It’s game on for English, Classical Powder Puffers

LYNN – The Classical and English powder puff football teams will meet up for their annual game on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Manning Field, with the Bulldogs riding a five-year unbeaten streak.English prevailed 33-22 in 2013 behind one of its most talented rosters in recent memory, featuring Rashida Ellis, Deidra Newson, Catherine Stinson and Diondra Woumn.?I don?t know if there will be as much talent on the field as there was last year but there should be as many, if not more capable players,” said Bulldogs coach Dick Newton who currently has 114 players on his roster.Rams coach Rob Smith echoed the opinion while adding that he and his team are ready to turn the page on the friendly rivalry?s recent results.?Their (winning) streak must come to end,” he said. “We are so ?amped? up and ready to get out on that field on Sunday.”Leading the way for English this time around will be twin sisters Brooke and Sam Holey from the quarterback and running back positions, respectively.The latter will split carries with Nairchis Rodriguez and Cindy Truong as well as the versatile Shanna Zeramby who will see snaps as a wide receiver as well.Danielle White, ranked first in the senior class academically, will slot in at tight end.?We?ll have to wait to see what?s working but the plan is to mix things up a bit,” said Newton of the Bulldogs offensive scheme, which was unanimously (and understandably) ?ground and pound? a year ago.?It?s all about getting the girls out into the open so they can use their speed,” he said.Defensively, Newton is looking for prime-time performances from the linebacker trio of Islania Acosta, Patricia Asuncion and Janet Ezemba.?I?m hoping our defense can contain a lot better than we did last year,” said Newton, whose squad yielded 286 total yards to Classical quarterback Frankie Galeazzi.Sharing snaps under center this year will be Jaida Santos and Angela Surette, the former factoring into a crowded Rams? backfield along with Jen Ierardi and Jen Gaudet.Tyler Levesque figured to be the go-to receiver in the passing game.?I think this is a very good and athletic team we put together here,” said Smith, who started with 98 girls prior to the usual roster trimming.?The girls have really come together and if we execute like we hope to, I believe this will be a very good year for us.”Smith also has high expectations for a defensive unit built around the quartet of Soraya Auguste at tackle and defensive end Emily Rodriguez as well as linebackers Shania Moore and Chelsea Rogers.Both coaches are of the mindset that a victory is equally up for grabs.?It should be a well-played and very close game,” said Newton. “The girls have been great about keeping it clean, which makes the day much more enjoyable.”Smith concurred.?As coaches, we preach to the girls about going out and having a great time,” he said. “The teams share a pizza party afterwards. It?s a great way of coming together.”Perhaps most important of the coaches? pregame agreements is that Sunday?s weather conditions trump last year?s single-digit temperatures and strong winds.?Anything will be an improvement over that torture,” said Newton.