FOXBORO — The stroll via the hallowed halls of Gillette Stadium was all too acquainted of a stroll for Matt Festa. After falling simply quick within the state championship one 12 months prior, the Duxbury soccer star was pushed to complete his highschool profession with the last word prize.
The senior quarterback succeeded, ending 10-for-14 with 250 passing yards and 6 complete touchdowns, as Duxbury accomplished an ideal season by securing its first Super Bowl title since 2016 with a 42-7 drubbing of Grafton within the Div. 4 closing.
“This group of guys put in endless amounts of work all season,” Festa mentioned. “To win every game, and come out undefeated with a state title is the best feeling ever.”
It was the sixth title in program historical past for the Dragons (12-0). Last 12 months, Duxbury fell in the identical sport to Patriot League rival Scituate after permitting a game-winning two-point conversion within the closing seconds. The Dragons had no visions of a repeat, and wasted little time in making a press release. Festa instantly related with senior Dylan DeAngelis for a 33-yard landing go on their opening possession to offer Duxbury a fast 7-0 lead with 8:59 to play within the first quarter.
Then, simply seven seconds into the second stanza, Festa plowed into the top zone from 4 yards out to make it a 14-0 contest.
Grafton (11-2) would reply, as senior Casey Jordan discovered touted wideout Liam Donagher for a 9-yard landing connection, serving to the Gators slice their deficit to 14-7 with 5:22 to play within the first half.
However, that was all Grafton would be capable to muster on this one. Duxbury proceeded to march proper again up the sphere, as Festa scampered for a 2-yard landing rush to present the Dragons a 21-7 benefit on the half.
“These kids are a resilient group of young men,” mentioned Duxbury coach Matt Landolfi. “They’ve been through a lot. They stick together, they work hard, and I couldn’t be more happy for them. They always seem to come through in important times, and do it as a team.”
Festa picked up proper the place he left off to start the second half, as he hit Chris Walsh for a 50-yard go. Shortly thereafter, the senior quarterback ran in for a 2-yard rush, and the rout was on as Duxbury broke issues open at 28-7 with 10:06 left within the third.
In addition to his passing numbers, Festa racked up 12 carries for 35 yards dashing with 4 of his touchdowns approaching the bottom. Walsh hauled in 5 receptions for 145 yards and a rating. Meanwhile, Alex Barlow added 125 yards dashing himself.
Jordan completed 19-for-32 passing with 157 yards and a landing to propel Grafton.
“I’d say Duxbury football is probably the most resilient program around,” mentioned Festa. “I don’t think you’ll find anyone else that comes back from adversity like we do. It just feels great to come back to the field we lost a heartbreaker on, and do some damage and come out with the win.”
DUXBURY 42, GRAFTON 7
Grafton (11-2) 0 7 0 0 – 7
Duxbury (12-0) 7 14 14 7 – 42
DU – Dylan DeAngelis 33 go from Matt Festa (Nathaniel Elliott kick)
DU – Festa 4 run (Elliott kick)
GR – Liam Donagher 9 go from Casey Jordan (Donagher kick)
DU – Festa 2 run (Elliott kick)
DU – Festa 3 run (Elliott kick)
DU – Chris Walsh 24 go from Festa (Elliott kick)
DU – Festa 4 run (Elliott kick)
Source: www.bostonherald.com