The Cranston League for Cranston’s Future football and cheerleading programs enjoyed a big fall season and are still making noise after winning state championships.
The 13-U football team is undefeated this season and won its opening round matchup in the Northeast Regionals this past weekend, setting up a matchup against Springfield, Mass. this Saturday with the winner advancing to nationals in Florida. Last year’s 13-U Chiefs won the state championship and eventually qualified for nationals, so the expectations are sky high for this year’s team.
“The competition in (American Youth Football) is very high. There are very skilled teams. For a Rhode Island team to make it to regionals is a big deal and to win is huge for us,” said Christine Field, president of CLCF football and cheer.
Field is thrilled to see CLCF continue to maintain a strong feeder system in the city and credits the hard work that both the players and coaches have put in to find success for another fall season.
“These kids are a force. Our coaches are incredible and are selfless. The boys are not afraid to put the work in and understand that this is what it takes to be champions, and they work hard toward that goal. The Cranston energy was palpable (in the opening round of regionals), we were proud,” Field said. “When talking to high school coaches, they all say, you know a CLCF athlete, you know a CLCF football player. They’re ready to play and that’s what it’s about more than winning and losing. It’s about making sure they’re ready for high school.”
The 14-U cheer squad also took home its state championship then qualified for the upcoming nationals, which are taking place in Florida.
This year’s squad has been eyeing a national title the past few years and is confident that it has the group to get the job done.
“These girls are amazing. They’re spirited in every sense of the word. They were born to be cheerleaders,” Field said. “They have that spunk, it’s such a part of what they are that it does not surprise me that they won. Their passion shows up and they’re bringing it to fruition.”
Members of the CLCF 13-U football team include: Noel Melendez, Max Biosse, Myles Corio, Cameron Bloodworth, Isiah Nyahkoon, Kaiden St. Culus, Aiden Saltzman, Shamus McConnell, Nicholas Mancini, Jinu Kim, Allen Correia, Michael DeAngelis, Justin Keang, Christian Cirelli, Logan Swanlund, Dayvion Gervais, Wilfredo Diaz, Robert Rosa, Vincent Cirelli, Noah Reyes, Jaxson Hennemann, Ashton Phoenix Moss, Jackson Jaquez, Joseph Salimeno, Tyler Pouler, Ryan Hogan and Andre Cemin. Coaches are Jeff Hamilton, Nicholas Mancini, John Rocchio, Joe Salimeno and Evan Saltzman.
Members of the CLCF 14-U cheer squad include: Isabella Aceto, Madelyn Aguiar, Isabella Avila, Olivia Baccari, Emily Butts, Elliana Campbell, Ava Curran-McCarthy, Alexia Flores, Juliannie Gervais, Bianca Izzi, Aria Koenig, Ava Nolan, Bryanna Padilla, Allison Paquette, Marchella Pescatore, Abigail Roberts, Annabella Turk and Ava Voccio. Coaches are Vallarie Nolan, Hanna Nolan, Marcy Wilson, Patricia Mendoza, Skyla Marchand and Fatima Carvalho.