Starting at Zero: Lauria Scores Three TDs as Patriots Blank Medford

The Revere High football team kicked off its 2011 season in fine fashion with a 21-0 triumph at former Greater Boston League rival Medford Friday evening.

Although the Patriots displayed some of the usual opening game jitters early in the contest, they still walked off the field at the half with a 6-0 advantage. Senior Captain Drew Lauria, who had a huge game with 160 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns, punched the ball into the endzone from two yards out with just eight seconds showing on the clock.

The TD capped a 60 yard drive that was made possible by an interception by captain and middle linebacker Rob Sasso. Sasso’s big defensive play was yet another momentum changer in the game turned in by the Patriot “D.” Earlier in the second period Revere had prevented Medford from scoring on a first and goal from the two yard line, stopping the Mustangs on four successive plays.

“Our offense sputtered in the first half, but the defense really came through for us,” said RHS head coach Lou Cicatelli, who also lauded the efforts of senior nose tackle Jimmy Domenici (eight tackles) for his tough work in the trenches throughout the contest and junior cornerback Nick Carini (six tackles).

Revere came out in the second half and soon took control of the game on both sides of the ball. Lauria scored his second TD midway through the third period on a four yard run to climax a 50 yard drive. Captain Drew then scampered 45 yards, which involved reversing his field, midway through the fourth frame to ice the Patriot victory cake.

Sophomore running mate Tom Portrait enjoyed a nice night, highlighted by a 30 yard jaunt on a counter play that keyed the first Revere scoring drive. Fullback Edson Cordeiro also turned in a productive evening, piling up 75 hard-earned yards.

Junior quarterback Joe Ritchie, starting his first varsity contest, completed three of seven passes for 35 yards and guided the Patriot offense nicely. “Joe did a good job for us,”noted Cicatelli. “As a team we made a lot of mistakes, especially early in the game, but we were able to get it together in the second half.”

The Pats will host Whittier Tech in their home opener Friday evening under the lights at Harry Della Russo Stadium. Kick off is 7:00 p.m.