Fri Sep 20 07:57:18 UTC 2024: ## Arlington Football Team Ready to Face Stoneham Under Coach Roche
Arlington’s football team, led by second-year coach Frank Roche, is off to a strong start this season, boasting a 2-0 record. Roche, a former star player under coach John Dubzinski at Arlington, is hoping to repeat the success he experienced as a player and build a winning program at his alma mater.
This Friday night, the Spy Ponders face a tough test against Stoneham, a team that learned the hard way about Arlington’s strength last year. The Spartans fell 41-22 to Arlington in 2023, a result attributed to underestimating their opponent. Stoneham coach Bob Almeida acknowledges Arlington’s growth under Roche, highlighting their strong running game and offensive line.
Stoneham enters the game fresh off a 27-14 victory over Winthrop, with running back Sean Kilty scoring three touchdowns. Roche recognizes the importance of containing Stoneham’s running game, a task that will require a strong defensive effort.
The Stoneham-Arlington matchup is one of several key Middlesex League crossover games this weekend. Other notable matchups include Woburn at Arlington, Natick at Walpole, Fairhaven at Old Rochester, North Attleboro at Taunton, and Duxbury at Hanover.
Beyond the Middlesex League, high-profile nonleague games include St. John’s Prep at Central Catholic, Xaverian at Everett, Wellesley at Milford, and Billerica at Westford Academy.
Saturday will see Bishop Fenwick coach David Woods aiming for his 200th career victory when his Crusaders host Bishop Stang.
The ISL season kicks off this weekend with two highly anticipated matchups. Defending champion Belmont Hill travels to St. Sebastian’s, while Lawrence Academy hosts BB&N in a clash of ISL powerhouses.
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