Hanover wins ‘gut-check game’ vs. Duxbury
Down two offensive linemen, with several other players cramping, and several backups on the field, Hanover leaned on its depth to stay afloat and ultimately deliver a knockout punch.
The Hawks outlasted Duxbury, 28-18, in a back-and-forth battle between two of the Patriot League’s premier football teams. Hanover (1-0) handed the No. 6 Dragons (0-1) their first loss since the 2021 Super Bowl.
“It was just a complete gut-check game,” said Hanover coach Brian Kelliher. “I couldn’t be more proud of a group of kids.”
Hanover senior quarterback Ben Scalzi finished 15 for 24 for 233 yards and three touchdowns, plus a score on the ground. He delivered masterful passes all night and kept the Duxbury defense guessing. Perhaps his best throw came with 5:17 remaining on a back-shoulder toss to Brandon Errico for a 21-yard score to push the margin to 10.
Duxbury alternated between Finn Carley and Trevor Jones at quarterback. Hanover took a 14-6 halftime edge after multiple rallies. Zach Falls scored two TDs for the Dragons, and Jones added one on the ground, but the Hawks found a way late.
“They made the big plays when they needed to,” said Duxbury coach Matt Landolfi. “They got the 50/50 balls. Credit to them. Hopefully we use this as a stepping stone and we get better from it.”
Medford 19, Brookline 7 — After a 2-9 season in 2022, the Mustangs earned a season-opening victory at home in a nonleague matchup. Senior Jack Lombardo’s 1-yard plunge was the lone score of the first half, and classmates Stevens Exateur (57 yards) and Luiz Barbosa (7 yards) followed up with scores in the third and fourth quarter, respectively.
“Great showing tonight,” coach John Curley said. “Stevens Exateur, Darius Weekes, Jack Lombardo, Luiz Barbosa, and the whole offensive line.”
Weekes, a junior linebacker that Curley said was the defensive player of the game, recorded an interception and forced fumble. “We believe as a coaching staff that there is a new regime here and we’re always going to play four quarters,” Curley said. “It showed tonight when we do that, great things happen.”
Franklin 36, Wachusett 14 — Mike Davide rushed for touchdowns of 12, 4, 5, and 1 yard and Zach Winer scored on a 35-yard interception return for the Panthers (1-0) in a nonconference victory. “It was a dog fight for three quarters and then we were able to get some momentum,” said Franklin coach Eian Bain. “When Zach Winer got that interception it was a huge swing and it finally felt like we were in the drivers’ seat.”