Rockets Cruise to 9-0

The football team continues its winning streak with a 37-13 victory over Woburn Friday night at home. Quarterback and senior captain Brian Bourque led the team to victory with two touchdowns and two touchdown passes.

Reading has now won 22 straight games, with no end to the streak in sight. 

"I was really happy with how physical we played tonight on both sides of the ball," said Reading coach John Fiore. "Kids got off the ball really well, and I'm very happy with the results."

Reading got on the board first when Bourque made a 1-yard run in for the touchdown, allowing the Rockets to go up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

Woburn responded when running back Chucky Ortiz made a 22-yard drive to tie things up. is the Tanner's star running back, and he certainty kept the Rockets on their toes. 

"Chucky Ortiz is as advertised," said Fiore. "He's just unbelievable and hats off to their coaching staff who are doing some nice things with him. (Ortiz) presented some problems especially when we have a lot of young guys and new guys in key spots. There were times when we lost leverage on a few things and a guy like (Ortiz) will make you pay," he added.  

Reading opened the second quarter with a fourth down 6-yard touchdown pass from Bourque to Sean Gildae, allowing them to take a 14-7 lead.

The Rockets widened the scoring gap soon after with a 54-yard pass received by Nick Scali courtesy of Bourque. 

The Rockets were up 21-7 as the first half started to wind down, but the Tanners were able to sneak in one last attack.

Ortiz ran in 1-yard for the touchdown with just 12 seconds left in the half. 

Special teams came up big for the Rockets, blocking the extra point attempt and holding the Tanners to a gain of just 6 points. 

The squads went into half time with a tight game on their hands, 21-13. 

Reading came out explosive in the second half. Bourque ran in for yet another touchdown, and despite the failed extra point attempt, the Rockets increased their lead to 14. 

Towards the end of the third quarter, Reading struck again when Anthony DeSimone made a 34-yard touchdown run.

The Rockets' defense made a huge fourth down stop late in the game, keeping the Tanners scoreless in the second half.

Nick Scali tacked on a field goal as the game wound down, making the final score 37-13. 

Reading has suffered a string of injuries in recent weeks, and Fiore is happy with the way his younger players are stepping up to fill some key roles. 

"We have a lot of injuries and some guys playing in different positions on defense, so a lot of our juniors and a couple sophomores had to grow up tonight," Fiore said. 

"We got that big fourth down stop when they were deep in our territory, and from there on our offense really has started to grow up," he added.