BROOKLINE — With the dimensions, energy, and expertise of the Dexter offensive line, St. Paul’s knew that if it held up in opposition to the run, the Big Red would have an opportunity in Saturday’s Evergreen League showdown.
Behind a stalwart defensive effort, and a few massive performs from Teigan Pelletier on either side of the ball, St. Paul’s earned a tricky 12-9 victory over host Dexter.
And the Big Red did it in entrance of a star-studded viewers, as Penn State coach James Franklin was in attendance to see Nittany Lions verbal commit Liam Andrews, Dexter’s offensive and defensive star.
Dexter falls to 3-1 with the loss, whereas St. Paul’s improves to 2-1.
“Their line’s so big,” St. Paul’s coach Craig Vandersea stated. “Being able to just be a team defense, and knowing our D-line had to sacrifice, take on blocks, get them down on the ground so our linebackers could make tackles. We just changed up a little bit of coverage. Our (defensive backs), we didn’t give up a big play. We gave up some third downs and some fourth downs. They have a great pass game also. We knew early, if we didn’t stop the run, it was going to be a long day.”
But it proved to be an extended day for Dexter. Although the hosts held a 7-6 halftime edge, St. Paul’s got here out to start out the second half and grabbed the lead. Quarterback Daniel Sullivan hit Pelletier for a 47-yard bomb down the appropriate sideline, which arrange a 6-yard landing scamper from Michael Seward to present St. Paul’s a 12-7 lead.
Pelletier caught 5 passes for 127 yards and a landing, and likewise made two interceptions.
His second was the largest. Dexter sliced the result in 12-9 when Alex Saunders tackled Sullivan in the long run zone for a fourth-quarter security.
But the final two Dexter possessions resulted in turnovers. The first, a bobbled snap, led to a fumble restoration by St. Paul’s defensive lineman Ernest Obiorah. On Dexter’s ultimate possession, Pelletier picked off a go over the center to seal it for the Big Red.
“Unequivocally, one of those days where it seemed to be out of 11 jobs on the field, one didn’t go on a certain play,” Dexter coach Casey Day stated. “It ended up costing us in the end. You said it right, you can’t turn the ball over against a great football team and expect to win the game.”
Dexter jumped out to a 7-0 lead when quarterback Joe McCauley (156 yards passing) hit Joshua Berglund for an 11-yard acquire, however the ball popped free. Santana Cardoso picked the ball up from the St. Paul’s 4-yard line and ran it in for a landing.
Sullivan and Pelletier then connected for a giant play within the second quarter, when the quarterback discovered the receiver for a 57-yard landing, as Pelletier sprinted previous the secondary and into the tip zone.
It stayed 7-6 till the second half, when the Big Red made seemingly each massive play.
Although the sport was a disappointment, Andrews was blissful to see Franklin supporting him.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s awesome. Not the outcome I wanted, but it’s a blessing,” Andrews stated. “A kid from Massachusetts, a little state not necessarily known for football. To have the Penn State coach here, and the opportunity to play there at the next level is a blessing. Really, really cool to see that, for sure.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com