Spartans rally late
FOXBORO — Trailing late in the fourth quarter of the Division 6 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium, Stoneham’s chances to win were about over. Seth Russell was out injured. Fellow running back Christos Argyropoulos had a rare lapse by fumbling in Old Rochester territory. The Bulldogs had more than enough momentum to run out the final four minutes, so the Spartans needed something spectacular to happen. Then a controversial fumble by OR set up Argyropoulos for a 42-yard touchdown run. After tacking on a twopoint conversion, the Spartans forced their fourth turnover on another fumble and held on to beat the Bulldogs, 26-20, for their first state title. “There were so many highs and lows in that game, it was incredible,” said Stoneham coach Bob Almeida. “It was an incredible game, either team could’ve won. … I’m absolutely elated. It’s just the greatest feeling in the world.” Both teams made mistakes, combining for seven turnovers and three onside kick recoveries. Timing played a big part, though. After Argyropoulos fumbled, Old Rochester (11-1) gave the ball to a reliable Desmond Dias (14 carries, 72 yards), only for Christopher Belliveau to strip him when the Bulldogs thought he was down. Argyropoulos (129 yards) wasted no time, breaking three tackles on the next play for the score. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. “Coach always says if something bad happens, just forget about it. … I just did the best I could do and I ended up being able to make it to the end zone.” Stoneham, known more for its offense, made up for its shortcomings through next-man-up performances from Thomas Pizzi (fumble recovery, interception), Jake Bruno and Christopher Dragone (touchdown, twopoint conversion). “Playing these guys, you can’t turn the ball over,” Old Rochester coach Justin Kogler said. “That was the difference.” Stoneham opened up the scoring with an 11-yard TD rush by Russell. The Bulldogs quickly responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Cole McIntyre (166 passing yards, two touchdowns) to Tyler Noe (four catches, 94 yards) for a 7-6 lead. Deshawn Chase scored on a 1-yard keeper for a 12-7 Stoneham lead at the half, but Dias scored in the third quarter on an 8-yard carry and McIntyre threw a 47yard TD to Adam Breault following a recovered onside kick to put Old Rochester up 20-12. Dragone, subbing for Russell, ended the third with a 2-yard run to bring Stoneham within 20-18 and set the stage for a dramatic ending.