WEARE – For all the talk about the prolific offenses and star players heading into Saturday’s undefeated Division II showdown between John Stark and Plymouth Regional High School, it was a reserve linebacker who delivered the single most significant play of the afternoon.
Filling in for the injured Gavin Maclver, John Stark junior linebacker David Hewey brought a raucous home crowd to its feet in the fourth quarter, picking off a pass from Plymouth quarterback Brandon Roy with less than two minutes remaining and taking it all the way to the house for the go-ahead score that would prove to be the difference in a wild 42-35 win for the Generals in Weare.
“I just kind of saw it coming to me, snagged it and ran like I’ve never run before. It was great,” Hewey said of his game-winning interception.
“You need stuff like that,” Stark Coach Rod McQuarrie said. “(David) came in because Gavin got hurt, and like I said earlier in the season, we’ve been playing our ones, twos and threes for this reason right here, for guys to get ready when they’re called upon.”
The interception was one of the rare impact plays on the defensive side in a contest that saw the two teams combine for nearly 80 points. The Generals (7-0) offense was channeled through quarterback Drew McQuarrie and his favorite receiver, Cooper Gorski, as the two connected for five touchdowns, erasing first-half deficits of 14-0 and 21-7 for the comeback victory.
A look at the five TD connections for John Stark QB Drew McQuarrie and WR Cooper Gorski in a 45-32 #NHIAAfootball win Saturday over Plymouth pic.twitter.com/k5G2ZXO0aD
— Monitor Sports (@ConMonitorSport) October 16, 2016
“I would say it’s the biggest win in John Stark history since I’ve been part of it,” Coach McQuarrie said after Stark kept its unbeaten campaign rolling with a seventh straight win. “Plymouth marches in and I don’t know how many championships they have and we’ve never even made the playoffs. We knew it was going to be tough and we just feel like we got the guns this year and the defense to match.”
The first-half game script for run-heavy Plymouth (6-1) couldn’t have gone any better. Fullback Garrett Macomber, who bludgeoned his way to three touchdowns and more than 200 yards rushing on 40-plus carries for the game, punched in two scores from short yardage in the early stages on a pair of drives that saw Plymouth milk nearly 15 minutes off the clock en route to a 14-0 lead.
Stark responded in contrasting fashion, putting six on the board with a one-minute drive capped off by a 6-yard TD pass from McQuarrie to Gorksi.
Following another touchdown plunge from Macomber to put the Generals down 21-7, Stark dug deep and linked together three straight plays that changed the narrative of the game.
With 12 seconds left before halftime, the first play was a deep pass from McQuarrie to Leif Mailloux for 45 yards to set Stark up on the Plymouth 13. On the next play, McQuarrie hit Gorski for a 13-yard touchdown strike as time expired. Then, on the very first play of the second half, McQuarrie hit Gorski again, this time for a 57-yard TD to even the score at 21-all.
“The last play of the first half, and the first play of the second half, that’s the game right there,” Plymouth Coach Chris Sanborn said. “That 14-point swing right there, that cost us.”
After holding Plymouth to a three-and-out on the next drive, the Generals continued to ride their new-found momentum. A nine-play, 52-yard drive ended with yet another score from McQuarrie to Gorski as the two connected from 24 yards out for Stark’s first lead.
“Ever since youth, (Gorski) has been my No. 1 receiver, my biggest receiver and my easiest receiver to hit,” Drew McQuarrie said. “Today, I just saw mismatches in the defense where Cooper was so much taller, he’s faster and has a great set of hands. When you have a receiver with those assets, you can give anything to him.”
Plymouth bounced back to tie the game in the early stages of the fourth, using its passing game for the first time all day to create a big play – a 36-yard TD pass from Roy to Jordan Docen. Stark responded by driving the ball 58 yards for the 35-28 lead, converting a clutch fourth down from the Plymouth 36 and finishing the drive off with both McQuarrie and Gorski’s fifth TD of the game.
Following a pick by Plymouth’s Owen Brickley off McQuarrie with less than five minutes left, Brickley stayed on the field with the offense and took a counter run 58 yards for the game-tying touchdown. But after forcing a punt on Stark’s next drive, Roy tried to squeeze a slant pass into his receiver and Hewey made him pay with the pick-six.
