This past Sunday, the weather gods marred the Northeast with torrential downpours and potential thunderstorms. After losing in the playoffs last season, this year’s Cumberland Jr. Clippers Varsity team set its sights on riding the storm and setting sail through North Kingstown.
With captains (Manny Withee, Shawn Veloso, Donovan Martell, Rome Cruz, and Joey Scorpio) navigating the Varsity Clippers’ ship, the team battled heavy seas early in the game but persevered, righting the ship and amounting to a 13-point comeback. After Cumberland fell to a 12-0 halftime deficit, North Kingstown surprised the Clippers with a successful onside kick and recovery. The Clippers kept their sea legs while weathering the storm and continued with the mission.
Defense shone all day through the grim conditions, led by Donovan Martell, Logan Pistorio, Jordan Mowry, Rome Cruz, Jacob Burns, Manny Withee, Kasen Chenevert, Joey Scorpio, Sean Veloso, Jacob Evans, and Charlie Bessette.
Completing the late, 4th-quarter comeback, Manny Withee scored his second touchdown of the game. Playing like a man possessed on both sides of the ball, coupled with teammate and brother, Rome Cruz. The latter, Cruz, also impacted the game on both sides of the ball. Time and again, making crucial plays in crunch time, including the 2-point conversion to take a late 4th-quarter lead.
The entire team stood strong in the storm and solidified the win. This victory puts Cumberland Jr. Varsity Clippers in the captain’s seat of the divisional leader board.
