Grafton Drops a Heartbreaker

The match-up between the Indians and the Nipmuc Warriors kicked off the season and the new field.

But a fairytale ending was not to be for the Indians.

The game started out wonderfully for the home side, as Mike Schena returned the opening kick for a 75-yard touchdown return. The Indians scored on their 2-point conversion and took a quick 8-0 lead.

The first Nipmuc score came on a 30-yard pass toward the sidelines to Wide Receiver Derek Moore, who had a huge impact on the game as well, finishing with 10 catches for 139 yards.

The first quarter ended with a score of 8-7, in favor of Grafton.

As Grafton marched the ball down the field to start the second quarter, it became clear that these two teams have very contradictory styles. Grafton would use their "North-South" running game to chew up yards, relying heavily upon the triple threat of running backs Cody Munoz (15 carries for 80 yards), Corey Charpentier 8-45), and Matt Bradley (13-95).

After driving all the way to the Nipmuc six-yard line, anticipating points, Munoz made a rare error and fumbled the ball away.

After a couple of incomplete passes, which led to a 3rd and 10 situation, Michael Smith dropped back and just barely overthrew his open target, Dillon Braile, on what would have been a big gain.

Nipmuc had the first offensive opportunity of the second half. Nipmuc opened with two failed plays before Smith found Moore for a 20-plus yard gain that would bring the ball to the 38.

Nipmuc running back Joseph Mespelli became very valuable as the offense gained balance, utilizing both the rushing and passing game. Coach Mike Ross said there were no surprises with the opposing offense, however.

Mespelli had a seven-yard run, which was followed by another Smith pass to Moore, this time for about 50 yards. Nipmuc now had control of the ball inside Grafton's red zone. Smith was able to buy time by scrambling outside of the pocket, while receivers were able to gain separation on out routes and comeback routes for much of the game.

Grafton began the next drive with a big 25-yard run by Corey Charpentier. Munoz followed his teammate's success, as he took an outside handoff 16 yards, carrying the pigskin to the 48 yard line. Despite the promising start, the drive eventually halted on a failed 4th and 7 conversion with a little over five minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.

After a few solid gains by the Warriors offense, a bad snap on 3rd down led to a 25-yard loss, on a key tackle by Connor Rynning.

This would lead to a Nipmuc punt that resulted in a fair catch around midfield. Matt Bradley took a carry 53 yards for a touchdown right up the gut after he shed a tackler and received some strong blocks from his offensive line. Bradley's effort made the score 16-7, a two possession game, with 1:17 left in the quarter.

Nipmuc's Mespelli immediately responded, however, with a 64-yard run on the next play. Dias' low extra point was blocked by defensive lineman Josh Evans, so the score was now 16-13, in favor of the home team.

In what seemed to be in Grafton's favor, Nipmuc was called for a holding penalty, which would negate the result of the punt (inside Grafton's own 10 yard line), move Nipmuc back 10 yards and force them into a decision... to punt regularly or go for a 4th and 20 "Hail Mary" type play.

Surprisingly,  Grafton's coaches decided to decline the penalty and take possession of the ball, despite the terrible field position. Coach Ross defended his decision by stating that "we just needed a first down’’ to win. Grafton would punt the ball on 4th and 5 from their own 16 with just minutes remaining.

Nipmuc converted a key 4th and 4 situation with a rollout pass to Wood on a comeback route. Smith then completed consecutive passes to Derek Moore, and then Danny Dias for a 30 yarder to take the lead, 19-16.

Coach Ross was visibly frustrated by the tough opener, but still had some positive comments about his team's constant effort. "The kids played hard," he said. “It was a tough game, we just got outplayed."