The Cranston East football team entered the 2024 campaign with a new-look team as the program continued its rebuild.
Between a large group of underclassmen playing key roles, as well as a new coaching staff led by Jim Cook, no one was quite sure how the Bolts would make out, especially after being placed in Division III in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s latest alignment.
Although the Bolts took some lumps early, they would go on to earn two wins and qualify for the playoffs as the eighth seed. The team beat Central Falls and then edged East Greenwich 21-14 in the regular season finale to clinch the final playoff spot.
“The kids are playing hard, they’re starting to buy in. We’re one of the youngest teams in the state, starting seven freshmen. The future is looking bright and we’re looking forward to bringing this nucleus back,” said Cook.
Although the young roster struggled for much of the season, it saved its best for the finale against East Greenwich. With its season on the line, East delivered, which Cook hopes gives the club some momentum heading into the offseason.
“It was the season for us. We had one more week, something to play for and we squeaked into the playoffs. We were down five starters so we once again had to ask the young kids to step up and they did a great job. Everything we did was laying the foundation for the future,” said Cook who is also excited to be bringing back nearly the entire roster. “We went in this year not knowing one player nor did they know us. Next year, we are returning around 30 kids that have experience playing our system and knowing what expectations we put on them. You can’t coach experience. All that experience these kids are getting playing varsity ball, you can’t coach that. It’s a big jump in the speed and the size of the kids they’re playing against (versus the youth level). We’re hoping it pays off for them next year.”
Returning next year will be Jovany Gonzalez, Angel Figueroa and Amias Reed.
The team will, though, be saying bye to some big time seniors, including guys like Saqari Monroe and DionAndre Brown.
“Their leadership, holding the ship together, showing up everyday. Their leadership is going to be missed immensely,” Cook said.