Alex Antocci’s first game back came with a touchdown. David Huftalen added a house call, and Cumberland’s defense kept Newton North off the scoreboard as the JV Clippers brought home a 12–0 win.

There was plenty to like about this one, starting with a player finally getting his season underway.

Sidelined by injury all season, Antocci returned to the lineup and caught a touchdown pass from quarterback David Huftalen for Cumberland’s opening score. Getting back on the field was a significant step. Helping put his team on the board made the return a little sweeter.

Up front, the Clippers supplied plenty of room—and plenty of reasons to watch the line.

This is a massive offensive line, moving with quick feet and clear intent. Cumberland’s linemen were delivering pancake blocks in the earlier win over North Kingstown, and they were putting defenders on the turf again against Newton North. There is purpose behind that size: get into position, move people, finish the block, and leave a clean pocket. That lets the quarterback see the field and operate.

That work helps explain the excitement around this group. Quick feet allow those big bodies to get where they need to be, and a finished block gives a runner time to find the opening. The guys carrying the football have some substantial help getting started.

Huftalen made the most of his opportunity.

The quarterback worked outside, turned up the near sideline and accelerated away from the pursuit. Once he found open space, he kept creating separation on his way to the end zone for Cumberland’s other touchdown.

A Huftalen house call.

Chase Soulier brought a different bit of footwork to the afternoon. No. 23 planted, changed direction and worked away from pressure before turning upfield. The move forced a defender to change course while Soulier found room to keep going.

“The Shift” was a fitting name for that one—a boxing nod to the quick cuts fighters like Tyson snap inside the box to open a lane.

Huftalen’s ability to produce through the air and on the ground, along with Soulier’s mobility, gave Cumberland several ways to create offense. Antocci’s return added another receiving option to that mix.

On the other side of the ball, Liam Goulding came away with an interception, ending a Newton North possession and returning the football to the Clippers. His takeaway helped a defense that finished the afternoon with a shutout.

The zero belongs to the whole group.

Head coach Jake Beaudreault’s JV Clippers continue to give Cumberland reasons to pay attention. There is size and movement up front, playmaking ability behind it, and a defense capable of making its own contribution to the result.

Against Newton North, those pieces came together around two touchdowns and a shutout. And for Antocci, the first game back included a pretty good welcome.

Six points.

As the fall football season winds down, these Clippers have a season’s worth of growth to build on. They’ve progressed together, strengthening the bond among teammates and building trust in one another along the way. That connection is part of what this group will carry forward into the work ahead.

With one game remaining, Cumberland has one more opportunity to put that progress on the field before returning to its offseason training program. Then the work continues—getting stronger, sharpening their skills and carrying that momentum into preparations for next season.