Stoughton Patch's Football Friday: Lineman's a King for Knights

Joey Wilder can add king to his list of titles. The Stoughton High senior was already a football captain, and a standout offensive and defensive lineman before Friday night's 26-3 win over Sharon at home.

At halftime of that game, he was also named the Homecoming King.

"I never expected this to happen," said king with a smile.

If the Black Knights beat Foxborough  Friday night on the road, Wilder and the rest of the Black Knights will be headed to the Division 3 playoffs as the second place finish in the Hockomock League's Davenport Division behind Oliver Ames, the only team to beat the Black Knights during the season.

"It's a great feeling to come back after the loss," said Wilder. "It was tough, but we bounced back."

The Black Knights could also make the playoffs if their ranking is high enough.

"I think we might already be in," said head coach Greg Burke. "I'm not thinking about the playoffs. We're focusing on beating Foxborough."

Burke also doesn't want to think about what will happen next year when Wilder moves on to college.

"Joey is great kid and a three-year starter," said Burke. 'He like an old dog in your house. He's always there. He has never missed a practice in four years.

"He's one of the nicest  kids I've coached in 37 years. I'm going to miss him like a lost relative."

GAME NOTES: The Black Knights will be playing without  standout back Malachi Baugh, who was injured in the win over Canton. Burke said Baugh underwent surgery for a broken leg Friday. The team gave the game ball to the senior captain

With Baugh out for the season, the Black Knights were looking for players to step into his role on offense and defense. Lennox Green, Jovani Pires and fullback Joey Girolamo carried the rushing attack against him.

"We can't replace him," said Burke, "(but) the other guys stepped up.

"You have to have some depth in this league," added Burke. "I don't know how it is other leagues, but we have been playing battles with (Hockomock) teams for years."

Sophomore Jake Gibb has been splitting time with senior quarterback Stanley Sajous, who started the game. Sajous hurt his ankle in the Sharon game. Gibb's return from an early-season injury has given the Black Knights depth at a key position. The sophomore is also handling the place-kicking duties.

"(Gibb) is going to be a good one," said Burke. "He's very, very smart and has a tremendous arm. He can throw it 60 yards. He has to learn to move his feet better, but he's going to be good.