BB&N runs by defending ISL champs

Buckingham Browne & Nichols knocked off the reigning Independent School League 7 champion Lawrence Academy in dominant fashion,

34-8, in the league opener for both squads at Nichols

Field.

A large and athletic BB&N defensive front spent most of the day producing sacks, drawing penalties and creating havoc in the backfield against Lawrence Academy.

Running backs Sammy Malignaggi and Zach Cyr did just about whatever they wanted when BB&N was on offense, as the Knights amassed 325 yards from scrimmage and a 24-0 lead by halftime.

This happened with freshman Shane Hanafin at quarterback for injured senior quarterback Ryan Eamer. Hanafin filled in nicely with 97 passing yards and a touchdown. “Lawrence Academy is obviously a great program,” BB&N coach Mike Willey said. “If we play well, I think we can play with anyone. And I think we played well.”

“We came into the week with a really good attitude knowing last year they beat us on their home field,” Malignaggi said. “We knew we were going to be in the battle, but I think we just took it to them today, I don’t think they were ready.”

That was clear early in the game. The BB&N defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive by the Spartans. Cyr then broke several tackles in a 50-yard punt return for a touchdown as the Knights went up 7-0 less than two minutes into the game.

The teams were flagged a combined total of 15 times in the first half. The infractions seemed to derail the Lawrence Academy offense, which ended it first seven drives with punts and had just 12 total yards. The Knights had five of their six sacks before intermission.

The LA offense didn’t enter BB&N territory until the fourth quarter, and its only points came with 22 seconds left.

“(The defense) just played really hard,” Willey said. “There’s some really good defenders on (our) team . . . . The (defensive) line got after it today.”

The BB&N offense operated with a smooth efficiency, except for the penalties.

Malignaggi capped off a threeplay, 55-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown rush for a 14-0 BB&N lead. Hanafin followed with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Andy Elkins on a second-quarter drive.

Chris Chen punctuated the big half with a 38-yard field goal and converted later on a 30-yarder.

Cyr finished with 115 rushing yards, while Malignaggi went for 108.

“We’ve got talented backs, but we’ve got a talented offensive line,” Willey said. “Just a really good effort by the guys up front.”

The Spartans had some impressive flashes, too. Josh Arruda picked up three sacks and Tony Muse had 64 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches. Their lone touchdown came on 21yard pass from Brady Martin to Will Adam.