NORTH ANDOVER – Masconomet Regional seemed intent on expressing its enthusiasm over this rivalry being renewed.
At North Andover High’s expense.
The Chieftains took chunk after chunk out of the Walsh Stadium turf, building a 29-15 halftime lead and never looked back. Masco took the first meeting since 2015 of these former Thanksgiving Day/Cape Ann League rivals, 43-22, before a packed Friday night crowd.
“I think we’re an explosive team,” said Chieftains coach Pat Sheehan, who went to his bench early – as in one offensive snap in the second half for his starting offense.
“I can’t say enough about our offensive line. They were consistently coming off the ball, and they played their best game in a year and a half.”
The line gave wrecking ball Jack Fabiano all sorts of room, and the 6-foot, 190-pounder pummeled his way for 157 yards four TDs on nine carries, the last coming on his only second-half carry – a 30-yarder that made it 36-15 Chieftains.
“They’re very tough. We knew we were up against it. Efficient on offense, senior heavy, they’re just tough,” said Knights’ first-year head coach Matt Cerullo. “I’m proud of the way we battled, though. “We knew we’d have growing pains. They just keep showing up and battling, and that’s all we can ask.”
Offensively, North Andover had its moments, with junior QB Austin Allen causing chaos with his scrambling.
“Austin is an up-and-comer. We love his game,” said Cerullo. “I’m happy with the offensive output. I was proud of the offense tonight.”
Allen finished his night with 125 yards on 16 carries. He also hit 10 of 18 passes for 100 more yards.
“North Andover is historically a great program, and they came to play,” said Sheehan. “Their quarterback was sensational. He hurt us with his feet. He’s fast and he’s explosive.”
Trailing 16-0 early, Allen put the Knights on the board with a 17-yard TD hookup to Tommy Farrell.
The teams then traded rushing TDs – Fabiano from eight and North Andover’s Marcus Peralta with a nine-yarder – before Masco took charge just before intermission.
Drew Gustafson hit Liam Ginley on a 28-yard TD bomb for the 29-15 advantage at the break.
Before the MVC (west) schedule begins for North Andover, there is one more test against a strong Marblehead squad.
“I think we’ve hit the meat (of the order) with Methuen, Masco and Marblehead right out of the gate,” Cerrulo said.