Football Friday: Balance a Key for Undefeated Generals

Balance a key for undefeated Generals

Diversity on offense is critical in football and a pretty talented Newburyport football team learned that the hard way last week in an .

While the word is definitely out on Hamilton-Wenham's proficient and dominating ground attack behind rugged tailback Elliot Burr and his skilled line, what had to be very pleasing to coach Andrew Morency and Generals' fans in last week’s win was the passing game.

Quarterback Trevor Lyons not only rushed for 50 yards, but connected on 11-of-15 attempts for 112 yards passing and a 20-yard scoring strike to Pete Duvall for the game’s final score. Matt Putur was the Generals’ leading receiver with seven catches for 51 yards.

“That’s something that we have talked about. Inevitably teams are going to try to make us beat them in other ways,” said Morency. “It’s something that Trevor has worked hard on as well as the receivers and the line. It was great to see that happen and we had a couple of big plays on a couple of drives. That’s the sign of a good team.”

Burr kept his strong senior campaign going with 73 more yards on the ground while the swarming Generals' defense stifled the Clippers’ big-play attack. Morency also added that the defense got a big lift with the return of Luke Wendt from injury at defensive tackle.

The 2-1 Indians of Amesbury, who invade General Land Saturday afternoon (2:30), are also not lacking for playmakers.

“They definitely have skill guys who are formidable,” said Morency of the Indians who eked out a wild, 21-19 OT win over North Reading last week. “They have some good offensive team speed and while they are a little young on the line I think they are one of those teams that are only going to get better. We plan on having our hands full.”

Amesbury at Hamilton-Wenham, Saturday 2:30

The Pick: H-W, 28-14. Only game I feel fairly comfortable about this week - Generals roll.

Hornets looking for a little payback against Cougars

The Cougars of Austin Prep will embark on their shortest bus trip of the year Friday night when they travel to North Reading. Expect an angry swarm of Hornets waiting to greet them. Coach Jeff Wall’s North Reading club is not only coming off yet another frustrating OT loss to Amesbury, but the coach also notes that he has not forgotten about last year’s loss to the Cougars.

“Last year we jumped up early and lost a 12-point halftime lead,” Wall related of the Hornets’ 30-26 loss to the Cougars, which saw AP score 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. “That made for a long off season.”

After losing to Norton in its opener at home, 28-18, AP rebounded to beat Saugus last week, 22-14, for its first win of the year behind a pair of touchdowns from Steve Rickley and Jay Deschene. On defense, the Hornets will have to deal with AP’s massive 280-pound nose tackler Mark Maradei.

“Austin Prep has struggled up to this point in the season but shows signs of being a good team. They run an offense which is difficult to stop and their defense is aggressive,” said Wall. “Friday night should be a good test for our team."

Hornets fans can take a measure of confidence into Friday’s showdown in that for its lone win and that they have one of the more prolific – and durable -- offensive threats around in junior tailback Carl Lipani, who carried the rock a withering 40 times for 177 yards and a score last Friday in the 21-19 OT loss to the Indians.

Austin Prep at North Reading, Friday 7

The Pick: AP, 21-20. Another coin toss-type of game for sure, but I’ll take AP by the nose of the football.

Falcons look to keep Saugus winless

Last week, the Danvers football team ran into a previously winless Pentucket squad that finally put it all together as the Sachems shut out the Falcons, 19-0, at home. This Friday, the Falcons will be looking to keep another Sachems squad on the skids as the Falcons entertain winless Saugus.

Saugus comes in at 0-3 after losing 22-14 at Austin Prep last week. Before that the in their opener. Last week’s loss, however, might have been a wakeup call for coach Mike Broderick’s club, which held AP to just 50 yards of total offense in the final half after falling behind 16-0 early. Elusive tailback A.J. Guthro and quarterback Justin Barasso are the ones to watch in Saugus’ multiple option set.

It has likely been a pretty intense week of practice over at Dr. Deering Stadium this week as Falcons’ coach Sean Rogers was not exactly pleased with his team’s practice week heading into last week’s encounter with Pentucket. The coach thought that those bad habits spilled out on to the field last Friday and contributed to the loss.

Of chief concern for Rogers Friday will be getting his three-pronged running attack of Nick and Alex Valles, along with Jake Palazola back on track. The talented trio was held to a total of just 46 yards on the ground last week by Pentucket.

Saugus at Danvers, Friday 7

The Pick: Danvers, 22-21. Should be a real competitive game, but look for a rebound performance from Falcons.