After press time:
North Reading defeats Essex Tech 47-20 (Oct. 11)
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
NORTH READING — Last week, following the compelling win over Hamilton-Wenham, most agreed that North Reading football possessed a knack for dramatic conclusions. But that game pales in comparison to the heart-stopping finish against Triton on Friday night.
With seconds remaining and trailing North Reading 13-10, the Triton sideline was brimming with confidence as they prepared to kick a 20-yard field goal that would send the game to overtime. Armed with one of the best kickers in the Cape Ann League in Liam Friis, who earlier booted a 42-yarder with ease, the Vikings had good reason to believe in their chances. But the holder botched the snap and Friis didn’t get the chance to kick the chip shot. Glen Mello pounced on the loose ball to secure the win as the North Reading faithful celebrated in the stands and the jubilant Hornets spilled on the field in triumph.
“That was a great high school football game, all 48 minutes,” said North Reading Coach Ed Blum, who remains undefeated at 4-0. “We knew as we progressed through the season, we were going to face adversity and in the first four weeks, this team has faced a ton. But like tonight’s game, they have responded.”
In the first three games of the season, the Hornets offense was predominately run, led by Otto Indelicato, who was held to 58-yards on 11 tries by Triton. But the Vikings secondary was suspect, opening a channel for QB Jason Berry, who completed 16-of-22 for 150-yards and a pair of TDs.
“Growing up as a fan of the Patriots and Bill Belichick, I learned that you have to take what the other team gives you,” said Blum. “At times, it’s going to be Otto and other times, like tonight, it’s going to be our QB and receivers stepping up.”
Stepping up was senior wide receiver Tanner DuPriest who, midway through the second quarter, hauled in a 31-yard TD on a slant to answer a Triton go-ahead score on the game’s first possession. The Hornets trailed 7-6, however, after a blocked PAT.
“Coming into it, we all knew this was going to be a good game,” said DuPriest who, in a breakout performance, caught seven Berry throws for 75-yards, including a pair on fourth down to extend drives. “We took this game super-seriously because it was a huge CAL matchup against an undefeated team. All the guys bought in and I think that’s why we had success tonight.”
“Week in and week out, Tanner has shown his leadership qualities,” said Blum. “In four years, he has grown and matured as a player and is having fun out there. You saw it tonight. He is playing free and trusting in himself.”
At the break, Triton added a 42-yard Friis field goal to extend the lead to 10-6.
As play resumed, North Reading dodged a bullet and then some. As Indelicato prepared to punt after a three-and-out, a wayward snap got away from him, landing the Vikings on the Hornets 11-yard-line. But the defense held, forcing another field goal try, which was missed.
The Hornets claimed the ball on their own 20 and marched 80-yards on 13-plays, culminating with a Berry 8-yard TD toss to Gavin Brady. Berry completed a remarkable 8-of-9 passes for a half-dozen first downs on what proved to be the game-winning drive and prompt his coach to describe the junior QB as “the heart and soul of the offense.”
Blum also paid tribute to his opponent which fell to 3-1 with the loss.
“That’s a heckova team over there,” he said. “The way they run the ball, their offensive line, the way they change up quarterbacks, they really keep you on your toes. But our defense dug in and fought hard from start to finish.”
North Reading will travel to face the 1-3 Essex Tech Hawks on Friday at 6 p.m.