Matt Shaw was frustrated. And for good reason.
The Bishop Brady coach had just seen his team kill one potential game-saving drive after another with turnovers. And miss opportunities to force punts and get off the field. And leaving the same receivers open on the same routes for crippling big plays.
The sum of it all was a 35-7 win for visiting Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough at Memorial Field. It angered Shaw, and he didn’t hide it.
“Obviously, turnovers are a killer,” said Shaw, whose team allowed 455 yards – 268 through the air – and was hurt by three interceptions. “Can’t turn the ball over three times and expect to win. It’s just, percentage-wise, not possible.”
The Green Giants tried, however, and had a shot, trailing only 14-7 at halftime. Brady (1-1) had cut a 14-0 deficit in half on a 5-yard run by Moses Murenzi (18 carries, 100 yards) early in the second quarter, and was finding ways to keep up with I-L/M’s ground attack.
The hope didn’t last long, as the Lakers’ Ryan Kelly slung a pass toward the right sideline to Colin Sheehan, who slipped a tackle and raced untouched the rest of the way for an 80-yard touchdown on the fifth play of the opening drive.
The drive sapped much of the noise and energy on the Brady sideline – as did the next one, a march in which a 26-yard completion set up a 5-yard score for running back Andrew Brothers (27 carries, 133 yards, two touchdowns).
“We came out (of the break) fired up,” Shaw said, “but it’s real hard to keep that momentum when things seem to not fall where you’re looking for them to.”
Brothers was the focus of the Brady defensive plan, and to the Giants’ credit, they limited the junior to only 44 yards on 12 carries in the second half.
But they had no answer for the Lakers’ passing game, falling victim to seam routes and out patterns when they needed stops to keep their rally hopes alive. Kelly completed 18 of 22 passes for 268 yards, mostly targeting Sheehan (seven catches, 134 yards), Jayden Lara (five for 88) and Zach Swanson (two for 49).
“Brady adjusted well, you can tell they did their homework on us,” said I-L/M (2-0) Coach Jon Francis, whose team converted seven third downs and two fourths. “They were good at starting to shut down that run a little bit. … If you want to have a good passing game, you have to have a good running game. If you want to have a good running game, you need to have a good passing game. I think we’re a pretty well-balanced club.”
It was through the air that Brady first put itself in trouble and then couldn’t get itself out. An interception on the first drive of the game set up I-L/M’s first score, a 1-yard Kelly keeper, and another in the second quarter preceded a second Lakers touchdown two plays later on Brothers’s 7-yard run.
The third pick – and the third at the 50 or in Lakers territory – came with Brady trailing 28-7 at the end of the third quarter. I-L/M responded with an 80-yard drive and a 16-yard touchdown pass from Kelly to Lara for the touchdown.
That iced things – and put the onus on the Giants to find some solutions.
“That’s all you can do, is move forward,” Shaw said. “You can’t dwell on what you could have done, what you should have done. You just learn from mistakes. Eyes up, moving forward. That’s what we tell the guys. On to the next game.”
(Drew Bonifant can be reached at 369-3340, abonifant@cmonitor.com or on Twitter at @dbonifant.)
Concord 1, Londonderry 0
Key players: Concord – Ronaldo Cabral (goal), Taylor Silverstein (assist), Adam Bryant (midfield), Liam Bennett (defense), Ethan Dupre (defense)
Highlights/key moments: Silverstein and Cabral combined for a pretty goal in the 33rd minute and the Crimson Tide defense made it stand against a tough Lononderry team. Liam Devanny finished with seven saves for Concord and the Tide held a 17-9 shot advantage.
Coach’s quote: “It was a dog fight for the entire game. We had to play as hard as we possibly can for 80 minutes to get a positive result. I’m very pleased with the effort we’ve shown so far in all our games.” – Concord’s Scott Dunlop
Records: Concord 4-1; Londonderry 2-2
Bow 1, Hollis-Brookline 0
Key players: Bow – Will Russo (goal), Ethan Paige (defense), Sullivan Blair (defense), Graham Weisberg (defense), Aidan Koornneef (defense), Benjamin Guertin (defense), Noah Bult (keeper), Joseph Rychwalski (keeper)
Highlights/key moments: Chris Gallier played a through ball to Russo in the 73rd minute that turned into the game-winning goal.
Coach’s quote: “Players off the bench had to step up with several key players out and they did that. We really had to gut it out. It wasn’t pretty, but we’ll take it.” – Bow’s George Pinkham
Records: Bow 2-3; Hollis-Brookline 0-5
Souhegan 6, MV 0
Highlights/key moments: The Pride’s road loss was its fourth defeat in a row.
Records: Merrimack Valley 1-4; Souhegan 4-1
Pembroke 4, Kearsarge 2
Key players: Kearsarge – Brad Underhill (two goals), Craig Berube (defense), Elijah Westerburg (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans maintained their perfect record in front of a full crowd under the lights at Kearsarge.
