WESTWOOD — Maybe, in some circles, defense is a bit of an afterthought in 7-on-7.
For Milton, though, that’s not the case.
Whether it was offense, defense, or just plain making plays, Milton rolled to the Northeast 7v7 South regional title on Sunday, beating North Kingstown (R.I.) in the championship.
With the victory at Xaverian, Milton has won two regionals this summer, something that may be unprecedented with this event.
Leading the way was Milton defensive back Ferris Collins, who took back a pick-six in the semifinal against Dennis-Yarmouth and another in the title game.
It was just a complete effort from Milton, which had already advanced to Thursday’s New England finals.
“I think the key to our success is we have 18 guys and they all play and they all contribute,” Milton coach and Northeast 7v7 director Steve Dembowski said. “They’re unselfish. It was good to see a lot of guys make plays.”
“It’s definitely great to get the wins,” Collins said. “We lost a lot of great players last year. It’s reassuring to see us do well.”
It was many of the same faces for Milton that stood out in the East regional win at Bishop Fenwick. Quarterback Patrick Miller was again one of the top signal callers at the event, making pinpoint throws all afternoon. Wide receiver/linebacker Patrick Collins, cornerback/running back Nathan Ehui, and linebacker AJ Cicerone all had strong days.
In the final, Milton jumped out to an early lead and did not relent. Collins’ second pick-six in as many games provided the finishing touch.
North Kingstown acquitted itself very well, and should be one of the best teams in Rhode Island again. Wide receiver/defensive back Noah Giacastro, slot receiver/linebacker Trent Sterner, quarterback Braden Rogers, running back/linebacker Victor Encarnacion and wide receiver/safety Gian Iacuele are all names to watch for this fall.
Dennis-Yarmouth made a strong run to the semifinals, as did BC High. D-Y will be led by quarterback Jayden Barber, wide receiver Peyton Kellett, wide receiver/safety Walter Mayo, linebacker/wide receiver Jacob Bohlin, and offensive and defensive lineman Jayden Wetherbee.
For BC High, the Eagles will be led by wide receiver Marshall Rice, running back/wide receiver/safety Jacob Bieren Broodenspot, quarterback Carter Carroll, receiver Conrad Bubka and receiver Liam Callen.
Despite those strong performances all around, Milton again showed to be masters of the 7-on-7.
“I think from a camaraderie standpoint and a confidence standpoint, it makes them bond a little bit faster,” Dembowski said. “They get more on the same page. Obviously, when the pads go on, it’s a completely different game. I don’t think people realize how different 7-on-7 is from football. There’s no blocking and tackling and kicking, and obviously refs throw flags if you’re too physical. It’s a completely different game. But these guys are all still teammates, and it’s great for them to compete.”
