The South Kingstown (Wakefield, RI) varsity football team will host East Providence (RI) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m. This game is part of the “RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 2 Championship Bracket” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Rhode Island High School Football
Who: South Kingstown vs East Providence
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 2 Championship Bracket
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Game preview: South Kingstown vs East Providence

The East Providence Townies (6-3) will face off against the South Kingstown Rebels (8-1) in a highly anticipated playoff matchup on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m. in Wakefield, RI. After a commanding 35-6 victory by South Kingstown in their regular-season meeting on October 18, East Providence will look to rebound in this critical postseason contest.

Regular Season Records and Performance

East Providence enters the game with an overall record of 6-3 and a league record of 5-3, securing a spot in the playoffs with strong performances at home (4-1) and a balanced road record (2-2). They have put up an average of 25.7 points per game while allowing 97 points over the course of the season. The Townies’ offense has been particularly effective in the first three quarters, averaging over 6 points per quarter, though they have struggled in the fourth, averaging just 6.1 points.

South Kingstown, on the other hand, has dominated this season with a stellar 8-1 record, going an impressive 7-0 in league play. Their offense has been a key strength, scoring an average of 22.2 points per game while allowing just 91 points. The Rebels have been consistent throughout the season, with a strong start (10.5 points per first quarter) and balanced scoring across the game, though they have cooled off slightly in the final quarter, averaging just 1.5 points.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In their previous meeting, South Kingstown delivered a dominant performance, shutting out East Providence through three quarters and winning 35-6. The Rebels’ offensive line and defense were in full control, particularly in the early stages, as they built a commanding lead with 14 points in both the first and second quarters.

As East Providence prepares for the rematch, they will need to adjust their strategy and improve their fourth-quarter execution. The Townies have averaged 6.1 points in the final quarter, compared to South Kingstown’s sharp drop-off to 1.5 points in the same period. East Providence will need to maintain their offensive momentum throughout the game and close strong to stand a chance.

Key Players to Watch

For East Providence, running back Aithan Vasquez leads the charge with an average of 60.6 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jacob Duarte has been solid both in the air and on the ground, racking up 74.8 total yards per game, including 31.8 passing yards. Wide receiver Tyler Dicecco has also been a reliable target, contributing 27 receiving yards per game.

South Kingstown boasts some outstanding talent on both sides of the ball. Running back Jordan Chaloux has been a standout, averaging 90.3 rushing yards per game, while quarterback Brayden Rosen contributes significantly through the air with 46.6 passing yards per game. Defensively, Dante Peno leads the Rebels with 6.9 tackles per game, while defensive lineman Eric Marceau is a consistent disruptor, averaging 0.6 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had mixed results against common opponents. East Providence holds a 2-1 record against teams they share with South Kingstown, while the Rebels are perfect against the same opponents with a 3-0 mark. Notably, South Kingstown defeated West Warwick 10-7, while East Providence fell to them 30-22. However, both teams enjoyed shutout wins over Shea and Lincoln, with South Kingstown’s win over Lincoln being a 14-0 shutout on November 1.

Keys to Victory

• East Providence: To pull off an upset, East Providence must establish a more consistent offense, especially in the fourth quarter. Their defense will need to step up to contain South Kingstown’s powerful ground game, particularly Chaloux, and limit the passing opportunities for Rosen.
• South Kingstown: The Rebels will look to continue their dominance by maintaining a balanced offensive attack, controlling the clock with the run game, and keeping the pressure on Duarte. Defensively, South Kingstown has proven they can stifle offenses, so they’ll look to repeat that performance while staying aggressive.

Conclusion

This playoff clash will feature two teams with different styles and strengths. South Kingstown has been dominant all season, but East Providence’s resilience and ability to perform at key moments could make for a thrilling game. With a berth in the next round of the playoffs on the line, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest with plenty of action. Will the Rebels continue their winning ways, or can the Townies pull off a surprise upset? Fans won’t want to miss it!