Even in the middle of a violent thunderstorm, Barrington High School football coach Sandy Gorham wasn’t distracted enough while talking about this year’s Eagles’ football team. As a matter of fact, he was downright anxious to reveal some of the good things he’s expecting from the 2018 squad.

Seated comfortably inside the local Dunkin Donuts on Country Road before the lights went out, Coach Gorham had enough time to expound upon the Eagles’ youth and the hopes of things to come.

“Athletically, we’re a better football team than last year,” he said. “We’re very young. We have some good sophomores and a few freshmen who are very promising.” 

According to the coach, Barrington’s roster includes 19 juniors and seniors.

“We’re actually sophomore-laden,” he said. “We’ll be athletic on the perimeter. Our biggest problem is that the schedule is tougher.”

Last year, Barrington finished in a tie for third place in Division 1-B with Central and Cumberland, and finished the year with an exciting 20-14 double-overtime non-league victory over cross-county rival Mt. Hope High School on Thanksgiving Day.

“We played competitively all year long,” said the coach. “But, I think we’re a better team now.”

The 2018 Eagles will be led by senior quarterback/safety Nick Roach, a three-year starter with a boat-load of talent, and running back Zach Newberg, another senior, who at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, could be one of the best backs in the league.

“He can run,” said Coach Gorham. “He’ll also play on defensive.”

Junior Jon Adamson is a running back/outside linebacker who has great skills.

"He looks terrific,” said the coach. “He has so much confidence.”

Along the line will be senior offensive guard/defensive tackle Jacob Nutter, who at 260 pounds or so, is strong and physical and will garner plenty of attention from opposing teams. He’s expected to have a big year.

Last year, Barrington High’s freshman team fought right to the bitter end, losing a tough 7-6 decision to Hendricken in the State Freshman Super Bowl game.

“We played them nose-to-nose,” Coach Gorham said. “It was one of the most exciting games of the year.”

Freshmen of note who are now sophomores at Barrington High School and ready to make their presence felt are, among others, the coach’s son, Luke Gorham, a running back and outside linebacker; Thomas Rocha, Cole Reed, a wide receiver/safety; Mark Bernardo, a running back/corner back; Josh Nutter, younger brother of Jacob; and offensive guard Evan Vanbree.

Luke Gorham will bear special watching. He’s six feet, 180 pounds, and has a world of potential. He should help the Eagles' cause.

Thomas Rocha is a fullback and linebacker with plenty of toughness on both sides of the ball, while Cole Reed (wide receiver, free safety), Mark Bernardo (running back and linebacker), Josh Nutter (defensive tackle,) and Evan Vanbree (offensive guard) are all ready to make a difference.

The Eagles will open up the season with the annual Injury Fund game, Aug. 30, against Middletown, at Portsmouth High School. Game time is 5:30 p.m. The following week (Sept. 7), Barrington will travel to Cranston to meet Cranston East in a 7 p.m. non-league game.

The road trip continues on Friday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., when the Eagles visit Portsmouth High School for a clash with the Patriots; and the following week, Friday, Sept. 21, it’ll be Barrington versus Central at Classical High School. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

Barrington’s first regular season Div. 1 game doesn’t occur until Friday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., when the Eagles entertain South Kingstown High School, at Victory Field.

“We have more road games than home games this year,” said a disheartened Coach Gorham. “But, that’s the way it is, I guess. We’ll be ready no matter who or where we play.”

The bottom line in all of this is that the Barrington Eagles hope to carry that thrilling season-ending victory against Mt. Hope last Thanksgiving over into this new campaign. The Blue & Gold, are young, eager, and well-prepared for the challenge.