Timberwolves blank Redhawks
First win in series since 2014
WALPOLE >> A year ago, Natick beat Walpole in overtime in a game that left a bad taste in the mouths of the latter. So much so that Walpole coach Chris Sullivan felt like the better team did not win.
Maybe Natick would argue with that.
But after Friday night’s 26-0 Walpole triumph, there will be no controversy and no debate over which team is superior.
The host Timberwolves dominated from the outset, making quality plays on offense and defense, as Walpole earned its first victory over Natick since 2014.
With the win, Walpole improves to 2-0, while Natick drops to 1-1.
“All week long, it was a different style of practice,” Sullivan said. “These guys came out from Monday, from jump street, they had a plan. This was step one in their plan. Last year this game was very close, went into overtime. It was 14-7. I thought that we were the better team in that game. (Natick) got out, (the Redhawks) won. They were more veteran at the time. These guys had it in their mind that this is not going to happen, especially on their home field this year.”
Running back Andrew Falzone rushed for 95 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. He also had an interception to stop a Natick drive in the second quarter.
Quarterback Corey Kilroy completed 5 of 8 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries. His scoring toss was a 76-yarder to Max Collins,
who made two interceptions on defense, as well. Junior Jamal AbdalKhalaq caught four passes for 58 yards, as everyone on the Timberwolves seemed to get in on the action.
“Listen, Natick’s a hell of a team. They always are. They’re a hell of a program. They’re unbelievable,” Falzone said. “We have a very good squad this year, and we came out and proved it. I think a lot of us felt underappreciated, and we have something to prove this year.
“We have a lot of good football players on this team. Last year’s loss to them was heartbreaking, but getting a little revenge feels good.”
The good feelings were there all game for Walpole. Off the opening kickoff, Walpole drove 65 yards on nine plays, as Falzone scored on a 16-yard run.
It stayed that way until the second quarter after Walpole forced a turnover on downs in the Timberwolves’ red zone. To cap a nine-play, 81-yard drive, Falzone scored on a 4-yard pitch off the right side to help make it 13-0.
Following a Collins pick, he hurt Natick again by running deep on the right side, and catching a pass in stride from Kilroy. Collins raced the rest of the way for the 76-yard backbreaker of a touchdown as Walpole went into halftime with a 20-0 lead.
Falzone finished the scoring with a 6-yard run in the third quarter.
“This is a huge monkey off our back,” Sullivan said. “Natick’s one of the best programs around. I respect the hell out of them, great coaching staff. It’s a great win for this program. I’m proud of the guys. They put in the work. I’m super happy of the outcome.”