The spread offense has taken over Rhode Island, but make no mistake – you still win championships by running the football.
Blasphemous? Hardly. Last year, Hendricken, led by Oscar Weah and Ronjai Francis, made it clear in the second half of the State Championship Super Bowl. Barrington’s option was the key to the win in the D-II Super Bowl. Julien Gilman ran for 235 yards in Middletown’s victory over West Warwick in Division III, while in D-IV, Mikey Allard and North Providence ran right through Davies.
Quarterbacks and pass catchers will provide plenty of highlights this fall, but when it comes to the Super Bowl, running backs will decide who wins what. Who will be the stars this fall? Watch for these 10 running backs, and don’t be surprised if more than a few of them are hoisting a trophy at Cranston Stadium in November.
Mikey Allard, North Providence
He showed his potential as a sophomore. As a junior, Allard showed what he could do. Last year, he was one of the best running backs in the state, rushing for over 1,000 yards and being named MVP as the Cougars won the Super Bowl in Division IV. His final season could be even better. Allard is big and strong, runs hard and has a line in front of him that does damage. NP has moved to Division III, but Allard should not slow down this fall – and could even get better.
James Branch, West Warwick
When it comes to versatile weapons at the RB position, Branch may be the frontrunner. When the Wizards needed tough yards, they gave the ball to Branch and it paid off with a Super Bowl appearance. The senior – the state’s best pass-catching RB – can do it all and will be the focal point of West Warwick’s offense. It will be tougher for the Wizards in D-II, but Branch will get the job done.
Richard Bridges And Ramel Richards, Central
Is this the best backfield situation in the state? Either Bridges, a sophomore, or Richards, a third-year sophomore, would be top starters on most teams, so the Knights’ biggest challenge will be splitting the runs between the two. Both players have plus speed and athleticism, and having them split the runs should help against the strain that comes with playing DI. Watch out every time either of them is on the field, because each is just one missed tackle away from six points.
Jordan Duke, Classical
The state doesn’t have many athletes like Duke, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior with sprint speed who showed off his athleticism in helping the Purple win the state title last winter. Bottom line: If Duke can play furious, there’s no team in Division III that can stop him. He’s got an offer from URI, and with a great senior season, there will be many more to come.
Terrell Hill, Westerly
Hill could be one of the most important backs in the state this fall. While all eyes are on sophomore QB Landon Husereau, the senior will use his great running talent to balance the Bulldogs’ offense and take the pressure off his sophomore signal-caller. Hill’s playmaking skills should lead to ample opportunities in the running and passing game. The Bulldogs will throw this season, but there will be some where Hill will completely take over.
Clarence Iluonokhalumhe, Hope
The state’s most hidden talent. The only thing harder than tackling Iluonokhalumhe is spelling his last name. The senior playing for the Blue Wave has largely gone unnoticed, but his talent speaks for itself. The biggest challenge for Hope’s coach is getting him space to work with. Iluonokhalumhe is one block away from scoring, but he runs hard and can take over a game in no time.
Leland Kelleher, Burrillville
When it comes to the state’s toughest runners, Kelleher’s name is at the top of the list, with a lead over No. 2. At 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, the senior is a fearsome sight once he starts running downhill. He’s fast and very agile, but don’t be fooled – Kelleher is there to hit, not take. If he stays healthy this season, Kelleher and the Broncos could be in for a big year.
Yandel Pelaez, Juanita Sanchez
If you’re looking for a breakout candidate of the year, Pelaez could be it. The junior is one of the more exceptional talents and is poised to have a great season. He’s grown to 6’11” and 195 pounds, and the extra size will be huge for a player who will be the centerpiece of the Cavaliers’ offense. Pelaez could have a similar season to what Davies’ Daniel Rose had last fall – and who knows what could happen next.
Jeremy Seidi, Hendricken
Seidi could have started for the Hawks the last two seasons and their offense would have been undamaged. With the roster clear, he will be in the mix for most of the action and there is no limit to the type of season the junior could have. Seidi is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and has drawn a lot of interest from Division I college programs with his all-state running speed. A 2,000-yard season is not impossible for the junior this fall.
Darren Valentine, Tolman
He had a role as a sophomore, got more play last season, and is now on track to become the type of lead cow the Tigers need. Valentin is quick, nimble, and understands exactly how Tolman’s offense works. While he’s certainly a playmaker, Valentin can step in between the tackles and isn’t afraid to take a hit. Expect the Tigers to rely on their senior as they try to compete in a brutally tough Division II.
THE NEXT FOUR: Steven Clark, East Providence, senior; Charles Sayegh, La Salle, Sr.; Ty Troiano, Cumberland, junior; Paul Zolkos, Scituate, Sr