Coach’s quote: “There was a huge turnout from our community to support the boys. This was very much appreciated and the boys did not disappoint by showing their work rate and heart throughout the whole game.” – Kearsarge’s Matt Burch
Records: Pembroke 5-0; Kearsarge 0-5
Mascenic 5, H-D 1
Highlights/key moments: Mascenic started quickly and jumped to a 2-0 lead before the Hillcats could even get organized. H-D tried to push for a goal to get back in the game, but wound up conceding on the break.
Records: H-D 1-4-1; Mascenic 2-2
Concord 3, Londonderry 1
Key players: Jessica Nelson (2 goals), Madysen Audet (assist), Ellie Pope (assist), Nicole Cacciola (12 saves), Gillian Bennett (defense), Jillian Dusseault (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide conceded in the 15th minute, but came back with three unanswered goals in the first half for the road win.
Coach’s quote: “Going into Londonderry to play a tough opponent, we knew we had to put together a complete 80 minutes of great soccer and the team did just that to earn the win.” – Concord’s Jeremy DuClos
Records: Concord 3-2; Londonderry 2-2
Pembroke 4, Kearsarge 2
Key players:Pembroke – Maddy Bailey (2 goals), Emilee Harlow (2 goals), Meghan Gauss (defense), Brianna Connolly (defense); Kearsarge – Mia Bailey (2 assists), Jordan Bush (goal), Maicy Hansen (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans controlled this battle of unbeatens, holding a 19-7 advantage in shots. PA held a 3-1 halftime lead and Harlow added the fourth goal on a PK. The Cougars came into the game with two injured defenders and that bad luck continued with another back going down against Pembroke.
Coach’s quote: “Today we maintained our composure and won this game united. The girls continue to impress me game after game.” – Pembroke’s Jessica Croft
Records: Pembroke 5-0; Kearsarge 4-1
MV 3, Souhegan 2
Key players: Merrimack Valley – Maddy Borque (goal), Abby Grandmaison (goal), Emily Knouse (goal), Izzy Carr (assist), Mackayla Palhof (midfield), Maddie Glazier (keeper)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride took a 2-0 lead in the second half only to see Souhegan tie things late. But Knouse delivered the game-winning goal with less than five minutes left on the clock to help MV to its first win.
Coach’s quote: “We finally started and ended with aggressive play and it paid off. It was great to get the first win under our belts.” – MV’s Jeff Richard
Records: MV 1-4; Souhegan 2-2-1
John Stark 2, Pelham 0
Key players: John Stark – Aria Ulner (goal), Brooke Shatney (goal), Mackenzie Nase (defense), Jocelyn Dimond (defense), Eryn Bennetter (defense), Cara Easter (midfield), Sarah Nikias (midfield)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals scored twice in the first half and held on against an aggressive Pelham team.
Records: John Stark 4-0; Pelham 2-2
Hollis-Brookline 1, Bow 0
Highlights/key moments: H-B scored the game’s only goal on a corner kick with 15 minutes remaining.
Coach’s quote: “We played a great game with the majority of the possession in our favor, but could not find the back of the net. Hollis is a quality team and is well coached. I was very happy with the girls energy and effort.” – Bow’s Jay Vogt
Records: Bow 3-2; H-B 4-1
Hopkinton 1, Derryfield 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Brianna Curley (goal), Maura Zankel (assist), Catherine O’Keeffe (defense), Cathen Hall (defense), Grace Clark (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks controlled the game and peppered 28 shots at the Derryfield goal, but they couldn’t solve the Cougars goalie until Curley beat her in the 60th minute.
Records: Hopkinton 3-1; Derryfield 1-3
Conant 3, Bishop Brady 1
Key players: Brady – MacKenzie Wetherill (18 saves), Misty Zaczyk (goal), Sara Doherty (great defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Giants started slow but surged in the second half.
Coach’s quote: “The girls played very well today and have nothing to hang their heads about. It was only our second game of the year due to scheduling issues, but I am extremely proud of the girls thus far and excited for the rest of the season.” – Bishop Brady’s Andrew Mattarazzo
Records: Conant 4-1; Bishop Brady 1-1
Pittsfield 4, Canaan-Pittsburg 3
Key players: Pittsfield – Kira Wood (goal, assist), Alyssa Sullivan (goal, assist), Katie Rollins (goal), Kylee Morel (goal), Becca Smith (5 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Sullivan sparked Pittsfield with a goal and an assist within the first 10 minutes and Rollins scored the game-winner with 16 minutes left. Morel anchored the defense and added a highlight-reel goal from midfield.
