Along with the Pomp of Homecoming and Senior Night...

East Providence High School overcame some early game penalties but stayed in control for most of Friday night's football game as the Townies upset the higher ranked South Kingstown Rebels by a 29-0 score. Early in the first quarter, East Providence passed and ran for an exciting touchdown, only to have it called back on a holding penalty. A subsequent long drive for a first down was also called back due to a penalty. And yet a third penalty stalled an impressive Townie drive.

"That's three calls against us," pleaded an impassioned Head Coach for EP, Jay Monteiro. "And that's three good calls," shot back the referee to Monteiro. Smiling, Monteiro urged his team to "hang tough, play smart."

East Providence proceeded to shut out the tough playoff bound Rebels and in the process blocked two punt attempts, one leading to a Townie score. The Townies needed a win against Division opponent South Kingstown to stay alive for a playoff bid. It appears that EP has locked up the 4th and final spot in Division One with LaSalle, Hendricken and South Kingstown.

East Providence quarterback Ryan Ellinwood scored on a one yard touchdown run after a long offensive series and Tom Lopes ran for three touchdowns on runs of 22, 35 and 30 yards. Lopes was also effective with the point after kicks.

The Townies next game is Friday November 6th at Cranston West in a non-league game. EP will then play LaSalle High on Thanksgiving Day in the state's longest running traditional holiday rivalry. The game has lost a lot of steam as the state interscholastic league has made Thanksgiving a non-league game in a very controversial move to both Townie and some Ram fans. Playoffs are to follow Thanksgiving.

Friday's win over South Kingstown was the Townies Homecoming game with senior players and their parents being honored on the field at halftime. Seniors Nick Faella and Brynne Costa were voted as Homecoming King and Queen. The game was well attended and as one SK parent told this reporter, "... impressive, they do it right in East Providence!" The Reporter News Mag would agree.