SPORTS

Bolts look to bounce back

Posted 3/24/21

By ALEX SPONSELLER The Cranston East football team had a tough 2019 season, going 0-7 while competing with one of the youngest rosters in the state. The Bolts featured a team that consisted primarily of underclassmen, however, the majority will be

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SPORTS

Bolts look to bounce back

Posted

By ALEX SPONSELLER The Cranston East football team had a tough 2019 season, going 0-7 while competing with one of the youngest rosters in the state.

The Bolts featured a team that consisted primarily of underclassmen, however, the majority will be returning this spring in hopes of taking a step forward and getting back into the mix in Division I.

“It was a young team last season but we have most of those (underclassmen) returning, including (quarterback Ben Harding) who has become a different player. A lot of them are back and a lot of them will get an opportunity to play. There has been a very big difference, the only thing they missed out on was the opportunity to train. Other than that, we definitely have seen a difference, we’ve seen them mature and grow,” said East head coach Tom Centore.

As the young Bolts continue to get caught up to speed, Centore and his staff more than anything want to see the kids regain their confidence heading into the year.

“I just want them to be more competitive than they were last year. When you go through a season like that, it can weigh on your psyche a bit. That was something that had never happened to us at Cranston East, for myself and the guys I associate with. Getting their confidence back, getting them feeling good about themselves, that is the first thing, that’s what our goal is. We want these guys to believe in themselves and know that they have what it takes,” said Centore.

The offense will be built around the rushing attack as East boasts a tough line and a quality stable of backs.

“The running game. We have five or six good running backs, Ben can run the ball and has some speed. The run game will be better. Terrence Souvannasing is back, Laquinton Kelley is our fullback, A’driahn Foreman is a pretty good freshman running back. We have tight ends that can block, guys like Angelo Urena. We can block, so the strength will be running the football. We also have Chris Torres coming in to play receiver which will open things up.”

The defense also returns much of its starting backfield from last season as well.

“Our starting cornerbacks are back in Alex Pinheiro and Tyler Pinckney. We’ve got some guys that can do some things. It’s a smart group of kids that pick things up quickly,” said Centore.

Overall, the Bolts are happy to be back on the gridiron and hope to build some momentum for the program moving forward.

“It’s important that we can play some games. The seniors, I’m happy for them to be able to play some games. It’s also like spring football for the younger kids. When we’re done in April, they’ll take a little break and get back to it in July,” said Centore. “Our numbers are a little low, so it’s also good to get out there because hopefully that will make kids want to come out next fall.”

Bolts. football, sports

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