The Cumberland Jr Clippers Peewee team climbed out of an early 13-point hole and pushed Exeter-West Greenwich into a one-point game Sunday before two fourth-quarter touchdowns helped EWG pull away for a 26–12 victory.
Cumberland had its chances. Even with several key contributors unavailable or limited, the Clippers fought their way back into the afternoon and opened the second half with an opportunity to take the lead. They came up short, but the way they responded gives this group something concrete to carry into an important homecoming matchup.
Down 13–0, Cumberland got its first answer from Royal Vincente, who punched in a touchdown to bring the Clippers within 13–6. That put them back within one score. Collin Beaudreault took care of the next spark.
On the final play before halftime, Beaudreault broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run, taking it all the way to the house as the half expired.
Just like that, 13–0 had become 13–12.
The Clippers would also receive the second-half kickoff, giving them a chance to build on those two touchdowns and move in front. Cumberland went right back to work, marching down to the EWG 8-yard line.
But Exeter-West Greenwich held its ground. Four downs came and went without Cumberland finding the end zone, and EWG took over with its one-point lead intact.
That was a significant swing in a game Cumberland had worked hard to pull back within reach. The Clippers had followed two touchdowns with another drive deep into scoring territory. The opportunity was there, but EWG’s defense earned the stop when it needed it.
Cumberland remained within a point heading into the fourth quarter before Exeter-West Greenwich added two touchdowns to create the final separation.
The Clippers were navigating the afternoon without Grayson Sen and Julian Bell, while Hector III played in a limited role. That left Cumberland without its usual full complement of contributors, yet the group still recovered from a difficult start and put itself in position to take control after halftime.
Hector Zenteno’s assessment afterward reflected what this team continues to work toward.
“Kids are battling every week and growing every week. That’s all I can ask for.”
That growth now carries into homecoming, with a possible postseason opportunity still in the picture.
According to the scenario Zenteno shared, a Cumberland win next week, combined with North Providence losses in its remaining games against Lincoln and North Kingstown, could put the Clippers into the playoffs for the first time in three years at this age level.
Cumberland needs some help, but its own assignment comes first.
There were good things to build on Sunday: Vincente getting the scoring started, Beaudreault delivering the big play before halftime, and the offense coming out of the break with another sustained drive. There were also opportunities to finish that will matter as the games become more consequential.
This group has continued to battle through a demanding schedule and is learning how to put itself in position against strong competition. Homecoming brings another opportunity to turn that progress into a complete performance—and give those playoff hopes a chance to become something more.