Football Preview: Cranston West Off to a Good Start

Cranston West's football team looks like they are going to be a force to be reckoned with in Division I this year, as they have a 3-0 record in league play to start the season.

The Cranston West squad has played good complimentary football to this point in the season, and have outscored their opponents 86-32. The Falcons blew out Cumberland in their first game of the season, which was a non-league game, and went on to defeat Barrington and East Providence in closer contests. And most recently annihilated North Kingstown 47-7.

Their game against East providence was a hard fought game, in which they opened up a two touchdown lead, but had to hold on late to pull out the victory, showing mental toughness and determination. Cranston West Head Coach Steve Stoehr was pleased after the victory, but humorously alluded to the missed opportunities his team had to put the game away.

"It was a team effort, and a team game. But I'll tell you this, my receivers will be catching wet balls in practice this week," Stoehr commented, speaking specifically about two dropped passes in the endzone in their rain-filled contest against East Providence.

Stoehr realizes his team has some work to do, but feels good about their chances to succeed against anyone in Division I this year. 

"We're not backing down from anyone. I hear how good Lasalle is, and I hear how good Hendricken is. And they are probably pretty good teams. But right now we've got North Kingstown coming up. And right now they're the best team in the league," Stoehr said last week before his team blew out NK.

Although he has confidence in his team, Stoehr indicated his players aren't taking their prowess for granted and are still taking each game one at a time.

One of the shining points for the Falcons has been their offensive and defensive lines. They've been able to stop the run effectively, and give ample time for Matt Rousseau to find his receivers. The offensive line has also been able to widen the gaps for Falcons star running back Bryan Stetson, who found the endzone twice against the Townies, and twice against North Kingstown.

Captain Nick DeMarco has had a big impact on the team's early success, providing that senior leadership and coming up with big plays on both sides of the ball, including an interception return for a touchdown to seal the Falcon victory against East Providence, and another interception return for a touchdown against North Kingstown. 

"Everybody underrates us in the league, but every day we come out and practice hard. And we just proved to everyone that we are Division I. And we can compete here," Demarco said after their win over East Providence.

It is very apparent that this team has a work-man-like attitude, and believes in itself. It is not an arrogant or overconfident team. It is a team that takes each opponent seriously, but also has a strong belief that it can tangle with the best of Division I. 

The Falcons play South Kingstown Saturday, October 8th, at Cranston Stadium, where they will look to improve to 4-0 in league play for the young season.