Brockton hands Whalers first loss
Brockton and New Bedford came into Saturday’s contest with playoff spots secure, but if you think for a second that’s all that was on the line then you don’t know about the rivalry.
With a perfect regular season in the balance for the host Whalers and immense pride on both sides, Brockton held on to a 15-8 victory over New Bedford (6-1) in an old-school, smash-mouth style game that dialed the clock back to the groundand-pound days of the 1990s.
Both teams feature highpowered offenses this season, but it was the defense on both sides that determined things on the field. The difference in the game for the Boxers were two key interceptions from Ahmik Watterson and Diamond Blakely to stunt two deep New Bedford drives. Watterson’s interception was the timely one as the senior stepped up from his safety position with just over two minutes left to play in regulation as the Whalers were at midfield on a potential game-winning drive.
“Everybody thought with these two big teams it would be an offensive show, but I felt like our defense has been coming along,” said Brockton head coach Peter Colombo. “We had a great week of practice and a good game plan and to hold (New Bedford) to one touchdown you are playing some good defense.”
New Bedford had its chances all game long and scored on its third possession of the game. The Whalers put together a 12-play drive which ended with Cameron Perry coming across the middle as the slot receiver and reaching across the goal line for the 12-yard touchdown reception from Ethan Medeiros for an 8-0 lead with 8:27 left in the second quarter.
The Whalers touchdown woke up the Boxers offense as they answered two plays later. Devonte Medley hooked up with Watterson on a play-action pass over the top of the defense for a 60yard touchdown completion. The Boxers opted for the extra point from Marcello Tenorio to get within one, 8-7.
Brockton grabbed the lead with 8 seconds left before the half as Medley finished off a 12-play drive with a 13yard strike to Nayvon Reid on a crossing pattern for the 15-8 lead.
Wayland routed LincolnSudbury, 45-8, in a Dual County League crossover game.
Jaison Tucker led the way for the for visiting Wayland with 232 yards from scrimmage and a career-high five touchdowns while the defense was suffocating, forcing three turnovers.
“We executed on all three levels,” said Wayland (5-1) head coach Scott Parseghian. “I don’t think we punted the whole game. Special teams, offense and defense (were great). … It’s just awesome to end (the regular season) like that.”
A Cameron Jones’ interception on the opening series led to a 10-yard touchdown run from Tucker.
Tucker made it 14-0 with an 84-yard run on his second carry of the game and accrued more yards on that play than L-S could gain in 21 plays in the first half (64).
The junior finished with 166 rushing yards on 15 carries and also added TD runs from 2 and 10 yards.
Tucker took a screen pass 66 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter that had Wayland in front 31-0.