There’s not a true definition of a glue guy.
But teammates know who they are on their roster and the best teams have them. They come in different shapes and sizes but they all do what is asked of them. They’re the unsung heroes of their clubs and rarely get the deserving recognition.
Before the RIIL Football State Championships Presented by Ortho Rhode Island begin on Friday night, we are recognizing one glue guy from each of the championship teams. They’ll show up this weekend, maybe not in the final box score, ready to do their jobs.
Belford called North Kingstown’s Week 7 overtime win against Barrington a dream. The linebacker was in the right place at the right time and sealed the Skippers’ comeback effort with a fumble recovery. His energy and focus bring attention to North Kingstown’s defense and the Skippers are better for it.
Bin is only going to get so many carries playing with Ziahair Gibau. He’s the No. 2 in Davies’ backfield and differs from his senior classmate, but Bin gets the tough yards when called upon. Davies is searching for its first football title and Bin might help lead them to it.
In a similar situation as Bin, West Warwick’s second running back Casarez plays behind James Branch. Casarez might only get five carries to spell Branch on offense but he makes the most of them. At 5 feet 7 inches and 190 pounds, he’s a bowling ball on offense as defenders just bounce off of him. And on defense, he plays middle linebacker and constantly wreaks havoc in the backfield.
Considine is South Kingstown’s physical and emotional leader. SK goes where its offensive line takes them this year and with the senior leading the way, the Rebels like their title chances. Considine also gets it done on defense and in field goal blocking schemes — he rarely comes off the field and gets the deserving attention.
Fague was a second-team Providence Journal All-State lineman last year. And when one of your team’s best players is also a glue guy, it’s easy to see why Burrillville is playing in the Division I non-state championship. The Broncos might have a full roster of unsung heroes but Fague stands out among the group in his senior year.
Defense is where Gomez makes teams pay, but offensively is why he’s on this list. The senior plays behind Jordan Duke and only gets a handful of touches. That would be different in a normal season, but Duke isn’t a normal player. Gomez and the entire Purple cast know their offense runs through the star and they’re happy to watch Duke go.
It’s easy to write about Narragansett’s high-flying offense because it’s so fun to watch. Screens, up-tempo, deep passes and a ton of points marked the Mariners’ season. But what about the linemen in South County? Grandin plays defensive tackle and on those screen plays, he’s out front as one of Narragansett’s starting guards.
As a receiver in Hendricken’s offense, Nault doesn’t get as many targets as other wideouts in the state. But he always blocks down field and stays ready when his number is called in the passing game. The senior recently committed to Long Island University to play lacrosse.
Sayegh’s role in La Salle’s offense changed overnight. When Terrence Campbell returned to the Rams early in the season, Sayegh was no longer La Salle’s top option in the backfield. The senior took that in stride, showed great leadership and runs hard when called upon. He also plays defensive end for the Rams and could come up big against Hendricken.
If Ponaganset wants to upset Classical, it will start at the defensive line. Sacchi won’t score a touchdown, unless it’s on defense, in the championship game, but he can help the Chieftains raise a banner. If the senior can help his team stop Jordan Duke, Ponaganset will have a chance. They’ll need their leader on defense to show them its possible.
jrousseau@providencejournal.com
On X: @ByJacobRousseau
