Revere coach Lou Cicatelli earns his 100th career victory
By Cary Shuman
Lou Cicatelli has worn the Revere High red, white, and blue colors proudly as an athlete and a head coach. His leadership, perseverance, and loyalty to the football program are being rewarded in a big away.
The Revere High football team held off Malden for a 24-14 victory last Thursday at Macdonald Stadium. It was the third consecutive victory for the surging Patriots – but more importantly, it was the 100th victory of Lou Cicatelli’s career as the leader of the program.
Revere High School Director of Athletics Frank Shea personally congratulated Cicatelli on the honor, stating that there will be an official ceremony and banner to commemorate the historic achievement.
Cicatelli said he was humbled and grateful for the phone calls and other congratulatory wishes that he has received since entering the 100-victory club.
“It feels really, really good,” said Cicatelli. “There are a lot of reasons. To do this in Revere is probably the biggest reason. I love our players. For me, with football, it’s all about the opportunities that I had building relationship with the kids.”
As a former athlete and a sports fan, Cicatelli understands the significance of milestones. In Revere, he joins only Silvio Cella, the former coach and athletic director, in the 100-win coaching annals.
“It meant a lot,” said Cicatelli. “I wish my dad was around to see it, too. It was important to my dad [Mr. Louis Cicatelli Sr. passed away in June], he was always talking about it. He loved the fact that I coached Revere football. He looked forward to it.”
Cicatelli said he’s been “blessed to have had an outstanding coaching staff through the years.”
“They’re good guys and they put a lot of time in,” said Cicatelli of the current staff that includes Ed Doris, Vin Gregorio, Jose Escobar, Jared Gordinas, Oscar Lopez, and Brandon Brito.
Cicatelli said he was introduced to football through Revere Pop Warner “where my favorite coaches were Mr. Feeney and Mr. [Paul] Bright.”
Cicatelli played three seasons as a guard and linebacker in the Revere High football program for coach Silvio Cella. Two of Cicatelli’s current on-staff assistant coaches, Ed Doris (son of the late Sen. Fran Doris] and Vin Gregorio, were teammates.
A strong win over Malden
Geo Woodard was the offensive star in the hard-fought 24-14 victory over Malden.
Woodard rushed for 150 yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion. Running back Mario Ramirez and quarterback Danny Hou also excelled for the Revere offense. Charles Dobre had a two-point conversion.
Cicatelli said the defense played well for all four quarters.
“We held Malden to two scores, and that’s a good overall effort,” said Cicatelli.
Cicatelli credited outside linebacker Ayoub Gliel, who made triumphant return to the team after being sidelined by an injury. “Ayoub made some great plays,” especially down the stretch. He sacked the quarterback twice in the fourth quarter.”
Yousef Benhamou led the defense in tackles. Freshman Reda Atoui had two interceptions.
“Reda is tearing it up on defense,” said Cicatelli. “He has 5-6 interceptions this season, which is remarkable.”
“I’m really proud of this team,” said Cicatelli. “When you start 0-4, it’s hard. Kids can pack it in. They didn’t do that. They came to practice every day and worked hard to turn it around.”
Revere (3-4) plays Everett Friday (6:30 p.m.) at Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium. “That’s where I started my career,” said Cicatelli, a 1987 graduate of Northeastern University. “I coached with “Tank” Agnetta at Everett for five years. Tank told me there was an opening for a physical education job at Revere High School, and that’s where it all began. He’s a great guy.”
