Lovell makes most of his moment for Barnstable
PEABODY — In the far end zone at Peabody High, Barnstable coach Ross Jatkola pulled out his iPhone and snapped a picture of his jubilant team posing with the Final Four banner Friday night.
About 15 minutes earlier, Barnstable’s season was on the brink. The fifthseeded Redhawks trailed undefeated Peabody, 9-7, with two minutes left, desperately needing an offensive spark. So Jatkola dialed up a play that was added to the game plan Thursday.
Eric Lovell faked a down block, released to the flat, and snagged a lofted pass from quarterback Aiden Kundel. With a full head of steam, Lovell broke a tackle and scampered down the left seam for a 41-yard touchdown that was the difference in Barnstable’s thrilling 13-9 win in a Division 2 quarterfinal.
“It was a perfect play,” said Lovell. “It was a perfect pass from Aiden. I was praying before that play happened. It was just amazing.”
The play was Lovell’s first offensive snap of his four-year career. Jatkola gave a quintessential football answer when asked why the senior was on the field for the defining moment.
“He’s a dog,” said Jatkola.
Lovell’s heroics were not over, though.
With one minute left, Peabody quarterback Luke Maglione completed a 54yard pass over the middle, putting the fourth-seeded Tanners (9-1) in Barnstable territory with a chance to win.
But on the next play, Lovell, back in his defensive back position, jumped in front of a pass at the 10-yard line for the game-sealing interception.
After Lovell secured the pick, he raced over to the Barnstable sideline and was greeted by his elated teammates, as the Redhawks (9-1) punched their ticket to a semifinal matchup with top-seeded King Philip (10-0).
“I kept telling the kids to stay in the game,” said Jatkola. “We kept believing, believing, believing. It’s a huge win.”