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Boston Herald
Boston Herald
30 Nov 2023
Matt Feld


NextImg:Div. 2 Super Bowl preview: Clash of styles as King Philip and Marshfield meet

When the Div. 2 Super Bowl kicks off, it will be a clash of contrasting styles.

While King Philip is making its sixth Super Bowl appearance in seven years, Marshfield is in the title game for the first time since 2014 as the Div. 2 standard bearers will face off in the title game on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.

The game showcases different paths to success. King Philip has achieved an unbeaten record largely on the heels of physicality up front on both sides, discipline, and controlling the clock.

Marshfield, meanwhile, holds a prolific no-huddle offense that moves at a faster clip than any in the Bay State. It was on full display when the Rams scored 52 points in a state semifinal win over two-time defending champion Catholic Memorial.

“There is no way to simulate how fast Marshfield goes on offense,” King Philip coach Brian Lee said. “It makes you play more vanilla and then they have a lot of speed that puts you in a bind. They really overwhelm you in many aspects.”

Marshfield’s offense is led by junior quarterback Tor Maas, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Around him are Nic Cupples, Charlie Carroll, Reid Bergamesca, and Jake Brilliant who all have over 20 receptions. Davin True is the primary runner out of the backfield. The junior had three touchdowns in the aforementioned win over the Knights and has 1,179 rushing yards on the season.

Defensively, the Rams are no slouch. Defensive end Jake Ekstrom has tallied 10 sacks while Nate Russell and John McAlpine have combined for nine. Giovanni Joseph has become a threat in the secondary and in the return game. Joseph has four interceptions and a kick return for a touchdown.

While Marshfield is battle tested, having gone up against perennial Div. 1 contender St. John’s Prep and Methuen in the regular season, King Philip promises to be a different test.

The Warriors are no stranger to the bright lights as they look for their third crown since 2016. Brian Lee’s group is undefeated and has notable wins over Milford, Div. 3 Super Bowl participant Walpole and Franklin at Fenway Park.

“No disrespect to any other team out there, but King Philip is the most disciplined, well-coached team that I have seen,” Marshfield coach Chris Arouca said. “They make you work for everything. They’re physical. And they know how to control the game up front.”

Junior running back Andrew Laplante has presented himself as the next great King Philip running back. Laplante has over 1,200 rushing yards, while he and fellow back Aiden Astorino have combined for 22 touchdowns. Quarterback Tommy McLeish can beat opponents with both his arm and his legs. McLeish has 1,150 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Warriors have ballhawks in the secondary. Brandon Nicastro and Thomas Kilroy have combined for 10 interceptions. Linebacker Ethan Pescione and defensive end Luke Danson lead the pass rush.

Over the years, King Philip has been stout up front and this season is no different. Danson and Sean King lead the offensive line in helping the Warriors set the tone.

“We try to follow the same approach every year where we try to outwork everyone,” Lee said. “We’re a group that is in it together. From the sophomores all the way up everyone is bought in this season.”

In order for Lee’s group to finish off the undefeated season, it will have to outlast a Marshfield team that has had the kitchen sink thrown its way.

“From the time we played St. John’s Prep and Methuen to start the year, our kids have believed they can play with anyone,” Arouca said. “They’re tough. They’re resilient. They have played the top teams in Division 1 and Division 2 throughout the year. So, I think our guys will be ready to go.”

DIVISION 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

King Philip (12-0) vs. Marshfield (9-3), Thursday, 5:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium

KING PHILIP WARRIORS

Head coach: Brian Lee

SEPT. 8: KING PHILIP 31, Walpole 0

SEPT. 14: King Philip 34, MARBLEHEAD 6

SEPT. 22: KING PHILIP 28, Norwood 0

SEPT. 29: King Philip 28, TAUNTON 7

OCT. 6: KING PHILIP 52, Attleboro 0

OCT. 13: King Philip 13, FOXBORO 7

OCT. 20: KING PHILIP 23, Milford 14

OCT. 27: KING PHILIP 42, North Attleboro 14

NOV. 3: KING PHILIP 41, Diman 0

NOV. 10: KING PHILIP 31, Winchester 3

**NOV. 16: King Philip 41, Barnstable 21

NOV. 21: King Philip 35, Franklin 0

  • – Home team in caps. ** – Neutral field

MARSHFIELD RAMS

Head coach: Chris Arouca

SEPT. 8: St. John’s Prep 41, MARSHFIELD 20

SEPT. 15: METHUEN 27, Marshfield 24

SEPT. 22: MARSHFIELD 15, Mansfield 9

SEPT. 29: Marshfield 33, BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM 7

OCT. 7: MARSHFIELD 41, Silver Lake 0

OCT. 13: Marshfield 43, HINGHAM 22

OCT. 20: Marshfield 49, PLYMOUTH NORTH 21

OCT. 27: MARSHFIELD 44, Whitman-Hanson 15

NOV. 3: MARSHFIELD 55, Plymouth North 34

NOV. 10: MARSHFIELD 51, Bishop Feehan 24

**NOV. 18: Marshfield 52, Catholic Memorial 40

NOV. 23: DUXBURY 23, Marshfield 21

  • – Home team in caps. ** – Neutral field

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HISTORY

King Philip is playing in its sixth championship game, all coming since 2016. The Warriors are 2-3, with the last victory coming in 2017 when Cole Baker’s 30-yard field goal with 1:30 remaining gave King Philip a 10-7 win over Lincoln-Sudbury in the Div. 2 championship.

Marshfield is appearing in its 11th championship with an overall record of 5-5. The Rams are playing on the big stage for the first time since 2014 when Jack Masterson and Jacob Maher each ran for two scores in a 45-6 win over Longmeadow to claim the Div. 2 title.