Football Generals Triumphant in Season Opener

The Hamilton-Wenham Generals opened its 2010 season with a 14-7 home win over Cape Ann League rivals Newburyport on Saturday.

The Generals were lead by a strong running attack, garnering a total of 172 yards against the Clippers on the ground,  and solid defense from senior Jake Prince. 

Prince recorded two sacks and was also on the receiving end of a successful two-point conversion in the midst of a critical moment in the fourth quarter, putting the finishing touches on a drive that put the Generals ahead by a touchdown. 

Head coach Andrew Morency was all smiles after the win.

"Jake Prince is a two-way starter who worked hard this off-season and he came up big today," Morency said.  "That's why we awarded him the game ball."

Morency also noted that the Generals have struggled in the past against Newburyport, so before the game he encouraged his players to "come out and make a big statement" in the first quarter.

Accordingly, the Generals offense marched down the field on their first possession for a seven-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. Senior running back Tucker White, who recorded a touchdown on the first drive, carried the offense early in the game, but was shortly sidelined by a tweaked shoulder in the first half, finishing the game with seven carries for 57 yards. Fellow Senior Elliott Burr handled  bulk of the running after White's departure carrying the ball 17 times for 70 yards. 

The Generals defense was strong throughout the game, coming up with their biggest stop late in the fourth quarter as Newburyport quarterback Ryan O'Connor was stifled just short of a first down on a fourth-and-two keeper, securing the victory for the Generals.  The southpaw quarterback O'Conner finished the game completing seven of 10 passes for 75 yards. 

"This was a big win for the seniors, we're looking for this (win) to catapult  us into the future" said Morency. 

The Generals will be home again next week as they host Triton at 1 p.m. on Saturday.