Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 9, 2022 GREATER BOSTON LEAGUE ROUNDUP: Malden High kicker Ronald Juarez gets D1 Football Offer from Merrimack Former Everett High star DB Lewis Cine recovering from major injury in first NFL season Revere High sports ready to go for the 2022-2023 GBL season By Jason Mazzilli W hen Malden High head football coach Witche Exilhomme learned the news that the fi rst Division 1 college football offer to a Tornado player since he assumed the reins was in the bank, his immediate reaction was pride. Then it was right back to the kid: "He will get more off ers very soon, if one coach strikes gold, other coaching staffs want a piece of it, too," Coach Exilhomme said. The Malden coach, who led the Tornado football team to its most victories in eight seasons (4-6) this past fall, got a text from Class of 2022 placekicker Ronald Juarez Tuesday night that he had received a D-1 off er from Merrimack College. It was the fi rst Malden player to receive a D-1 off er since 2015, when the coach's own two brothers, D.J and Danley Exilhomme got the nod from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). Not a bad package deal for the Blue Devils — two of Malden's all-time best players! Juarez had a standout career at Malden High, playing the 2018-2020 seasons under former head coach Steve Freker and then his senior year, 2021, with Coach Exilhomme. Due to unpredictable and cloudy recruiting seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was diffi cult for Juarez to be seen extensively, though he did attend several national-level kicking camps accompanied by Coach Freker in the past several years. They were run by nationally-renowned Chris Sailer and also Kicking World, in outof-state locales such as Florida, North Carolina and New Jersey. Following last season, Coach Exilhomme suggested that Juarez attend the coach's former postgraduate destination, Milford Academy, in upstate New York. Juarez was immediately accepted and locked it in to attend Milford just about one year ago. It turned out to be exactly the right move, as Juarez excelled at Milford — which plays a national schedule — dominating the kicking game, including a 51-yard fi eld goal made in one game and several other clutch kicks. In the meanwhile, Juarez continued to send highlight clips to basically every Division 1 and Former Everett High and University of Georgia star Lewis Cine suff ered a horrifying injury while blocking on a punt for the Minnesota Vikings against New Orleans in London in early October. (Courtesy Photo) speak, when he received his fi rst Division 1 off er from Merrimack Tuesday night. After receiving a number of other off ers from Division 3 and 2 schools, this fi rst D-1 off er really excited him. Coach Exilhomme is conLewis Cine, above, played for Everett High in 2018 in 2015 and 2016 before transferring to a high school in Texas. Former Malden High standout Ronald Juarez, Class of 2022, recently received a Division 1 football off er to attend Merrimack College. Division 2 college football program on the East Coast. "He knew what he wanted and he stayed with it. I really don't think he missed contacting any program you could possibly think of," Coach Freker said. "He's a very hard worker and has always been extremely motivated." Malden High Director of Athletic said he always thought highly of Juarez. "He worked hard to improve his craft of kicking and he also stepped it up in the classroom when he set his sights on playing college football. "Ronald Juarez is most likely the best placekicker or at least one of the very best, to ever play football at Malden High," Conefrey said, noting the Class of 2022 grad booted the game winning fi eld goal in not one, but two Thanksgiving wins over Medford, in the 29-0 rout in 2019 and the 12-10 (no off ensive touchdowns scored) win in 2021. Juarez's "ship came in," so to vinced more high-end offers are coming. "Everyone's always digging for gold when it comes to college football recruiting. More will come knocking, wait and see." On sending Juarez to Milford Academy. when Exilhomme once attended as a player and tinues to show it." Juarez said he is excited for what could lie ahead. "I am very thankful for all the help I received from coaches at Malden, Coach Witche and Coach Frek and also from Mr. Conefrey," the college-bound kicker said. "I also am grateful to my family for the support they have shown me every day." **** Former Everett High star Lewis Cine making speedy recovery after devastating leg injury in Game #6 of his NFL career When the injury was fi rst announced, it was said — point blank— there was doubt if the former Everett High and University of Georgia star defensive back would ever play football again. The injury for the Minnesota Ronald Juarez kicked the game winning field goals in each of the past two Malden High Thanksgiving Day victories over Medford before this year, in 2019 and 2021. then returned two years ago as a coach: "It turned out to be the right move. We put a lot of work into getting Ronald (Juarez) to Milford and getting him in the right spot and it has paid off for him," Coach Exilhomme said. "Coach Freker played a big role in all of it. He cares so much for all the Malden players and conVikings safety was that bad. While blocking for a punt in a game played in London two months ago, Cine sustained a horrifying injury, breaking BOTH major bones in his leg, the fi bia and the tibia, as well as severely dislocating his ankle. The Vikings selected Cine in the 1st Round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a controversial trade back from the 12th spot. Cine was the 32nd overall pick. He got a fantastic contract, signing for $11.6 million guaranteed on a four-year rookie pact, including a $5.6 million signing bonus. Despite the crushing injury, Cine said recently, “Nothing is SPORTS| SEE PAGE 20
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