GLOCESTER – The Ponaganset High School football team was duly recognized by the Glocester Town Council at its recent meeting, with a special resolution congratulating them on winning the Division III State Championship.
“What we have for you today is something that will go to the high school that will stay there forever so everybody can see your accomplishments for the 2024-25 season,” Town Council President William Worthy told the coaches and players in attendance. Worthy was also one of the coaches for the team.
The resolution, on behalf of the town clerk and Town Council, congratulated the 2024-25 Chieftain Football Team for “achieving the distinct honor of being the 2024 Division III State Super Bowl Champions.”
The resolution further stated the team set the tone for the Super Bowl win from the first play of the game, defeating top seeded Classical 28-13.
“The Chieftains’ hard work and dedication throughout the entire season resulted in an outstanding record of 10-1,” stated the resolution. “The Chieftains’ team spirit, sacrifice and camaraderie demonstrated by this group of young men and their coaches throughout the season will continue to serve as an outstanding inspiration to other students and a source of extreme pride for northern Rhode Island.”
“I couldn’t have done it without these kids and this coaching staff,” said head coach David Caito.
Caito and assistant coach Anthony Deluise handed out certificates to members of the team, thanking them for their hard work and dedication, and pointing out their contributions to the team during the course of the season.
Caito praised various players for their hard work and success, including kicker Owen Allen and quarterback Robert Grenga, among others. Allen, he said, made 42 of 44 extra point field goals, while Grenga, though not being tabbed for 1st team All-State, was an All-Stater in his book.
“We wouldn’t have been where we were without him,” Caito praised. “He may be the best quarterback to ever come out of this program.”
Caito also praised senior Trevor Lytle for his excellent play as wide receiver.
This was the Chieftains’ seventh championship and its first at the D-III level since 2009. They earned the D-IV championship in 2021, moving up to Division III the following year, going 4-3, then 5-2, before an impressive 10-1 record this season.
“I just want to thank these young men,” said Caito. “Football season is a long season. We start in July, and we end up in November. That’s about five and half months we spend together. I really love these boys. The coaching staff really loves these boys. They are part of our family. They are my champions.”
“As your coach just said, you are champions,” said Councilor Walter Steere, “Nobody is ever going to take that away from you. You earned that. Twenty or 30 years from now, when you come back to Ponaganset, you have that certificate that coach (Worthy) is going to send to the high school. Be proud of that because the lessons you learned in winning that championship are going to suit you well throughout life: hard work, determination, fighting through difficulties, teamwork. All of that led to you being champions and will help you be champions in life. You are all brothers now. You are all tied together by your achievements as a group.”
