Post publication update:
North Reading defeats Pentucket 47-28 (Oct. 24)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
AMESBURY — Portrayed by many as the game of the season, last Friday night’s clash between undefeated football programs North Reading and Amesbury lived up to its advance billing, and then some. Nevertheless, to the chagrin of the Hornet coaching staff and the North Reading faithful who turned out in droves, Amesbury somehow pulled out a marginal 30-28 victory.
North Reading falls to 5-1 overall (3-1 CAL Kinney) and maintains a No. 5 out of 37 teams in the MIAA Division 5 Power Rankings. Amesbury, meanwhile, improved to 6-0 overall (4-0 CAL Baker) and is currently top-ranked in Division 7.
While it ultimately proved effective, most would agree that Amesbury played one-dimensional football. All but four of their offensive plays were runs and most were straight up the middle, into the teeth of the defensive line. And yet, the Red Hawks managed to score five TDs against the best defense in the Cape Ann League.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our defense but Amesbury was able to make key fourth down conversions and extend drives,” said North Reading Coach Ed Blum, who was understandably heartbroken after the loss. “Our kids battled and did so many things well, including stopping all five two-point conversion attempts. They played their hearts out and deserved a better fate tonight.”
The Hornets claimed the opening possession and for the first time this season, were unable to capitalize, with QB Jason Berry splitting rushes with tailback Otto Indelicato. Berry (9-for-96 rushing) was able to connect with Gavin Brady on a 4th-and-1 to prolong the series but then became mired at the Amesbury 29 and eventually relinquished the ball on downs.
The Red Hawks marched the other way, wrapping up their initial drive early in the second quarter with an 8-yard TD pass from QB Justin Dube to Ben Wood. Lacking a placekicker, Amesbury had no choice but to try a 2-pointer but the Hornets refused to yield.
The North Reading quick-strike offense answered with Berry finding Brady for a 43-yard score. Xander Villarroel booted a PAT to front the Hornets, 7-6.
The lead changed hands again on the next possession as Dube rushed in from the 8-yard-line to cap an 11-play, 55-yard series. Again, the Red Hawks failed to add the bonus but regardless, led 12-7 at the half.
Near the end of the third quarter, Dube hit Joe Celia with an 8-yarder to stretch the lead to 18-7 but Indelicato (14 carries, 40-yards) would not be denied, busting in from the 4-yard-line to start the fourth frame. Amesbury soon added a 49-yard TD from Connor Scialdone to restore their two-score lead.
The Hornets battled back, mounting a grueling 13-play, 63-yard scoring drive culminating with yet another touchdown reception by Brady, who shredded multiple defenders to haul in Berry’s 10-yard laser in the end zone. On the night, Brady caught 9-for-144-yards and a pair of TDs. More important, the Hornets had closed the deficit to 24-21. Disaster struck, however, when Dube broke for a 58-yard scamper to make it 30-21 with 3:21 left.
Down, but certainly not out, North Reading launched a 2-minute drill, which paid dividends. Berry took matters into his own hands, racing in for a 21-yard score to draw back to within a field goal of the first win over Amesbury in four years. But it was not to be. An onsides kick did not pay off and the Red Hawks simply ran out the clock.
“This was a great learning opportunity,” said Blum, who has two remaining regular season games before the postseason commences. “You need games like this before the playoffs to find out who you really are. What I saw from our kids tonight tells so much about who they are, not just as players, but as people.”
North Reading returns home Friday night at 6 p.m. to face 4-2 Pentucket.