'The future is bright' for Barrington football

Eagles return with mix of veterans and young players

BY MANUEL C. “MANNY” CORREIRA
Posted 8/17/17

Now in his third season since returning as head coach of the Barrington High School football team, Sandy Gorham believes that the Eagles will continue to improve in the Rhode Island Interscholastic …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


'The future is bright' for Barrington football

Eagles return with mix of veterans and young players

Posted

Now in his third season since returning as head coach of the Barrington High School football team, Sandy Gorham believes that the Eagles will continue to improve in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s rough and ready Division I-B.

In a relaxed interview at the local Dunkin’ Donuts, Coach Gorham spelled out his hopes and dreams for the upcoming season.

“We’re getting better,” the coach said. “We were greatly improved last year, finishing with a 3-4 record and a fourth place finish in our division.”

The Eagles, who hadn’t won a game the year before, also qualified for the playoffs last season before losing to eventual state champion Bishop Hendricken in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

“We could have won a couple of more games with a little luck,” the coach said. That included the annual Thanksgiving Day battle with rival Mt. Hope High School, where the Eagles dropped a heart-breaking 20-19 decision.

As the coach mentioned, the injury bug again played a key role in the Blue and Gold’s overall scheme of things.

“We were just decimated with injuries,” he said. “It was one of the worst years for injuries since I’ve been coaching. But, the kids stayed with it and never quit. I was very proud of their effort.”

As the 2017 campaign nears, Barrington fans can look forward to another year of solid progression.

“We have a good mix of veterans and young players,” said the coach. “Our offensive line will be one of our strengths.”

“The offensive line is one of the hardest positions to coach,” Coach Gorham confessed, “but it may be one of our strong points this year. Senior center Nick Rimoshytus is one of the top linemen in the league and understands the position very well.”

Guard Tom Kelleher is a 247-pound senior who’s worked himself into becoming a solid football player. Together with Rimoshytus, the two are expected to be the leaders on the line.

Then, there‘s guard Josh Nutter, who plays on both sides of the ball, and is very athletic.

“He goes about 230 pounds and is a tough kid,” said Coach Gorham. “Basically, we don’t move the ball unless the line plays well.”

Senior quarterback Liam McManus is expected to take care of the signal-calling chores. At 6-foot-2, 186 pounds, he has the size and moxie to be a very effective player in the league’s toughest division.

“He started for us for three years,” Coach Gorham said, “and has a rifle for an arm. He runs the offense well, and has made some great strides.”

Barrington’s run-first offense will be supplemented by the talents of senior Ethan Singer and sophomore John Adamson, both exceptional runners with a lot of upside.

“We’ll run more than we pass,” said Coach Gorham. 

Defensively, senior Nate Singer (Ethan’s twin brother), will play inside linebacker, alongside junior Nick Roach, two players with a world of talent.

The Eagles lost David Kelley to graduation, which according to Coach Gorham, is a tremendous loss. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound linebacker/defensive end will be tough to replace.

“His passion for the game was unbelievable,” said the coach. “He’ll be missed this year.”

“We do have a solid defensive secondary this year,” Coach Gorham said. “Collectively, they play solid defense. The kids have a great passion and understanding of the game.”

In all likelihood, this year’s edition of Barrington High School football should be entertaining as the team continues to take another step toward championship contention.

“The future is bright,” said Coach Gorham, without reservation. “We have some good freshmen coming up, and that’ll be a plus down the road. We’ll be far more competitive than last year.”

Asked if he still enjoys coaching football, after being in the game for so many years, Coach Gorham quickly responded, “I still have the fire. I love coaching. I love this game, and I love being around these kids.”

Injury Fund game is Aug. 31

Barrington is scheduled to open up the 2017 season with an Injury Fund game against Middletown on Thursday night, Aug. 31.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.