LYNN — It’s been quite the start for the Lynn English football team, which sports a 3-1 record ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Revere Patriots.
Call it a midseason test for the Bulldogs, who rank No. 8 in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings.
“From experience, playing against them, and coaching against them over the last eight years, they are going to be tough, physical, kids who will be scrappy and well-coached,” said first-year English coach Tyllor McDonald. “I know coach Lou Cicatelli personally, so I know they will be well-coached for sure.”
It will take four strong quarters of football, but McDonald said he feels good with the group he has.
“It’s going to take effort, discipline, doing our assignments, and getting to the ball on defense… And then on offense, just executing and trying to make big plays,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying the grit, how we battle for all four quarters, guys making plays getting to the ball, and just having that no-quit attitude.”
Talk about a versatile roster. English has received contributions from a handful of its players thus far.
“I have got a ton of guys, but I would have to say Jaiden Rosario our quarterback, Xavier Beauchamp, Zamari Omosefe, Shane Knowlton-Simard, Limbert Thomas, Jordan Em, and then we have had some freshmen making plays like Aaden Soto and defensive end Jamaal Boyd, who also starts at guard for us offensively,” McDonald said. “Those young guys – since day one – have been really helping us.”
Despite the 3-1 record, McDonald believes, “We are just not there yet.
“We have the ability to be really good, but I would say in all three phases, we just have to get better every week, especially if we have a chance to make the postseason,” he said. “We have to be ready for that.”
That all starts at Harry Della Russo Stadium Thursday night.
“It’s usually windy there. It’s turf now. It used to be muddy back then when I was playing, but now it’s actually one of the best places to play because of the atmosphere,” McDonald said. “Their fans get into it. The guy on the loudspeaker gets into it. It will definitely be a challenge for sure.”
McDonald added he’s grateful to be coaching the team he once suited up for.
“It’s like a dream come true, coaching at the high school I played at and then the coaches I have on my staff are great,” he said. “A few of my coaches are personal friends that I knew for a while and the kids… the kids make it fun. It’s easy to coach these guys and, overall, I just love it.”
The Bulldogs and Patriots (0-3) are set for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
“Just do what we have been practicing all week,” said McDonald when asked about his team’s strategy. “Obviously, this week is a short turnaround, so we didn’t have too many days to practice, but just know your assignments – which they do – and just execute. Show up and be ready to play on Thursday.”
Owen Finn is a student at Endicott College studying journalism
