Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024 PREVIEW | FROM Page 12 Volleyball: a stunning turnaround Few teams in the state can boast the kind of improvement seen by Revere’s volleyball squad. After winning just two matches last season, Coach Emilie Hostetter’s team roared back with a 10-10 record and earned a spot in the Division 2 playoff s. “She worked hard, and so did the kids,” Shea said. “They had to upset a couple of schools late in the season to make the tournament, and they did it. It’s been a quick turnaround, and we couldn’t be happier for them.” Football: finishing strong Coach Lou Cicatelli’s football team overcame a rocky start to fi nish 5-6. After opening the season with four straight home losses, the Patriots fl ipped the script with a five-game winning streak, including a signature victory over Division 1 Everett — the fi rst time Revere had beaten Everett in 33 years. “It’s like someone flipped a light switch,” Shea said. “The team and coaches learned from those early losses and never quit. They showed a lot of resilience.” Winter preview: building on momentum The winter season kicked off this Monday, with Revere Athletics expecting strong participation across its programs: • Basketball: Boys and girls basketball will feature competitive squads, with the boys competing in tournaments in Malden and Hamilton-Wenham. Both programs contin~ LETTER-TO-THE-EDITOR ~ Congratulations Coach Cicatelli T o Lou Cicatelli, Congratulations on your 100th victory! Your accomplishment is extraordinary and deserves far more recognition than it has received. Without a doubt, you are the greatest football coach in the history of Revere High School. You are the Vince Lombardi of high school football in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is not hyperbole—it is reality. You have done more for this community than you could ever truly know. While your dedication to teaching the art of football is remarkable, it pales in comparison to the profound impact you have on the lives of your players. A young athlete enters your program as a potential candidate and leaves as a better football player and a better human being. I have had the privilege of watching you coach through good times and bad, and I am consistently amazed by your unwavering composure and calm demeanor. Your interactions with your players remain steady, no matter the circumstances. You have a rare gift for inspiring pride and competitiveness in them, even under the most challenging conditions. Coaching seems to come so naturally to you—you were clearly born for this role. Someday, you will undoubtedly be inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame. When that day comes, I will proudly attend the ceremony, listening as speaker after speaker recounts the many accomplishments of your illustrious career. My only regret is that such recognition hasn’t come sooner. That is why I must say, here and now, that you are not receiving the level of appreciation you so richly deserve. The School Department, administration, and community have yet to fully grasp how unique and special you are— not just as a coach but also as a mentor and a “big brother” to every one of your players. I understand your remarkable contributions and want to thank you for the incredible work you have done for this city over the years as an unparalleled football coach. I wish you continued success in the years to come. Let’s go Patriots! Sincerely, Gerald Cifuni Former AP Calculus teacher in Revere Public Schools for 25 years Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES INCOME TAX PREPARATION WEALTH MANAGEMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee ue to draw strong numbers, ensuring full varsity and junior varsity rosters. • Indoor track: The girls’ indoor track team has been a powerhouse in recent years, and expectations remain high for another strong season. The boys’ team also looks poised for success. • Swimming and co-op programs: While hockey and wrestling numbers remain low, Revere participates in coop programs for both sports, giving students an opportunity to compete. “Urban hockey is tough these days,” Shea noted. “We’re part of a FOOTBALL | FROM Page 12 kids were saying they wanted to play next year. That’s the kind of momentum we need.” The Patriots scored over 40 points in four of their fi ve wins, demonstrating an explosive off ense led by senior stars Geovani Woodard and Danny Hou. Woodard capped off a stellar career with 1,280 rushing yards on 140 carries and eight rushing touchdowns. He also added seven receiving touchdowns, bringing his total to 15 scores on the season. Hou, the team’s dynamic quarterback, accumulated 765 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground while completing 31 of 71 passes for 785 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. “Geo and Danny were the heart and soul of our team,” Cicatelli said. “The numbers they put up were incredible, and they’ve set a high bar for the younger guys coming up.” If 2024 was a season of senior leadership, it was also one of freshman emergence. Defensive standout Charles Dobre led the team with 100 tackles, eight sacks and fi ve forced fumbles, cementing his status as one of the most impactful fi rst-year players in recent memory. “Charles is a beast,” Cicatelli said. “We moved him around on defense, and he made plays everywhere. He’s one of the best freshmen I’ve ever had.” Fellow freshman Reda Atoui also shone, recording 66 tackles, four interceptions two pick-sixes and a strip-andscore for a 68-yard touchdown. Anthony Pelatere and four-school co-op for hockey, and while numbers are small, we’re doing everything we can to keep the program going.” Shea is optimistic about the future of Revere athletics. From the incredible growth of the volleyball program to the boys soccer team’s historic run, the fall season has set a high bar. As the winter season begins, he anticipates the same commitment and energy from Revere’s athletes. “The fall was special,” Shea refl ected. “But now we turn the page to winter, and I know our kids and coaches are ready to give it their all.” Jose Fuentes rounded out a foursome of strong rookie contributions, contributing on both sides of the ball. “We’ve never had a freshmen class like this,” Cicatelli said. “These kids played a huge role all season, and they’re only going to get better.” The loss to Winthrop underscored areas for growth, particularly along the off ensive and defensive lines. However, with the foundation laid by this year’s young core, the Patriots have plenty on which to build. “Our freshmen stepping up and our seniors leading the way made this a special year,” Cicatelli said. “We have a lot of guys coming back, and I’m excited to see what they can do.” Looking ahead to 2025, the Patriots will lean on returning players like Dobre, Atoui and Fuentes to fi ll the void left by graduating seniors. Meanwhile, Mario Ramirez, Yousef Benhamou and other underclassmen are expected to take on larger roles. “This season proved that we can compete with anyone,” Cicatelli said. “With the talent we have coming back, I think the future is very bright for Revere football.” Though the season ended shy of a winning record, Revere’s 2024 campaign will be remembered for its resilience, highlighted by the fi ve-game win streak and the historic victory over Everett. “It would’ve been nice to fi nish with a win on Thanksgiving, but I’m still very proud of these kids,” Cicatelli said. “They worked hard, grew together as a team, and gave us a lot to look forward to.”
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