The Cumberland Jr. Clippers football program will make the shorter trip down I-295 South this Sunday to face the Johnston Panthers.
Varsity Jr. Clippers (2-0) at Panthers (2-0)
The Varsity Jr. Clippers are coming off the biggest win of the young RI Preteen Football League season—a David-versus-Goliath matchup that put the entire league on high alert.
The squad’s talent and motivation are undeniable, but mental-error penalties and misalignments have continued to hinder an otherwise high-powered offense. The Panthers are no slouches, either. Johnston enters the weekend undefeated after squeaking out a 30-26 win over Chariho on Thursday night in a game rescheduled from Sunday due to rain.
Will the short week help or hurt Johnston? That remains to be seen, but the Panthers are undoubtedly aware of Cumberland’s statement win over North Kingstown and will be mentally preparing for a battle.
If the Varsity Jr. Clippers remember the mission, play sound fundamental defense, and put together four quarters of meaningful football, they will be well-positioned for another successful Sunday on the gridiron. If a big-win hangover leaves them mentally unprepared, Johnston has enough firepower to make them pay.
Junior Varsity Jr. Clippers (1-1) at Panthers (2-0)
The JV Jr. Clippers played strong against a very talented North Kingstown opponent this past Sunday. After a lopsided Week 1 victory over Oakwood, Cumberland suffered a heartbreaking 13-0 loss in monsoon-like conditions.
The talent on this JV roster is undeniable, and both the players and coaches were left with a bad taste in their mouths following last week’s tilt with NK. If that talent is matched by discipline and sound coaching, we can expect another competitive game this Sunday—hopefully with a different result when the final whistle blows.
PeeWee Jr. Clippers (0-2) at Panthers (2-0)
The PeeWee Jr. Clippers suffered a similar fate against North Kingstown in Week 2 as they did the previous week. Miscommunication and mental errors have plagued the group early in the season, but there is still plenty of time for the PeeWee squad to right the ship and begin stacking some much-needed wins.
Sunday presents a great opportunity to knock off a team with an unblemished early-season record and build momentum heading into next week.
Jr. PeeWee Jr. Clippers (1-1) at Panthers (2-0)
The Jr. PeeWee Jr. Clippers entered last Sunday with a 1-0 league record after winning both of their games—one nonleague matchup and one league contest—behind sound fundamentals, strong game planning, and disciplined execution.
Their approach didn’t change against North Kingstown, but sloppy conditions on the road created difficult situational football. The game wasn’t decided until the final buzzer, leaving the Jr. PeeWee squad hungry for another opportunity against a well-coached Johnston program.
Similar conditions may await them this Sunday, but this time the Jr. Clippers will arrive with some battle-tested experience to build on.