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Hard-nosed: Fall River-area high school football defensive players to watch in 2023

steven sanchez, the herald news
·3 min read

FALL RIVER — The high school preseason began on Friday for the Herald News football teams.

All five Fall River-area teams — Atlantis Charter/Westport, Case, Diman, Durfee and Somerset Berkley — will look toward their studs on both sides of the ball, especially on the defensive end.

These guys are the heart and soul of the team whether banging heads deep inside line play or just defending the opponent's top receiver. They bring their lunch pails each and every day to practice and to the games.

From the defensive line to the shifty cornerbacks, here are the nine returning players we have our eyes on to make an impact defensively.

Atlantis Charter running back Devon Paradise scores a touchdown during a game versus Holbrook/Avon on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.
Atlantis Charter running back Devon Paradise scores a touchdown during a game versus Holbrook/Avon on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.

Devon Paradise, Atlantic Charter/Westport

Paradise was a force on the defensive side of the ball for the Tritons last fall. The Atlantis Charter/Westport sophomore athlete had a team-leading four interception. Paradise, who is also top notch on offense, was named a Mayflower Athletic Conference Comprehensive all-star and a Herald News All-Scholastic.

Isaiah Poydress, Atlantis Charter/Westport

Poydress was another reason for the Tritons' turnaround in 2022, especially on the defensive side. The junior Atlantis Charter star made 38 tackles on defense. He was named a Mayflower Athletic Conference Comprehensive all-star and a Herald News All-Scholastic. A force on the offensive side.

Somerset Berkley's Wyatt Figueiredo blocks for quarterback Owen Meehan as Case's Braden Bibeau looks to break up the play.
Somerset Berkley's Wyatt Figueiredo blocks for quarterback Owen Meehan as Case's Braden Bibeau looks to break up the play.

Braden Bibeau, Case

Bibeau took charge on defense all season long for the Cardinals in 2022. The senior defensive lineman had 68 total tackles, including seven for losses. He is also a hard runner on the offensive side of the ball. Bibeau was named a Herald News second team all-star.

FOOTBALL: Find all of our preseason coverage for Fall River-area football to get you ready for 2023

Seekonk's Evan Seals (11) tries to break past Case's Angelo Ciallella (15) and Braden Bibeau (1).
Seekonk's Evan Seals (11) tries to break past Case's Angelo Ciallella (15) and Braden Bibeau (1).

Angelo Ciallella, Case

Ciallella had an all-around, superb year for the Cardinals in 2022. The Case defensive back led the team in interceptions with three. He was voted a South Coast Conference honorable mention and first team Herald News All-Scholastic. Ciallella has great hands and was the Cardinals' leading receiver on offense.

Diman’s Quintin Furtado stops Southeastern’s Nick Levine during a game last season.
Diman’s Quintin Furtado stops Southeastern’s Nick Levine during a game last season.

Quintin Furtado, Diman

Furtado had a great season on both sides of the ball for the Bengals last fall. The Diman junior linebacker/tight recorded a team-leading 102 tackles (35 Solo, 67 assisted). He also had a sack, eight tackles for losses, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Furtado, who is versatile on offense, was named a Mayflower Athletic Conference Large all-star and Herald News All-Scholastic.

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Cooper Long, Durfee

Long is one of the most talented Hilltoppers on the defensive end. The 6'4" 225-pound Durfee athlete can play either outside linebacker or defensive end. Long is very good against the run and can apply good pressure on the quarterback. The junior lineman has also seen some time at tight end as a junior.

Nick Wood is an offensive lineman for the Durfee High football team.
Nick Wood is an offensive lineman for the Durfee High football team.

Nick Wood, Durfee

Wood was solid all season on defense for the Hilltoppers. The junior defensive star was named a Southeast Conference all-star in 2022. Wood was one of the top tacklers on the team and always ready to make a play. He had several forced fumbles and was one of Durfee's best players on the offensive line.

Durfee football player Josh Yentz
Durfee football player Josh Yentz

Josh Yentz, Durfee

Yentz is one of the steadiest player on the offensive line for the Hilltoppers. The 6'1," 280-pound lineman plays on both sides of the ball, especially in the middle on defense. Yentz is a good run stopper that can apply pressure up the middle. He also wrestles for Durfee in the winter.

Case's Braden Bibeau gets pushed out of bounds by Somerset Berkley's Austin Desouto in a Thanksgiving Day game.
Case's Braden Bibeau gets pushed out of bounds by Somerset Berkley's Austin Desouto in a Thanksgiving Day game.

Austin Desouto, Somerset Berkley

Desouto had a fine season for the playoff-bound Raiders in 2022. The SBR junior free safety led the team in tackles made and collected a pair of interceptions. He is also superb on special teams, booting four extra points and two field goals. Desouto, who is a Herald News All-Scholastic, is very reliable on defense and gives the offense a little jolt.

Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: These nine high school football players will make an impact on defense