HockomockSports.com Game of the Week

Game of the Week PODCAST

PREVIEW

Friday night’s game features two teams with opposite overall records, but every team in the Hockomock League is 0-0 in division play right now.

Taunton (2-0) hosts Oliver Ames (0-2) at Aleixo Stadium in a matchup we’ve dubbed “The Tiger Bowl.” It’s the third annual meeting between the two teams after OA made the switch to the Kelley-Rex division for the 2016 season. Taunton holds a 2-0 advantage in the series, edging out OA last year 13-12 in a soaking wet contest at Muscato Stadium.

The host Tigers have a lot of familiar faces back from last season, and that’s a big reason they are off to a 2-0 start this season. Senior quarterback Noah Leonard is back starting under center for the third season in a row. Leonard is a true dual threat for Taunton, with the ability to link up receivers all over the field, or tuck the ball and take off with it.

In last year’s matchup, Leonard threw for a touchdown, but the passing game was very limited because of the weather. He showed off his playmaking ability with his legs in the game, rushing for a team-high 56 yards and a touchdown. Though the receiver that caught that touchdown is gone, Leonard has two of his top targets back this season in Brayden Merrill (two touchdowns in 2018) and Wesner Charles (one touchdown in 2018).

Taunton’s offensive line has done a nice job protecting Leonard so far and has to create space for Tryton Zavala and the rest of the Tigers’ backfield. Zavala had a big game last week against Durfee, finding the end zone on two occasions.

Oliver Ames’ offense suffered a huge setback before the season started when star running back Anthony Berksza tore his ACL. Although the Tigers are without their touchdown leader from a year ago, the offense is averaging 18.5 points per game through the first two weeks.

Junior Nathan Cabral stepped in as the starting running back for Oliver Ames and performed well in the first two weeks. He’s found the end zone twice, including on a 70-yard scamper against Silver Lake last week.

Junior Cam Perron took over under center last season and is off to a good start during the 2018 campaign. He has tossed a pair of touchdowns in each game this year, hitting three different players for scores (Shane Kilkelly x2, Harrison Webster, Cabral). OA will need a healthy balance of rushing and passing to try and crack a Taunton defense that has allowed just 13 points total in two games.