The Tiverton football is hopeful for a big season despite their 21-0 loss to Division III Mt. Hope in the annual injury fund game at Barrington on Thursday night.  Tigers’ head coach Dillon Sheridan was encouraged and enthusiastic about the team’s ability to do some damage in Division IV. 

Junior quarterback Ben Troia, who began his Tiverton tenure stepping in for injured senior Ben Sowa as a freshman, has developed over the last two years and is ready to direct the team. 

“He has taken the reigns,” said Coach Sheridan. “His strength is his knowledge and ability to read plays. But we have to give him time to read.”

That didn’t happen against Mt. Hope as defenders consistently harassed Troia in the backfield. 

“We as an offense need to improve our offensive line,” he said. 

Coach Sheridan feels he has capable players. Now he and the coaching staff need to get them to gel into a cohesive unit, able to protect Troia during passing plays and block well during running plays. 

“We have the guys. We had to chisel them and refine them and get them ready to go,” he said. 

The Tigers’ strength on offense is their speed at running back and wide receiver.  Juniors Aiden Champ and Evan LaPointe are starters at running back. Starting at receiver are juniors Malcolm Michaud, Roman Fauci, Wayne Heilborn and Sam Black. 

“Offensive coordinator Kenyon Thayer has coached this group in flag football for years,” said Coach Sheridan. “They have been playing pass and catch together for a long time.” 

Another team strength is their defensive line that is coached by defensive coordinator Jorge Pessoa.  Senior Ethan Quicksall playing strong-end, leads the ferocious unit that kept Mt. Hope quarterback Ethan Martel on his toes all game, with Tyler Garside at strong-defensive tackle, senior Aidan Larson at tackle and transfer David Silvia III at weak-side end. 

“That unit is a big strength,” said Coach Sheridan. “Once we get the offense clicking, we’ll be good.”