that will look to keep Foxboro in contention in both the Davenport Division and the state tournament.
The biggest change comes under center, where senior Cam Deleskey takes over at quarterback. Deleskey will step into the shoes of three-year starter Mike Marcucella and will have several key weapons around him. Senior Kawan Dias is a versatile threat on both sides of the ball, senior Kolby Hassett adds speed and athleticism in the secondary and at wide receiver, while senior Ryan Foley is a player to watch after seeing reps last year and is poised for a bigger role.
Foxboro looks solid up front with senior linemen Bismarck Suarez, Evan Vieira, Matt O’Keefe, and Ryan LaCroix returning. O’Keefe is regarded as one of the top linemen in the Hockomock and has a ton of varsity experience, and the unit as a whole is a veteran one. Senior Gabe Beaule had a breakout season at linebacker and will be one of the best at his position again this fall, and senior Trevor Palmer is a strong presence at defensive end.
With experience along both lines, a strong linebacker corps, and depth in the secondary, the Warriors have the ingredients to be in the mix once again. As always, staying healthy and developing new impact players will be key if Foxboro is going to make another deep run.
“Foxboro returns experienced and tested offensive and defensive fronts along with its linebackers and secondary. The challenge as always is replacing graduated impact players,” said Martinelli.
ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTMansfield
2024 Record: 9-4 (Davenport division co-champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Super Bowl
Coach: Mike Redding
Key/Returning Players: Marcus Bailey, Jr., OL/DL; Mason Bordieri, Sr., RB/LB; Andrew DeGirolamo, Sr., WR/TE; Ramari Fernandez, Sr., DL/OL; Caden Harte, Jr., RB/WR/DB; Evan Hefez, Sr., K; Cole Hogencamp, Jr., SE/TE/OLB; Will Killory, Sr., LB; Shamus MacLeod, Sr., OL/DL; Gabe McIntyre, Sr., WR/DB; Donovan Minton, Sr., RB; Tom Muldoon, Sr., CB; Nate Pailler, Sr., OL/DL; Darrian Sanders, Jr., CB/WR; Gio Scarpellini, Jr., QB/RB/WR; Nico Smith, Sr., RB; Max Tillman, Jr., RB/WR; Tommy Vallett, Sr., QB; James Warren, Sr., K.
Outlook:
Mansfield is coming off a strong 9-4 campaign that included a share of the Davenport Division title and a run to the Division 3 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. With a veteran roster and a number of key playmakers returning, there is plenty of optimism that Mansfield will once again be a contender in both the league and the state tournament.
Senior quarterback Tommy Vallett returns after throwing for more than 1,800 yards as a junior and is drawing Division 1 FCS interest. He will have senior wideout Andrew DeGirolamo, who had over 50 receptions and 900 yards last season, back as his top target. Senior running back Donovan Minton, the team’s second-leading rusher, will spearhead the backfield with senior Mason Bordieri, junior Nico Smith, junior Max Tillman, and junior Caden Harte providing the Hornets depth. Senior Gabe McIntyre and junior Cole Hogencamp add depth and versatility to the passing game.
The offensive line will be one of the biggest question marks, but Mansfield does return senior Nate Pailler, a nationally ranked long snapper who will anchor the group at tackle. The Hornets will need to work in some new starters up front, but with Pailler leading the way and several players gaining experience last year, there is optimism the unit can come together quickly.
Defensively, the Hornets will once again line up in their 3-4 scheme and bring back an experienced group of linebackers led by Bordieri, who was the team’s leading tackler last year, and Minton. Fernandez is a three-year starter on the defensive line, and the secondary brings back three starters with senior cornerback Tom Muldoon, senior linebacker/defensive back Will Killory, and McIntyre. Juniors Gio Scarpellini, Darrian Sanders, and Smith add depth across the defensive unit. Special teams should be a major strength with two excellent senior kickers, James Warren and Evan Hefez, both of whom are being recruited by FCS and Division 2 programs. Combined with Pailler’s long-snapping and a group of young athletes ready to contribute, Mansfield expects to have an edge in the kicking game and special teams overall.
The Hornets will once again play one of the most challenging schedules in the state. Their non-league slate includes matchups with Bridgewater-Raynham, Bedford High School (Michigan), perennial powerhouse Springfield Central, and Marshfield, all of which will help prepare Mansfield for the Davenport and boost its playoff rating.
“Division 3 is probably the deepest in the state this year, so getting a high seed and hopefully earning some home games will be key,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Redding. “We have the skill and experience, and if the offensive line comes together, we should be able to run and throw the ball with balance and be right in the mix again.”
North Attleboro
2024 Record: 11-2
2024 Finish: Won Div. 3 Super Bowl
Coach: Mike Strachan
Key/Returning Players: Zach Breton, Sr., FS; Dylan Brousseau, Sr., QB/CB; Conor Casey, Sr., DE/TE; Sean Cornell, Sr., OL/DL; Ryan Gustafson, Sr., WR/DB; Milo House, Soph., CB; Nathaniel Robin, Soph., QB; Corey Rofino, Sr., RB/LB; Nate Rivera, Sr., OL/DL; Frankie Strachan, Sr., RB/LB; Ryan Thompson, Sr., FB/LB; Cam Vialpando, Jr., OL/DL.
Outlook:
North Attleboro is coming off a memorable 2024 season that ended with the program’s first state championship since 2002. The Rocketeers claimed the Division 3 crown at Gillette Stadium behind a big and talented senior class that set the standard, and while many of those key contributors have graduated, North has a mix of veterans and newcomers eager to keep the program at a championship level.