The ensuing possession for the Bobcats left the home fans squirming in their seats. The Bobcats drove all the way down to the Stark 20, and with 12 seconds left, tossed up a prayer to the end zone that fell harmlessly to the grass.
“It was definitely a little nerve-wracking,” Hewey said. “Everybody was kind of tense but we managed to pull through and get the win so I think it’s pretty great.”
John Stark hosts Bow (6-1) on Saturday before visiting Hanover (7-0) on Oct. 28 to close out the regular season.
(Jay McAree can be reached at 369-3340 or at jmcaree@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @jaymcaree.)
Bow 48, Merrimack Valley 20
Key players: Bow – Grady Beaulieu (two 2-yard TD runs), Jack Corriveau (5-yard TD run, 1-yard TD run, 2-point conversion), Mark Borak (4-yard TD run), Matt Harkins (1-yard QB sneak TD), Jack Grasso (2-yard TD run), Nate Alford (2 interceoptions), Mac Kimball (2 PATs), Duke Biehl (2-point conversion); MV – Josh Farmer (14 tackles), Matt Jarvis (12 tackles), Ricky Hazeltine (10 tackles), Ryan Neylon (6 carries, 30 yards, TD; 4 catches, 101 yards, TD), Evan Martin (18 yards, 101 yards, TD)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons held a slim 14-7 halftime lead, but broke the game open with a strong third quarter in the first matchup between Bow and the Pride since 2001.
Coaches’ quotes: “It was an epic seesaw battle in our homecoming … A neighborhood rivalry made for an exciting game. We were able to overcome some shortcomings here and there. It was only 14-7 at halftime, something we haven’t faced in a while. (MV) came ready to play. (The Falcons) did what they needed to do to win that game.” – Bow’s Paul Cohen
“In the end, a week from now, 1-6 is still 1-6, so not a lot of positives other than we hung in there.” – MV’s Jim Coll
Records: Bow 6-1; MV 1-6
St. Thomas 49, H-D/Hopkinton 20
Key players: H-D/H – Caleb Yianakopolos (23-for-36, 280 yard, TD, interception, 2-point conversion), Sage Dubois (TD run), Prince Mansah (TD run), Liam Flanagan (TD catch, 6 catches for 56 yards), Henry Yianakopolos (11 catches for 185 yards, strong kick returning)
Highlights/key moments: The RedHawks kept the game close against the powerhouse Saints, trailing just 35-20 in the third quarter. St. Thomas took advantage of the RedHawks youth and inexperience on defense with some long passing touchdowns.
Records: St. Thomas 5-2; H-D/H 2-5
H-D 4, Laconia 0
Key players: H-D – Bill Dubuque (goal), Gavin Kenny (goal), Elijah Winters (goal), Brandon Rodier (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats shutout the Sachems in a much-needed win to keep H-D’s playoff hopes alive.
Coach’s quote: “These lads were inspired by the players from last year’s team at our homecoming today. We needed a win and played our most complete match of the season. We are long shots and underdogs – and that’s the way we like it.” – H-D’s Joe Donnelly
Records: H-D 3-9-2; Laconia 4-11-0
Pittsfield 9, Hinsdale 0
Key players: Pittsfield – Cameron Darrah (2 goals), Chandler Norris (2 goals), Casey Clark (goal, 2 assists), Gabe Anthony (goal, assist), Gavin Knight (goalkeeper)
Highlights/key moments: The Panthers poured on seven first-half goals with Colby Wolfe, Weston LeMay and Norris nabbing their first varsity scores.
Coach’s quote: “Today was a complete team effort .. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into next week and beyond.” – Pittsfield’s Derek Hamilton
Records: Pittsfield 8-5-2; Hinsdale 0-13-1
H-D 5, Stevens 1
Key players: H-D – Bridgette Winters (2 goals, assist), Mara Grady (2 goals), Izabella Warren (goal, 2 assists), Madeline Parisi (assist), Samantha Grondin (defense), Kiersten Clough (midfield), Melissa Veitch (5 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats moved the ball well and peppered the Cardinals goalkeeper with shots as H-D defeated Stevens for the second time this season.
