Carlson, Indians kick aside Tide

BILLERICA — As Jacob Carlson ran out on the field to attempt a field goal in overtime to give Billerica a thrilling win against Everett last night, coach Duane Sigsbury couldn’t even watch.

“I didn’t want to jinx it,” said the Gatorade-doused coach. “I just listened to the crowd and they told me the story. It’s an unbelievable win for the program and the town. I would have to say this is the biggest win here since the 1999 Super Bowl.”

Indeed. The kick split the uprights and the packed Billerica stands went wild as the third-ranked Indians (4-0) pulled off a riveting 24-21 win over the No. 2 Crimson Tide.

Billerica, which had trailed 14-0 early, won the toss in OT and elected to defend. Sigsbury then watched his defense force a 27-yard field goal try, which sailed wide right.

Behind Zac Burns and Derek Laundry (TD), the Indians moved the ball right to the 1-yard line to set up Carlson’s heroics.

Trailing 14-0 in the drizzle and unable to move the ball on the ground, Billerica turned to the deadly duo of Burns and wideout Dean Brooks with great success. The tandem set up Billerica’s score right before the half to make it 14-7 and the tandem tied the contest three plays into the second half on a 39-yard strike. The Indians took over the lead to open the fourth when Burns again found his favorite target off a nifty reverse pass from 36 yards.

“We’ve been together since freshman year and we have always had a connection,” Burns said of Brooks. “We throw every day in practice and we know it is there.”

Everett (2-2) wasn’t about to go quietly, however, as standout QB Jordan McAfee marched the Tide right down the field in the final four minutes and plunged in from 2 yards out to tie the game and force the extra session.

Marvens Fedna rushed for over 100 yards in the first half and staked Everett to an early lead with a 36yard TD run.