RYAN LABB and the Hornet defense was locked in on Friday night, securing their second shutout of the season, this time 35-0 over Essex Tech to improve to 4-2 overall. (Eric Evans Photo)
Update post publication:
North Reading falls to Newburyport 49-41 (Oct. 27)
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
NORTH READING — For a fourth consecutive week, North Reading football assembled what proved to be an insurmountable lead in the first half of a game on the way to a convincing win. In this instance, the Hornets soundly defeated the visiting Essex Tech Hawks on Friday night, 35-0.
In the wake of an 0-2 start to the season, which featured a pair of overtime defeats, North Reading has dominated, outscoring opponents by a wide 163-32 margin.
A great deal of credit for the recent spate of success belongs to special teams, which has accounted for at least one score in each of the four games. Facing Essex Tech, Brandon Eng added yet another of his trademark punt returns to put his team in front by three scores just prior to the half.
“After those first two weeks, we spent some time reflecting during the bye week,” said North Reading coach Ed Blum, who improved to 4-2 overall. “Special teams had been huge for us in the past but this season, hadn’t really been much of an advantage. So we refocused our schemes and made certain our teaching was getting them there. It absolutely made a difference.”
North Reading claimed the initial possession and on the capable arm of QB Jason Berry and the rushing prowess of Otto Indelicato, marched efficiently into the red zone. The Hornets came up empty, however, as the Essex Tech secondary rose to the occasion and knocked down Berry throws.
The second possession yielded points thanks to a gimmick play. On a double pass, Berry lofted a lateral to Eng who, in turn, heaved it to Gavin Brady in the end zone to complete a 30-yard scoring play. The Hornets had one more in their bag of tricks, successfully executing a 2-point conversion on Berry’s fake handoff and subsequent throw to Eng.
“That’s a credit to coaches (Eric) Archambault and (Chuck) Campobasso,” said Blum, when asked about the play-calling creativity. “They analyze a lot of film, seeking ways to take advantage of defenses. That play is an example of what’s been behind our recent offensive success.”
Early in the second quarter, Indelicato polished off a 4-play, 54 yard series with a 2-yard plunge. Featured plays on the brief drive were back-to-back Berry to Brady completions for 23 and 29-yards.
Later, Eng took it to the house, racing a punt back 44-yards for a score and a Hornets 22-0 lead at the intermission.
Heavy rain arrived for the third quarter but failed to slow the surging Hornets. Indelicato added a 10-yard TD rush and with 9:11 remaining in the game, Berry rifled a slant to Brady, who did the rest, weaving through traffic for 45-yards, leaping to daylight to tack the exclamation point on the night’s scoring.
While offense typically receives the lion’s share of the glory, it’s the defense that typically wins games. The Hornet defense sacked QB Jacoby Casinelli-Tarasuik a half-dozen times, frustrated formidable tailback Jake Gilbert and limited the Hawks to 73-total yards.
“I agree that games are won at the line of scrimmage,” said Blum. “I have to give our defensive group a lot of credit. That group – (Zach) Morse, (James) McLoughlin, Otto, and D’Mac (Dylan Matthews) rotating in – they played a phenomenal game. They had great practices on Wednesday and Thursday and kept to our scheme.”
As the season progresses, Blum admits that all is not rosy in the Hornet ranks. Some of the players, caught up in the emotion of a game-well-played, reacted with unnecessary taunting of their guests. The officials, and later, the coaching staff took notice.
“There are guys on this team with all the talent in the world – varsity talent,” said Blum. But they need to play with a varsity mindset and varsity character and varsity discipline. It’s not just about how you play on the field. Last year’s group bought into that and they were rewarded. This group needs to follow their example.”
In the final contest before the MIAA postseason gets underway, North Reading will host the 7-1 Newburyport Clippers on Friday night at 6 p.m.