Football Struggles in Injury Fund Opener

NORTH KINGSTOWN -- An optimist would note that for Narragansett High School football, there really isn’t any place to go but up after their season-opening Injury Fund game at North Kingstown High School.

Playing against the Division II Westerly Bulldogs, the Division III Mariners struggled mightily, losing 26-0 in two quarters.

Head coach Richard Fossa said the game served as an example of what he has been telling his team.

“We’re not a very good practice team and I stressed that to them,” he said. “The mentality in Narragansett is not a football mentality. We have eight or nine kids saying they can’t make Monday’s practice.”

To be successful in Division III, Fossa said his team needed to get a lot tougher mentally. He noted that even though it was an exhibition, he had kids asking to be taken out once they went down 20-0.

“We’re going to have to go back to old-time Narragansett football,” he said. “Pound on the ground.”

After allowing a Westerly touchdown, the Mariners looked to have something going on their first drive of the game. Senior Francis Castrovillari started with an eight-yard run, followed by a keeper by quarterback Mark Griffith for seven yards and a first down.

Senior Jared Baptista ran for four yards, but Castrovillari fumbled on the next play. Westerly recovered on Narragansett’s 34-yard line and quickly scored again.

Narragansett ran two more drives with the starters, but managed just two first downs. Griffith also threw an interception.

The Mariners will get another test in their first regular season game –Narragansett travels to Division II Chariho on Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and the Chargers will also look to rebound from a disappointing 20-0 Injury Fund loss to Division I South Kingstown.

For an article from the Westerly perspective, or to read more about Chariho’s game vs. South Kingstown, check out an article from The Westerly Sun here.