REVERE — Things took a tough turn for Revere running back Joe Llanos last fall when he suffered an early-season ankle injury and spent seven games watching his teammates from the sidelines. But Llanos believes he’s back at 100 percent now and he’s got the numbers to prove it.
Llanos, a senior, has carried Revere’s offense with 1,055 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in seven games.
“It feels great to be back,” Llanos said. “I feel like I missed a lot but just to be back is a great feeling. Looking back, I feel that everything was for the better.”
His success running the football has propelled Revere to the top of the Northeastern Conference, an undefeated (7-0) regular season and the No. 2 seed in the Division 4 North state tournament.
“Joe has been awesome,” Revere coach Lou Cicatelli said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s been a big part of our success. He’s a kid that has a very high football IQ. He’s a good listener.”
Llanos’ success is far from a surprise to Cicatelli.
“We knew he was good,” Cicatelli said. “We knew last year that he was going to be an impact player. He scored two touchdowns in the Peabody game right before he got hurt and they were some amazing runs. It’s tough to come back from a broken ankle. Joe’s a kid that makes everyone around him better. He’s always ready to go at practice, challenging his teammates. It makes it a good atmosphere for everyone.”
Llanos pointed to a number of factors that have contributed to Revere’s stellar start. The Patriots’ offensive line has opened up running lanes each game.
“The offensive line is a big key,” Llanos said. “They practice hard on the sled, maybe 10 times harder than any other position. It’s a big part of our success. I feel very confident running behind them. They’re big, they’re strong and they get the job done when we need it done.”
Revere’s coaches have done everything they can to put the Patriots in positions to make plays.
“The coaches are great,” Llanos said. “They put a lot of time into our success, day in and day out. They know exactly what’s going on at all times. They always know what to do and that’s a big part of our success.”
And Revere hasn’t taken its practices lightly. The Patriots take advantage of their opportunities to improve on the practice field and make the most of film sessions in preparing for their opponents.
“We’re a team that works hard every day,” Llanos said. “That’s what we do. We work hard, day in and day out.
“We go hard in practice. We work on everything. We study our opponents and watch a lot of film. That’s been a big help.”
Cicatelli agrees.
“We have a lot of kids that are focused right now,” Cicatelli said. “It’s been a great year. We just want to keep it going.”
The Patriots begin their postseason quest Friday night (6:30) when they welcome No. 7 Dracut in the opening round at Harry Della Russo Stadium.
“They’re a good team,” Llanos said. “I think we’re faster, quicker and stronger off the ball. I think we’ll get the job done. It’s going to be a battle all four quarters. It’s going to come down to who wants it more. We have to give it all we’ve got.”
Although it’s one game at a time, Llanos is confident that his Patriots are well equipped for a playoff run.
“That would mean a lot to me,” Llanos said. “This is what I’ve always wanted. It’s something I’d be proud of for myself, my family, our fans and our team.
“We’re playing our best football but we have more to show. We’re not going to slow down.”
Other postseason games Friday night are Matignon at Tech (6), Lowell at St. John’s (7), Classical at Winchester (7), Marblehead at North Reading (7), Newburyport at Lynnfield (7) and Ipswich at Fenwick (7). Saturday’s tournament slate includes English at Tewksbury (1), St. Mary’s at Greater Lawrence (2), Charlestown at KIPP (6) and Weston at Swampcott (7). Non-tournament games Friday are Saugus at Wilmington (7) and Arlington at Peabody (7). Winthrop travels to Hamilton-Wenham in a non-tournament game Saturday (2:45).
