MANSFIELD — In the 93rd all-time matchup between Foxboro and Mansfield, Foxboro was ready to make use of an explosive fourth quarter to tug away from the Hornets to win 30-17.
The Warriors (10-1) had solely trailed in a single recreation up to now within the 2023 season, however the rating flipped a number of instances on this vacation contest and coach Jack Martinelli stated the prospect to play with adversity was large for the workforce, particularly with a Div. 5 Super Bowl matchup towards Hanover looming for subsequent week.
“We haven’t really trailed in a game other than King Philip in Week 6,” Martinelli stated. “This was another chance for these kids to see that you can’t bury yourself when you get down.”
The Hornets opened with a virtually seven-minute drive that was derailed by penalties. Foxboro senior Brandon Mazenkas-O’Grady then blocked the punt and returned it for a TD, one thing Martinelli stated he has been in a position to do a number of instances in his profession.
“There’s a big reward and to me there’s not a huge risk with trying to block a punt,” Mazenkas-O’Grady stated. “I have trust in the other guys if they fake or I make a mistake, but I have the ability to block them so why not give it a shot?”
The Hornets bought the ball again and drove all the way in which down the sphere earlier than James Warren hit a 25-yard kick.
After a punt, Mansfield once more sustained a drive and broke by means of when Brian Butler scored a five-yard dashing landing. Mansfield led 10-7 into halftime.
Foxboro begin with the ball within the second half, however Hornet captain Anthony Saraiva compelled a fumble and Wyatt Bolduc picked it as much as enhance the result in 17-7.
The groups traded possessions till Warriors quarterback Mike Marcucella hit Nolan Gordon for a 32-yard landing play. On Foxboro’s subsequent possession, Marcucella hit Gordon once more, this time for an 87-yard landing.
Mansfield had a stunted drive following this and took a security. After forcing a punt, they drove in the direction of the Warrior finish zone however have been stopped on fourth down.
On the following Warrior drive, Mazenkas-O’Grady took it 73-yards to the tip zone.
“I wasn’t planning to score, obviously,” Mazenkas-O’Grady stated. “I just saw things open up and I ran as fast as I could. Once I got the edge and I was ahead of people, I just kept running.”
Martinelli stated the teachings discovered will assist his gamers long-term.
“If the game is really what life is all about, they’ve proven to me that no matter what obstacle is in their way, they are pretty resilient,” Martinelli stated. “This is just a game, but it has so much relevance to the rest of their lives. It’s incredible.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com