By DAN ZIMMERMAN
NORTH READING — At this time a year ago, the North Reading football players were preparing to set aside their uniforms until Thanksgiving following an early exit from the MIAA Division 6 playoffs. Seeded No. 13, the Hornets were dealt a 39-28 season-ending defeat by No. 4 Norwell. Many of the juniors, now seniors, vowed to prevent a repeat. As hoped, they fulfilled their commitment.
Last Friday night, No. 5 North Reading dismantled visiting No. 12 Marlboro, 42-7, to claim an opening round win and progress to the MIAA Division 5 Round of Eight. The Hornets will now face No. 4 Medfield (10-0) which crushed No. 13 Northeast Tech, 38-6, to advance.
Despite the decisive win, there were a number of heavy hearts at Arthur J. Kenney Field. Many of the North Reading faithful and particularly the seniors and their families understood this was the final home game of their football careers.
“As sweet as the big playoff victory was, it was definitely bittersweet to walk off that field for the last time,” said senior linebacker Nick Torra. “But collectively, we know we are on to something bigger and better.”
Like many of the North Reading games this season, the offense played lights-out, often scoring at will. In 10 games, including the tournament win over Marlboro, the Hornets have averaged nearly 39-points per outing. Just as essential, the defense also pulled off an exceptional performance, containing a potent Marlboro running game.
“Watching a lot of their film, we recognized they were a run-heavy team,” said North Reading coach Ed Blum, of his opponent. “Our scout team gave us a great look and helped us get ready. Our defensive line, the linebackers, and the secondary learned quickly of Marlboro’s pace and what their offense looked like. They did a great job limiting their run game.”
“Our coaches gave us a great game plan and we practiced it all week,” said senior defensive lineman Zack Morse, whose group limited Marlboro to 147 total yards. “We were ready and knew what to do when we saw certain things. It all clicked when we got on the field.”
Scoring on each of their first quarter possessions, the Hornets moved in front on a 4-yard TD throw to Gavin Brady from QB Jason Berry. Brady (9 receptions, 77-yards, 3 TDs) contributed early with a 29-yard punt return to the Panther’s 17-yard-line, which led to the go-ahead score.
North Reading doubled the lead, capping an 11-play, 55-yard series with a 3-yard plunge from Otto Indelicato (13 carries, 73-yards, 2 TDs).
Midway through the second quarter, Marlboro QB Isaac Medrano lobbed a wayward throw in his frenzied attempt to escape the pressure of Indelicato, in his defensive role. Brady came away with the Pick-6 and a 53-yard return for a 21-0 lead. Seconds before the break, Berry and Brady added a 33-yard TD to make it insurmountable, at 28-0. Instrumental on the scoring drive was Desi Brown, who added key rushes.
“I think the offensive line has done an amazing job, week after week,” said Brown, who rushed for 60-yards on 10 snaps. “I’ve been able to hit the holes. I think anyone could run behind that line.”
“That’s a nice combination,” said Blum, when asked about his tailback tandem. “Desi has some speed and Otto is that physical guy. To be able to rotate them, we’re giving the opposition a variety of looks. Credit to both runners, to the line, and to the receivers for blocking on the edges. They all contribute to positive plays.”
Midway through the third frame, Indelicato added a 2-yarder to polish off a 12-play, 75-yard drive. Ahead 35-0, the Hornets finally yielded points on a 45-yard scamper by Panthers’ tailback Noah Sowden.
With minutes remaining in the game, Berry (14-of-23 for 123-yards, 3 TDs) extended a series by completing consecutive passes to Ian Baker, Gavin Brady, and Ben Cook to reach the red zone. Berry then powered 10-yards for the score.
“Everyone did their jobs tonight,” said defensive standout Morse. “The offense did their jobs and we did ours on defense. That’s how a team works together and succeeds.”
North Reading (8-1) will travel to face the undefeated Medfield Warriors (9-0) Friday night at 6 p.m.