The 2024 high school football season kicks off tonight with an electrifying matchup between two local rivals, the Westerly Bulldogs and the Chariho Chargers, in Wood River Junction at Chariho’s home field. While it's a non-league game, the stakes are high due to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s (RIIL) new Rating Percentage Index (RPI) system. This new system makes every game important as teams aim to improve their standings based on the strength of their opponents. Both Westerly and Chariho are eager to start their seasons on the right foot, with each team bringing its own unique set of challenges to the field.
This season opener is made even more special by the coaching storyline. Westerly head coach Ron Sposato Jr., in his second season, will be going up against his former coach at Westerly, William Samiagio, who is now in his third season leading the Chariho Chargers. The mentor-turned-rival dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already exciting matchup.
The Westerly Bulldogs enter the season with high expectations. After finishing last year with a 9-2 record and making it to the Division II playoffs, the Bulldogs have their sights set on a Division II state championship. Head coach Ron Sposato Jr. has built a disciplined and talented squad, led by senior captains Andre Adams (DE/OT), Michael Poole (DE/OT), and Michael Barton (OG/LB), all of whom are expected to play key roles on both sides of the ball.
A major storyline for the Bulldogs is sophomore quarterback Landon Husereau, who made a huge impact in his freshman season, setting single-season program records for passing yards (1,840) and touchdown passes (23). Named the Division II Preseason Player of the Year by the Providence Journal, Husereau is known for his accuracy and football IQ, both of which will be critical in tonight’s game.
Speaking to The Westerly Sun Coach Sposato said “Landon never talks about the individual accolades. - Everyone talks about his arm, but the most important thing that makes him stand out is his accuracy. We expect big things from him.”
Westerly’s offense also boasts several key weapons, including second-team Division II pick Terrell Hill, who rushed for 721 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and wide receivers Caleb Williams and Jake Caron, who provide big vertical targets for Husereau. Freshman standout Danny Cummings, who led Westerly's youth team to a Senior Super Bowl championship, is also one to watch, making his varsity debut tonight.
Defensively, the Bulldogs are anchored by Adams, a second-team All-State selection who led the team with 12 sacks last season. Alongside him is Poole, creating a formidable duo that will aim to disrupt Chariho’s offense from the opening whistle. Sposato has emphasized the importance of staying healthy and protecting the football this season, and if his team can execute on those fronts, they have the talent to make a deep run.
“We believe that if we stay healthy and protect the football, we can be the last team standing at the end hoisting up that state championship trophy,” Sposato said.
On the other side of the field, the Chariho Chargers are looking to build on a tough 2023 season, where they finished 1-10. Despite the struggles, head coach William Samiagio remains optimistic about his team’s prospects this year. Chariho returns a solid core of players, including seniors Ben Donahue (FB/LB, captain) and Ryan Taylor (TE/DE, captain), along with sophomore standout Sawyer Mason (RB/DB, captain).
The Chargers are entering the season with a new sense of determination, particularly after realignment has placed them in Division III. With key returning players like Donahue and Mason, both of whom were named Division III-A third-team selections last year, Chariho has the potential to be more competitive this season.
One of the most notable losses for the Chargers was Grayson Snyder, last season’s Offensive MVP and a Division III-A first-team pick. His presence on the offensive line was a significant factor in the Chargers' ground game, and replacing him will be a challenge for Chariho. Additionally, Providence Gridiron Club Defensive MVP Brady Anderson’s graduation leaves a gap in the defense that the Chargers will need to fill.
“Our core has to gel together and become a well-oiled machine,” said Samiagio. “We have a battle every week, and we have to be aggressive and stay healthy.”
Chariho’s success this season will hinge on how well its senior leaders can guide the younger players, and tonight’s game will be a critical first test. Junior quarterback Luke Felkner will need to manage the game effectively, while junior Gavin Card and sophomore Raffy Garcia step up to new roles on the varsity squad.
The introduction of the RIIL’s RPI system this season means that tonight’s game carries significant weight beyond the scoreboard. Teams are now incentivized to challenge themselves by scheduling higher-division opponents, as a victory over a stronger team will positively impact their power ratings. Westerly has embraced this challenge, scheduling games against Division I opponents like Burrillville, Central, and Portsmouth to prepare for postseason play.
“We wanted to challenge ourselves with the opportunity to be in good position with seeding,” Sposato said. “Just going out and competing. No question it’s going to get you ready.”
With two talented squads, a fresh RPI system, and a mentor-turned-rival coaching storyline, tonight’s season opener promises to be an exciting start to the 2024 high school football season. Kickoff is set for 5:15 p.m., with 321 Media’s Greg Murano and Ben Barber calling the action from the booth. Both the Bulldogs and the Chargers will look to send an early message, not just to their opponents but to the entire state, as they begin their quest for postseason success.
For more info on both teams check out The Westerly Sun and their sports reporter Rich Zalusky for previews of both teams year ahead and highlighting key players and the coaching insights from both sides.