The Rocketeers will be led by a strong senior group of captains. Senior linebacker and running back Frankie Strachan, senior running back and linebacker Corey Rofino, senior lineman Nate Rivera, and senior tight end and defensive end Conor Casey will provide the leadership that North will lean on as it looks to build off last year’s success. All four played pivotal roles during last year’s successful season and will help set the tone this fall. Senior Ryan Thompson adds more experience at linebacker and fullback, while senior Dylan Brousseau takes over at quarterback after starting in the secondary last season. Sophomore Nathaniel Robin could also be in the mix at quarterback.
North has experience back at several key spots with Strachan, Rofino, and Thompson giving the offense multiple options in the run game. Up front, Rivera and Casey return to anchor both lines, joined by senior Sean Cornell and junior Cam Vialpando. The defense will once again be a strength, with Strachan and Rofino leading the linebacking corps, and senior Zach Breton, senior Ryan Gustafson, and sophomore Milo House stepping into key roles in the secondary.
While replicating last year’s historic run will be a tall task, North has a foundation of experienced seniors and talented newcomers that should keep it among the teams to watch in the Davenport Division and Division 3.
“I am extremely happy with our captain leadership with Frankie Strachan, Corey Rofino, Nate Rivera and Connor Casey,” said North Attleboro head coach Mike Strachan. “We will be leaning on this senior group to establish our run game and concentrating on protecting the ball and getting off the field on third down.”
ADVERTISEMENTOliver Ames
2024 Record: 6-5
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: John Sperrazza
Key/Returning Players: Aiden Ayoub, Jr., LB; Tyreese Buggs, Sr., ATH; Mitchell Callender, Jr., DL; Aiden Dale, Jr., LB; Demetri Karolemeas, Sr., WR/DB; Ryan Loring, Jr., RB; Kyle Melendy, Jr., OL/DL; Jacob Melton, Sr., WR/DB; Evan Szumylo, Sr., TE/LB.
Outlook:
Oliver Ames made progress last season with six wins, and in his second year in charge, head coach John Sperrazza continues to focus on building the culture and foundation of the program. The Tigers have a mix of veterans and newcomers this fall, and the goal will be to blend the two groups together to replace some key playmakers from last year and take another step forward in a loaded Davenport division.
The Tigers will have a new quarterback this fall, with senior Luke Fernald stepping in to lead the offense. Fernald has shown leadership throughout the preseason and will benefit from the versatility of seniors Jacob Melton and Demetri Karolemeas, who give OA multiple looks in the passing game on top of depth in the secondary on defense. Senior Tyreese Buggs and junior Kyle Melendy will anchor the offensive line, while junior running back Ryan Loring will look to carry the ground game. Senior Evan Szumylo will be a key two-way player at tight end and linebacker. On offense, the Tigers will look to be balanced, with senior leadership across the line and skill positions allowing them to move the ball consistently.
Defensively, Oliver Ames will lean on its depth in the secondary, led by Melton and Karolemeas, with Loring and classmate Aiden Dale adding flexibility and toughness at outside linebacker. Junior defensive tackle Mitchell Callender, coming off a dominant throwing season in the spring, adds good size and power up front.
“We are a mix of veterans and newcomers. We have been working hard all preseason to establish a culture. It’s exciting to see the growth of our players. Hopefully it translates to success on the field this fall,” said Sperrazza.
Stoughton
2024 Record: 1-10
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Chris Evans
Key/Returning Players: Jackson Arnold, Sr., OL/LB; Kerven Georges, Sr., RB/LB; Sean Rockwood, Sr., QB/DL; Aiden Rideout, Sr., OL/DL; Victor Thomas, Sr., WR/DB; Xavier Vicente, Sr., RB/DB.
Outlook:
Stoughton continues to build its foundation under third-year head coach Chris Evans, and the Black Knights enter the fall with optimism thanks to increased numbers and a core of returning talent. With a small but talented senior class leading the way, Stoughton will look to be competitive in a loaded Davenport Division that featured three teams that reached Gillette Stadium last season.
The Black Knights bring back several experienced players on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Sean Rockwood will guide the offense, with senior running back Kerven Georges and senior running back/defensive back Xavier Vicente giving Stoughton options in the ground game. Senior wide receiver Victor Thomas is a key target in the passing attack, joined by juniors Aidan Moriarty, Patrick McLaughlin, Jacob Abelard, and senior Benbella Cetoute, a group that brings different skills but all share speed, explosiveness, and a strong work ethic.
Up front, Stoughton will rely on a physical offensive line anchored by senior Jackson Arnold, senior Aiden Rideout, and senior Gabe Rivera. That group has taken pride in its daily positional battles and is focused on bringing the toughness and execution needed for the offense to succeed. Defensively, Georges and Rockwood bring leadership at linebacker and on the line, respectively, while Thomas and Vicente add athleticism in the secondary.
After going through some growing pains last year, the Black Knights believe the experience gained has helped shape a more committed, determined team. The program took steps forward with a physical scrimmage against Taunton that showed both positives and areas to improve, and those lessons should help as the season gets underway.
“The biggest key for us is how we have taken the experience and growing pains of last season and committed to change,” said Evans. “We are excited about this group’s work ethic and attitude, and we are looking forward to seeing how it all comes together this fall.”
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