CHELMSFORD — Kyle Wilder rose to the problem.
The Chelmsford quarterback threw for 4 touchdowns and rushed for a fifth, because the Lions (6-1) defeated Westford Academy, 51-13, taking the 110 Challenge on Friday at George Simonian Alumni Stadium.
“It feels wonderful,” stated Wilder. “Everyone came together and it felt great. Everyone went in there and played their hearts out. We dominated from start to finish.”
According to Chelmsford coach George Peterson, Wilder has come a good distance since Week 1.
“Kyle’s really come on after a slow start in our first game,” stated Peterson. “In our last six he’s been phenomenal for us. He’s done everything he’s needed to do to lead us to having success.”
The recreation held Division 2 playoff seeding implication for each golf equipment with Westford falling to 5-2.
“Those guys executed, and we didn’t,” stated Westford coach Bruce Rich Jr. “That’s a good football team. They’ve got some skilled guys that can do things in space, and that was the name of the game tonight.”
Holding a 2-0 lead, Wilder made probably the most of some nice subject place rolling into the tip zone on a 1-yard jaunt early within the first quarter.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior signal-caller additionally had no issues airing issues out, discovering Mauel Marshall on three TD receptions, together with a pair within the opening stanza.
A 5-foot-9, 140-pound receiver, Manuel caught a back-breaking 53-yard cross to paydirt, earlier than making one other 14-yard finish zone seize, constructing the 24-7 cushion by the tip of the primary quarter.
“Manny’s been a strong point for our program for three years,” stated Peterson. “He’s a savvy veteran and knows exactly what he’s supposed to do and how he’s supposed to do it.”
Wilder related with Dan Criag on one other 47-yard bomb within the second quarter, because the Lions established the 31-7 edge at halftime.
Wilder and Marshall attached but once more within the third quarter off a nifty 9-yard cross play kicking open the floodgates.
Held to minus yardage on its opening sequence, Westford shot itself within the foot on a botched a punt snap which rolled into the tip zone for the Chelmsford security.
The Ghosts hung robust, nonetheless, with Anthony Rudiman main the cost. The resilient working again raced 43-yards to the purpose line. Teammate Jake Cullen broke in on a 1-yard scamper simply two performs, later chopping the deficit to 17-7, however the harm had been performed.
Rudiman broke in on a 2-yard TD bolt within the closing minutes of the competition.
“We were looking for a start to finish effort and I think we provided that from the jump,” stated Peterson. “Our kids played really hard. They deserved to win the way they did. Just a great collective effort from everybody.”
Originating in 2019, the 110 Challenge pits each non-league foes Chelmsford (Merrimack Valley Conference) and Westford Academy (Dual County League) with the winner taking possession of the trophy. The two cities share Route 110 as its border. The Lions received the primary two challenges in 2019 and 2021.
“It’s the battle of 110,” stated Peterson. “It connects the two towns. Our kids take a lot of pride in it. We’re really fortunate to have two great rivalries in Westford and in Billerica, and our kids really get excited for it.”
A Chelmsford High grad himself, Rich concurred.
“It’s cool,” Rich stated. “I have history with these guys, and our players have buddies on this team. It’s turned into a pretty good rivalry.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com