As summer turns to fall, it’s time to start thinking about and evaluating what lies ahead this year for the Barrington High School football team.

In a recent interview with Eagles’ head coach Sandy Gorham, the Blue & Gold look to be in pretty good shape this year.

“We should be better than last season,” predicted the coach, his blue eyes lighting up with each word. “We started seven sophomores last season, and that’ll help us.”

The Eagles, playing in Division 1, arguably the toughest league in the state, finished with a 3-7 overall record. But they played very respectable ball throughout the season and finished the year by crushing rival Mt. Hope High School, 31-12, on Thanksgiving Day.

Ending on a positive note hopefully will springboard the Eagles to a better 2019 campaign.

“It’s a tough league,” Coach Gorham said. “This year, our numbers are up, and we should have over 70 players, including 34 juniors.”

“They all have experience,” said the coach, entering his sixth season since returning as Barrington head coach. “The competition for playing time will be good.”

Senior leadership will start with Jon Adamson, a talented running back/linebacker; tight end/defensive end Owen Valentine, who can really bring it; and lineman Nate Camera.

“Nate is a real physical presence,” said Coach Gorham. “He’s an offensive/defensive tackle who stands 6-feet-3 and weighs 255 pounds. He’s worked hard and should really help us.”

Then there’s Jack O’Connell, a three-year starter who’s one of the top defensive ends and running backs.

“These guys are probably the leaders of our senior group,” said the coach. “They play hard and always give 100 percent each and every game.”

Heading up the junior class is quarterback Brigham Dunphy, who started last year and did a great job for the Eagles. The coach said that this young man is “a good leader" and a hard-worker.

Promising sophomore quarterback James Anderson “is still learning the game,” according to Coach Gorham, "but throws the ball well. He’ll be our backup.”

Other juniors of note include 6-2, 265-pound offensive lineman/defensive tackle Josh Nutter, who played well last season, and Coach Gorham’s son, Luke Gorham, a 6-foot, 195-pound running back and linebacker.

Wide receiver Cole Reed also bears watching, as does the versatile Mark Bernardo.

“Cole is an outstanding receiver who could be an explosive player,” the coach said. “He really knows the game. And, wide receiver/running back Mark Bernardo is ‘Mr. Everything.’ He has good speed and is a real shifty runner.”

Fans should also keep their eye on Tom Rocha, a 5-11, 205-pound linebacker who has a ton of ability.

“All these kids have been together since their Pop Warner days and they know each other well,” said the coach.

Barrington football has the makings of being a solid group this year.

“We have potential to be a good team,” the coach said. “I’m hoping to be very competitive, and I think we can be most of the games.”

The Eagles will open the season on Thursday, Sept. 5, with the annual Round Robin game against Middletown High School at 5:30 p.m., at the Mt. Hope High School field. 

The following week, Friday, Sept. 13, Barrington will host Cranston East in a 7 p.m. game at Victory Field. The first regular season Division 1 contest will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., when the Eagles host rival Portsmouth High School at Victory Field.