The North Kingstown (RI) varsity football team will host Portsmouth (RI) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the “RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 1 Bowl Tournament.”
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Rhode Island High School Football
Who: North Kingstown vs Portsmouth
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 1 Bowl Tournament
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Game preview: North Kingstown vs Portsmouth
As the high school football season moves into its decisive phase, two Rhode Island teams, Portsmouth and North Kingstown, bring their unique strengths and challenges to the field. Both teams have displayed strong performances, showing potential to make waves in their divisions. Here’s a closer look at the numbers and what they reveal about these teams.
Rankings & Records
Portsmouth has a 6-3 overall record, with a 2-3 league standing in Division 3, which translates to a winning percentage of .667. They’ve been strong both at home (2-2) and even more impressive away (4-1). The team’s point-for (PF) tally of 229 to points-against (PA) of 168 reflects a team that can both put points on the board and protect its end zone.
North Kingstown holds a 4-3 overall record in Division 4, with an even split in the league standings (4-3) and an overall winning percentage of .571. While they have been formidable at home (3-1), their away games (1-2) suggest room for improvement on the road. Their points-for total stands at 173 with 133 points against, underscoring their competitive edge in scoring defense.
Team Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have demonstrated unique scoring patterns. Portsmouth averages 25.4 points per game, with a strong start of 10.5 points in the first quarter and consistent contributions in the second (11.5). They tend to slow down after halftime, scoring an average of 6.0 in the third quarter and 4.0 in the fourth. North Kingstown’s scoring is marked by a high-energy start, averaging 21.0 points in the first quarter but tapering off, with no points scored on average in the fourth. Overall, North Kingstown’s average of 24.7 points per game puts them in close scoring competition with Portsmouth.
Team Stat Comparison
Portsmouth boasts a powerful rushing game with 215.2 rushing yards per game compared to North Kingstown’s 163.1. However, North Kingstown compensates with a more dynamic passing game, averaging 261.3 passing yards to Portsmouth’s 84.6. This gives North Kingstown a considerable edge in total yards per game at 424.4, compared to Portsmouth’s 299.8.
Defensively, North Kingstown has a slight advantage in tackles per game, averaging 72.1 compared to Portsmouth’s 67.9. North Kingstown also leads in sacks per game (2.0 to Portsmouth’s 1.2), indicating a slightly stronger pass rush.
Team Leaders
Portsmouth’s key player, #4 Joe Sanderson, leads the team with an impressive 99.5 rushing yards per game, while North Kingstown’s #42 Chris Ciarniello trails at 56.9. North Kingstown shines in the passing game with #10 Jack Diano’s impressive 261.3 passing yards per game, dwarfing Portsmouth’s #3 Adam Conheeny at 58.1. Diano’s strong passing game also lifts North Kingstown’s receiving yards per game, with #5 Gian Iacuele averaging 108.4 receiving yards per game compared to Sanderson’s 33.3 for Portsmouth.
Defensively, #42 Chris Ciarniello from North Kingstown leads in tackles per game with 11.3, whereas Portsmouth’s #15 Brad Landreville averages 7.0. In terms of scoring, Portsmouth’s Conheeny leads with 8.8 points per game, slightly edging out North Kingstown’s Iacuele at 7.7.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Cranston West, Barrington, and Cumberland. Portsmouth holds a 2-2 record against these common opponents, while North Kingstown fares slightly better at 2-1. Notably, Portsmouth recently dominated Cranston West with a 34-0 win, showcasing their defensive capabilities. Both teams faced losses against Cranston West earlier in the season, but Portsmouth’s recent win could indicate growth and adaptation as the season progresses.
Final Thoughts
With Portsmouth’s strong rushing game and North Kingstown’s formidable passing offense, both teams are well-equipped to exploit their respective strengths. While Portsmouth has the advantage in overall wins and scoring resilience, North Kingstown’s passing game and defensive consistency could make them a formidable playoff contender. Both teams are closely matched, and any encounter between them promises to be a thrilling clash of different football strengths and styles.
