The Chelsea Pride Gladiator team clinched their first playoff spot in division history by defeating the Big Blue of Swampscott in convincing fashion 32-7. The team improves its record to 5-1.
“This team bounced back huge from a demoralizing home loss a week before against Lynn. We played very well for a team that had several key players benched for disciplinary reasons,” said Coach Gary May II
The team was led this week by captain Ely Lobo’s 8 carries for 135 and 1 touchdown. May said “He (Lobo) gave this team a much needed spark with several carries off the guard and tackle combination of Elijah Reddick and Guillermo Molina.” Chelsea’s offensive line led by captain and center Damien Strait, Guillermo Molina, Elijah Reddick, Angel Pratts-Diaz, and Josue Rodriguez played amazing in the passing game as QB Albert Alicea threw for 160 yards on 7 of 10 passing with two TDs thrown both to Moises Casado. Alicea also added a 55 yard run to set up for a td pass to Casado. Casado racked up 105 yards on 4 catches, he also ran in the only extra point of the day.
Defensively the team was led by host Chelsea defenders. Mainly Cornerback Alex Zelaya. He had two interceptions and three tackles for loss. “We the coaches are so excited about the play of Zelaya that we feel he gives us a much stronger sense on special teams as well as on our defense. He has been a great addition these past two weeks.” May said. Zelaya also had 55 yards rushing on offense with a td on 4 carries. Other stand outs on defense were Defensive Tackle Adriel Rodriguez who was constantly putting pressure on the Swampscott QB. Also we received great play again by LB’s Kevin Rosado and Bryan Cedeno who combined had 16 tackles between the two of them. Cedeno also scored his 11th touchdown of the year with a 71 yard kick return.
This team is starting to demonstrate that they understand that one loss doesn’t define where they are as a team. They got their confidence and their swagger back on the field and now we are preparing for a possible two week layoff. In two weeks the NECYFL may have us play a team to be determined. But this will be a much needed rest for our team to nurse their bodies back to health.”
The Gladiators next scheduled game will be the weekend of Halloween at Chelsea High School Veteran Memorial Stadium verse the Beverly Black Panthers at 130.
Titans (1st and 2nd)
The Chelsea Pride Titans lost 26-6 to the first place Lynn Chargers. The game was much closer than the score would indicate thanks to Captain Isaiah Ramos. Ramos played exceptionally well on both sides of the ball and scored the lone Chelsea touchdown. Kenneth Seacrest-Torres played his finest game of the year recording 5 solo tackles. Defensive tackles Isaiah Ortiz and Christian “Big Red” Medina have helped make this one of the best defensive teams in the conference. With a 2-3 record, Coach Kenny Etienne and his staff have alot of work ahead of them if they intend to get back to the Superbowl.
Crusaders
(3rd and 4th)
The Chelsea Pride Crusaders earned their 4th straight victory Sunday with a 32-19 win over the Lynn Chargers, improving their record to 4-1 on the season. Quarterback Jesus Rivera, coming off an injury, showed why he is widely regarded as the best player in the conference by throwing a 15 yard TD strike to Noel Conception in the 4th quarter and sealing the victory for PRIDE. Tailback Josh Vasquez continued his torrid TD pace by scoring 2 more times this weekend and bringing his season touchdown total to seven. Jalen Isle-Smith continued his fantastic season with two touchdowns of his own and was also a defensive standout with 6 solo tackles including a QB sack. Fullback Trey Sejour had two XP runs and finished the day with 83 yards rushing. With Chelsea down 19-18 in the third quarter, unsung hero, Cecil Villa, recovered a pivotal kickoff to set up the go ahead touchdown. Defensive back Adam Santos made an amazing one-handed tackle to preserve Chelsea’s lead. With this teams work ethic, dedication and determination, nothing seems impossible for the 2010 Crusader boys. It looks as though Coach Luis Cetina’s team is staring at a playoff spot and a possible NEC Championship? Stay tuned!
Spartans (5th and 6th)
The Chelsea Pride Spartans got back to their winning ways on Sunday by beating Lynn 20-0 and improving their record to 4-1. Andre Cheek and Carlito Vasquez both scored TD’s with Efrain Vega and Oscar Lopez both adding the extra points. Leonardo Almeida scored his first touchdown of the season and also played well at linebacker and free safety. Despite scoring 20 points, this game was won with team defense. Andre Cheek continued his dominance at middle linebacker with 11 tackles including 2 QB sacks. Antoine Kelly Jr., as usual, had a huge turnover in the game, intercepting a Lynn pass in the third quarter that ended any hopes Lynn had of a possible comeback. This defense thrives on big plays but everyone of them has a role to play and it shows on the field. Players like Orlando Ortiz, Chris Recupero and Felix Ramos continue to do the defensive jobs on the field that aren’t always recognized in print but are just as important as any sack or interception. This team wins because its made up of players who put winning before headlines. The sky’s the limit for this team.