Big Plays Hurt Mansfield Football Against North Attleboro

Rumors of the North Attleboro Red Rocketeers having a down year have been greatly exaggerated, as the Big Red had no problem against the Mansfield Hornets.

With a flair for big plays, North Attleboro upset the Hornets with a 42-22 win over their rivals to improve to 3-0 and give Mansfield a 1-2 record.

Special teams played a big part in the win, giving the Red Rocketeers their first two touchdowns of the game. Forcing Mansfield to punt on their first drive, Pat Munley recovered a blocked punt for the opening touchdown early in the first quarter.

C.J. Daniel responded for the Hornets on the next drive, capping off a 10-play drive with a five-yard touchdown run for Mansfield.

North Attleboro found themselves on top again after the opening kickoff with Nick Rajotte returning the kick 91 yards to give the Red Rocketeers a 14-7 lead.

Rajotte would continue to give the Hornets trouble during the evening with another big run for North Attleboro. Up 21-9 late in the second quarter, Rajotte extended the lead with a 71-yard run up the right, while crossing over the middle of the field to make it a 28-9 game at halftime.

For the Hornets, there was no concept of moderation. Either they were able to make the stop for at most a small gain or North Attleboro would break away for a large play and a touchdown. Continuing to get hurt by large gains, a 78-yard touchdown pass from Justin Gallagher to Andrew Hanwell increased the deficit to 26.

Despite a big 45-yard touchdown run by Q’Ra Guichard for Mansfield, North would respond on the next drive with a 51-yard touchdown run off a jet sweep by Bobby Mylod to lock up the game.

Mansfield will play at home for the first time this season next weekend when they host Attleboro on Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.