Raiders Return to Unbeaten Status
North Quincy’s high school football team has secured its sixth consecutive victory of the season, marking the program’s first undefeated start since 1992. The achievement comes under the leadership of first-year head coach Greg Sommers, who has guided the Raiders back to prominence in the Patriot League.
The team now stands at 6-0 and is positioned to achieve seven wins for the first time since 1996 if they defeat third-ranked Scituate (also 6-0) on Friday. The upcoming matchup represents a significant test for North Quincy, which previously finished with a 4-7 record last year before bouncing back with a win over Pembroke following a loss to Hanover.
Defensive Shifts and Leadership Changes
Sommers has implemented structural changes on defense, shifting the team from a 4-4 base formation to a 3-4 alignment. This new configuration utilizes edge defenders Pat Connor, Muhamad Alzubaidy, and Lowe as outside linebackers.
Senior captain Gavin Brown has adjusted his role within this system. Brown moved from middle linebacker to strong safety while continuing to play outside linebacker. His versatility extends to the offensive side of the ball, where he serves as the lead tailback with 744 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
Brown’s football lineage at North Quincy is extensive. His brothers Aidan (class of 2016) and Ronan (class of 2026), along with his father Paul (class of 1988), all played for the program. The Raiders’ previous undefeated season occurred in 1992, when they finished 11-0 and won the Division 1B Super Bowl title.
Offensive Production and Lineup
The North Quincy offense has been anchored by quarterback Cole Doyle, who has passed for a career-high 291 yards and five touchdowns in a recent victory over Somerville. Doyle holds a 124.7 passer rating this season, accumulating 1,313 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Doyle’s primary targets include Erick DeLima, who has recorded 299 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and Connor Lynch, who leads the team with 497 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The offensive line features four new starters: Jack Coughlin, Anderson Chen, junior twins Mason and Nolan Ayer, and center Breven Lyons. This group has provided protection for Doyle while facilitating Brown’s dual-role contributions on the ground.
Team Dynamics Under Sommers
Sommers has emphasized player development and cohesion as key components of the team’s success. He noted that the players have "continued to grow throughout the season" and are "believing in their abilities." According to Sommers, "These kids just want to play for each other," a sentiment reflected in the team’s ability to maintain focus against top-tier opponents.
The Raiders’ resurgence was highlighted by a recent defensive play where senior linebacker Andy Lowe stripped a Hanover receiver of the ball, showcasing the aggressive nature of the new 3-4 scheme. This turnover helped secure the win over Hanover, setting the stage for the subsequent victory against Pembroke that stabilized the team after their earlier loss.
As the season progresses, the focus remains on maintaining this momentum. With a roster built on versatility and deep family ties to the school’s history, North Quincy is looking to replicate the success of the early 1990s. The challenge against Scituate will be the ultimate test of whether this group can sustain their undefeated run.
The offensive line’s new configuration has been critical in Doyle’s high passer rating and total yardage. With junior twins Mason and Nolan Ayer anchoring the interior alongside center Breven Lyons, the unit has allowed Doyle to distribute the ball effectively to receivers like DeLima and Lynch. This balance between the passing game and Brown’s rushing attack keeps defenses guessing.
Sommers’ first year has been defined by this adaptability. By moving Brown to strong safety while keeping him on the field as an outside linebacker, the coach maximized his leadership and physical presence. Similarly, the deployment of Connor, Alzubaidy, and Lowe in the edge roles has added a new dimension to the Raiders' defensive capabilities.
The team’s history looms large over this current success. With Brown’s father Paul playing during the 1992 Super Bowl title run, and his brothers Aidan and Ronan also contributing to the program, Gavin is part of a multi-generational legacy. The goal now is to add another chapter to that story by securing seven wins.
Doyle’s performance against Somerville, where he threw for five touchdowns, demonstrated the offensive potential that could propel North Quincy forward. His 124.7 passer rating reflects not just individual skill but the trust between him and his receivers. DeLima’s six touchdowns and Lynch’s 497 yards are testaments to this connection.
The upcoming game against Scituate will determine if the Raiders can join the elite group of teams in recent memory to achieve seven wins. For now, the team remains focused on the process, driven by Sommers’ message of playing for one another and growing together throughout the season.