Beverly 'B' team one win away from Florida

By MIKE GRENIER

News staff

The Beverly Pop Warner C team was understandably disappointed last year when it won the New England title but couldn't move on to the national playoffs in Florida. There may be nothing to prevent Beverly from advancing this season, however.

Beverly is having another great season, and things have changed for the better. A year older, Beverly has moved up to the 'B' division in Pop Warner, making it eligible for the nationals in Florida in early December.

Before it can officially start planning for a trip to the Deep South, however, the Beverly B team must beat Seymour, Conn. in the New England championship game Friday (2 p.m.) at Coventry, R.I.

Beverly B dumped the Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins, 18-6, Sunday for its second straight state title and can repeat as New England champ by beating the Connecticut entry. Beverly is 12-1 overall. Seymour went 6-2 in the regular season, including four shutouts.

"We have to do it twice (alluding to the New England championship) in order to go (to Florida) once," said Beverly coach Mike Nardella, whose team is 24-2 over the last two seasons. "But the kids know we have 40 minutes of football left before they can go where they want to go.

"It's been a big change this year (in transitioning from a 'C' team to the 'B' level). The maturity level is astronomically different, both physically and emotionally. We had to deal with a few more outside distractions this season, but the kids remain focused."

Beverly received a major boost in the state title game when Dylan Kline recovered from a broken collarbone and played offensive and defensive end. Kline had missed six games.

"It was a huge lift to have him back," said Nardella. "We've been getting a little banged up after playing eight regular season games and all these playoffs. We need all our players."

J. Michael Nardella, Nathan Verry and David Jones scored the touchdowns against Dennis-Yarmouth. Pat Bailey, who starts at halfback and defensive back, injured a hamstring and is questionable for the game against Seymour.

"The kids are still very confident," said Nardella. "It's amazing how they can turn it off and on. Sometimes they'll have a terrible practice and then turn around and play a great game. It's like having two totally different teams."

If Beverly qualifies for the nationals, which will involve two games on Dec. 4 and 7, respectively, it will need approximately $50,000 to cover the trip.

"The kids are soliciting money from relatives and friends, but we're not taking any money until we play this (New England championship) game," noted Nardella.