Coach’s quote: “The Stevens goalkeeper was outstanding. Our girls did a good job spreading the ball at a fast pace.” – H-D’s Susan Else
Records: H-D 12-2; Stevens 8-7
Pittsfield 8, Hinsdale 1
Key players: Pittsfield – Alyssa Sullivan (3 goals, assist), Katie Rollins (2 goals, assist), Lindsey Massey (goal, 1 assist), Kianna Vincelette (goal, 2 assists), Kira Wood (goal), Brie Hill, Savannah Godin
Highlights/key moments: The Panthers took 22 shots at the Pacers net, resulting in five first-half and three second -half goals on Pittsfield’s senior day.
Coach’s quote: “I thought the girls played their best all around game of the season today. We controlled possession and we were able to put up some goals on senior day. They were relentless.” – Pittfield’s Jayme Kennedy
Records: Pittsfield 6-8-1; Hinsdale 1-10-1
Belmont 3, Prospect Mtn. 2
Key players: Belmont – Emily Laflam (29 assists, 7 aces), Shannon Davies (11 kills), Jordyn Lavalle (13 kills), Jenny Joyce (4 aces on 12 serves in fourth set)
Highlights/key moments: Sam Lugar, Amber Lemay and Joyce had strong serving runs to help the Raiders top the Timberwolves in five sets.
Coach’s quote: “All and all the girls played well we just messed up on easy mistakes. We have more to work on before we face (Prospect Mountain) again on Wednesday.” – Belmont’s Colleen Brownlee
Records: Belmont 8-5, Prospect Mtn. 5-9
Boys’ Cross Country
Coe-Brown at Brown Invitational
Key players: Coe-Brown – Zach Richards (9th, 15:56), Evan Tanguay (13th, 16:03), Tanner Richards (19th, 16:21), Davio Deluca (21st, 16:29), Gabe Deely (39th, 16:56)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears finished third at the prestigious Brown Invitational against some of the best teams from the Northeast. Sachem North (61) and Manhasset (80), both teams from N.Y., topped Coe-Brown (93).
Bow Second
Key players: Bow – Robbie Ciotti (2nd, 17:33); Sam Berube (5th, 18:02); Sam Neff (8th, 18:27; Henry Tanner (11th, 18:48); Kirpal Demian (17th, 19:15)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons split a tri-meet against D-II opponents on their home course, falling to Hollis-Brookline, but defeating John Stark.
Coach’s quote: “Bow runners ran well on their home course against two strong competitors. They approach the final weeks of the season well prepared.” – Bow’s Katie McDonald
Hopkinton Sixth
Key players: Hopkinton – Aidan Molnar (28th, 18:41), Joe Sawitsky (32nd, 18:56)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks (159) finished sixth in the six-team Pelham Invitational. Host Pelham (43), Souhegan (57), Campbell (70), Milford (79) and Spaulding (91) rounded out the team scores.
Coe-Brown at Brown Invitational
Key players: Coe-Brown – Alli Pratt (8th, 18:17), Sarah Dupuis (18th, 18:54), Abigail O’Connor (23rd, 19:17), Elly McDonough (28th, 19:32), Hannah Daly (34th, 19:48)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears finished third at the prestigious Brown Invitational against some of the best teams from the northeast. Shoreham-Wading River, N.Y. (48) won the meet. Coe-Brown (94) and Bishop Guertin (94) tied for second, but the Bears took third since Bishop Guertin had the fastest sixth runner (tiebreaker).
Hopkinton Fourth
Key players: Hopkinton – Sydney Stockwell (6th, 19:41), Emma Rothe (9th, 19:44), Lily Sabol (15th, 21:32)
Highlights/key moments: An all-freshmen Hawks lineup finished fourth in the six-team Pelham Invitational. Souhegan (34), Milford (62), Campbell (67), Hopkinton (95), Sanborn (125) and Pelham (140) rounded out the team scores.