Records: Pittsfield 3-1; Canaan-Pittsburg 1-4
Derryfield 1, MV 0
Key players: Merrimack Valley – Kylee Warren (9 saves)
Coach’s quote: “We played a very skilled team and I was proud of the effort my entire team put into the game. Even though we lost the game, we found many positive things to take away from it.” – MV’s Kim Kenney
Records: MV 2-2, Derryfield 4-0
Mascenic 7, John Stark 0
Key players: John Stark – Melina Jackson (25 saves), Miranda Palmisano (defense)
Highlights/key moments: Mascenic scored less than a minute into the game and never looked back.
Coach’s quote: “Tough one today. The heat definitely affected our team, especially on a day we were a little short-handed.” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier
Records: John Stark 0-4; Mascenic 2-1
Hopkinton 4, Bishop Brady 1
Key players:Hopkinton – Lyndon Flanagan (2 goals), Avery Barrett (2 goals). Bishop Brady – Abby Tremblay (goal), Paige Blake (assist), Kat Gallagher (assist), Emma Windsor (12 saves), Maddy Rines
Coach’s quote: “The girls came together today and worked hard to move the ball up the field, and we were more aggressive in the circle.” – Hopkinton’s Kate Hohenberger
“We had many offensive opportunities but needed a stronger finish. This season is about making progress to find our identity and strengths. This was a start!” – Bishop Brady’s Kelly Owen
Records: Hopkinton 1-3; Bishop Brady 1-3
Winnisquam 3, Franklin 1
Key players:Winnisquam – Lili Keegan (goal, assist), Meghan Cote (two assists), Cailey Clogston (goal), Makenzie Snow (goal); Franklin – Lauren Pelletier (goal), Zoe Kaplan (assist)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears scored three times in the first half to win their second straight game.
Coach’s quote: “We need to keep up the intensity the whole game. We lacked momentum in the second part of the first half, but came back and finished strong in the second half.” – Franklin’s Deborah Georgevits
Records: Winnisquam 2-2; Franklin 1-3
Pelham 4, Bow 0
Key players: Bow – Lyndsey Wheeler (6 saves), Dillon Hicks (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons played well, but they just couldn’t find a way to score.
Records: Pelham 4-0; Bow 2-2
White Mountains 3, Kearsarge 1
Key players: Morganne Flinkstorm (strong drives on defense), Vica Henskens (goal)
Coach’s quote: “We passed the ball better today but still came up short offensively. We’re still finding our way this season and will continue to work hard and make adjustments.” – Kearsarge’s Dianne Chadwick
Records: White Mountains 3-1; Kearsarge 1-3
Berlin 2, Pembroke 0
Key players: Pembroke – Josie Stottlar (18 saves)
Coach’s quote: “A majority of the girls on this team have played one year or less of field hockey. You wouldn’t know it when you watch them. They fight hard even against the toughest teams, like Berlin.” – Pembroke’s Aimee Monterio
Records: Pembroke 0-3-1; Berlin 3-1
Concord 3, Exeter 1
Key players: Concord – Lauren Hatch (17 kills), Caitlyn Shea (31 assists), Bekah Jauhola-Straight (11 digs, 5 kills, 4 aces), Brenna Vandersea (10 digs, ace)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide used scrappy defense, the hitting of Hatch Jauhola-Straight and Maria Wimpey, and the setting of Shea to produce a 25-20, 25-16, 27-29, 25-11 win.
Coach’s quote: “When we focus on doing the best we can with every touch of the ball, our team chemistry is solid.” – Concord’s Jonathan Flower
Records: Concord 3-0, Exeter 0-2
John Stark 3, Plymouth 1
Key players: John Stark – Cassidy Gilman (12 kills, ace), Sydney Story (8 kills, 2 blocks), Haley Philibotte (3 kills, 3 aces, 10 digs), Hannah Chartier (10 kills, 2 aces, 10 digs), Nicole Yelle (34 assists)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals recorded the first seven points of the night and went on to claim the opening game, 25-16. They won, 23-17, in the second game before pulling out a 27-25 win. After Plymouth won the third game, Stark closed out the match with a 25-21 win.
Coach’s quote: “We played relaxed and under control tonight. When this team plays with confidence, we have the ability to control the match.” – Stark’s Jeff McClellan
Records: John Stark 2-1; Plymouth 1-1
Belmont second
Key players: Belmont – Nicole Antonucci (medallist), Michael Marrone, Trevor Hunt, Will Robarge
Highlights/key moments: Antonucci carded a 5-over 41 to earn medalist honors at Den Brae Golf Club, but Belmont fell by one stoke to Sanborn, 189-190. Plymouth was first with a score of 183 and Winnisquam (197) took fourth.
Coach’s quote: “Today stung, losing to Sanborn by a stroke, and there were a bunch of ‘I could haves’ on the bus ride home … Nicole is swinging the club fluidly and with a lot of confidence. It was a lot of fun to see her play today.” – Belmont’s Kevin Charleston
Records: Belmont 2-3; Winnisquam 0-6; Plymouth 3-3; Sanborn 2-4