[ad_1]
The Lions scored on an 8-minute drive to close out the third quarter
WEST BOYLSTON — The undefeated West Boylston football team, one week removed from scoring 43 points in a win over Assabet, proved to be more than an offensive juggernaut in Friday night’s matchup against Blackstone Valley Tech.
After halftime, the Lions (3-0) had the ball for the first 8:04 of the third quarter, when junior running back Jamie McNamara burst up the middle for a 7-yard touchdown.
The Beavers then met a relentless Lions defense. Valley Tech ran just three offensive plays in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, West Boylston State had two drives punted, one stalled at the Lions’ 2-yard line. The Lions escaped with a 6-0 win at home thanks to their defense and a boost from their side.
“We knew Valley Tech was going to be tough, and they definitely were in this game — they’re the best 0-3 team I’ve ever known in the state,” West Boylston coach Mike Ross said.
“Historically, they’ve always been the best team in the Colonial Athletic League, and we know we can’t take them lightly. They’ve been great and they deserve credit.”
The Beavers defense was strong as well. The Lions drove 24 yards in the second half but were stopped at the Valley Tech 44.
This defensive stop set up the Beavers’ best play of the game.
Valley Tech used three plays to move the ball to the West Boylston 1-yard line on a jump start by sophomore quarterback Alexander Burgos and senior running back Jayden Rodriguez. Rodriguez had the biggest gain, a 43-yard rush.
The Lions’ defensive line then stopped Rodriguez’s rush and pushed the ball to the 2. West Boylston’s pass defenders went unchallenged on a fourth-and-2 situation, then forced Burgos into three incompletions.
“The goal line stand was huge — the defense was huge,” Ross said. “I was really nervous at that point. But that probably changed the game.”
The Beavers took the ball the rest of the way and drove to the Lions 38 yard line. The drive was incomplete on a fourth-and-14 pass.
“We knew Valley Tech had a good team, and we knew they were going to come out and play hard,” West Boylston junior Jake O’Brien said.
“We’re a tough team – we know what’s coming,” added O’Brien. “Our team goes out there, and we want to win. We don’t give up, we help each other, and we get the job done.”
The Lions’ 75-yard scoring drive was dominated by short pickups, with McNamara, senior running back Bobby Humphrey, junior running back John Ruaz and junior quarterback Luke Foley all rushing. West Boylston pocketed six first downs in the drive.
“I have to say our team has played really well up to this point,” Humphrey said. “We’ve been practicing hard, and we’re very motivated.” Of course we are motivated for Valley Tech. They are a super team, and well trained. It’s always a fight when they play us.
“I think our season ended well – we beat Northbridge and Assabet and we’re building each week,” Humphrey added. We have speed, we have size, we have strength. And our line is full of bruises. We must continue to work and prepare.
“We’re learning every game — and you’ve got to come play every game,” Ross said. “We’ve got Clinton next week, so it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to go there, on the road, and that’s going to be a battle.”
– Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.
[ad_2]
Source link
