FOXBORO — Ever since practices first started this previous summer season, Wakefield’s soccer program has embraced the position of the underdog. Sure, the Warriors had gifted athletes scattered throughout their roster, however they by no means really felt like they had been receiving the popularity they deserved.
After the occasions of Saturday, you’d be hard-pressed to seek out anybody doubting their capabilities. Senior captain Nathan Delgado completed with 18 carries for 54 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as No. 6 Wakefield captured its first state championship since 1999 with an epic 34-28 victory over top-seeded Milton within the Div. 3 Super Bowl.
“Everyone doubted us,” Delgado stated afterward. “Our team is barely 40 people, and we just outworked and out-wanted it, more than anybody. We came through, and we made history today.”
Most had been anticipating a showdown for this one, and the sport delivered. The two groups engaged in a scoreless battle throughout the first quarter, earlier than issues opened up within the second body.
Delgado would scamper for a 2-yard landing with 1:08 to play within the first half, as Wakefield (12-0) took a 13-7 lead into intermission.
Once the third quarter started, it was time for Delgado’s brother Christian to shine. The senior raced to the sting, then darted up the sideline for a 60-yard landing rush to offer Wakefield a 19-7 lead with 6:55 to play within the stanza.
The senior was solely considering of his father, and honoring his reminiscence as he sprinted towards the tip zone.
“I do this for my Dad,” stated Christian Delgado. “He passed away, and everything is for him. So I worked hard, got to where I wanted to be. It was this moment that I wanted.”
Every time it appeared Milton (10-1) was about to achieve momentum with a fast rating, Wakefield would reply with an extended, drawn out drive. Nathan Delgado would punch in a 1-yard landing rush to make it a 34-20 sport with 4:10 left in regulation, pinning the Wildcats towards the proverbial wall.
While Milton marched downfield and capped its subsequent drive with a 2-yard landing rush by Jack Finnegan to trim it to a 34-28 sport, the Wildcats merely couldn’t pull off a miracle. Finnegan’s ensuing onside kick rolled wanting the allotted 10 yards wanted for a restoration, and Wakefield was then capable of bleed the clock out.
In addition to dashing for a pair of touchdowns, senior captain Javin Willis completed 8-for-12 passing with 186 yards to his credit score. Christian Delgado racked up 119 yards to go together with his landing scamper.
Finnegan carried Milton all evening, ending with 131 yards on the bottom and a trio of touchdowns.
Wakefield will graduate 13 seniors from its roster this spring.
When requested what he’d bear in mind probably the most about this group, Wakefield coach John Rafferty may solely smile.
“They always opened my eyes,” Rafferty stated. “They always did. I thought so often, particularly during this playoff run is that with our backs against the wall, that we were the underdog … there’s not that many (of us). We all file off the bus, whatever other team is out there, (they) go. That’s all they got, that’s all they needed.”
WAKEFIELD 34, MILTON 28
Wakefield (12-0) 0 13 14 7 – 34
Milton (10-1) 0 7 6 15 – 28
WA – Javin Willis 26 run (Mark Letchford kick)
MI – Jack Finnegan 4 run (Finnegan kick)
WA – Nathan Delgado 2 run (kick failed)
WA – Christian Delgado 60 run (kick failed)
MI – Owen McHugh 13 run (kick failed)
WA – Willis 9 run (N. Delgado go from Willis)
MI – Finnegan 1 run (Finnegan kick)
WA – N. Delgado 1 run (Letchford kick)
MI – Finnegan 2 run (KJ Beckett go from Liam McLoughlin)
Source: www.bostonherald.com