Merrimack Cardinals vs. Lawrence Hurricanes

By Natalie Lelievre

Sunday afternoon was hot and sunny, in the mid 80’s. Not what you think of when you think of football, but it ended up being a great football day for Merrimack.

The Merrimack Cardinals Pee Wee team met up with the Lawrence Hurricanes at Merrimack's Veterans Memorial Field for its first game of the 2012 season. The action started quickly, with T. Hicks’ touchdown less than two minutes into the first quarter. M. Smith ran it across the line for the extra point. Five minutes later, the roles were reversed with M. Smith getting the touchdown and T. Hicks giving Merrimack the extra point. B. Myers ran the ball across at the buzzer and carried it himself for the extra point. First quarter ended with Merrimack up 21-0.

The second quarter went much as the first, with the defense holding Lawrence at bay. We saw some bone crushing tackles by B. Genet, K. Leighton, T. Hicks, and R. Defelice. An interception by M. Smith lead the way for T. Hicks to run for a 70-yard touchdown. More outstanding hits by J. Myers and J. Newman followed. The quarter ended on a high note with K. Leighton and R. Devanna sacking the Hurricane’s quarter back. Merrimack was up 27-0 at the half.

The second half started with a quick 56-yard run and touchdown by M. Smith. T. Hicks carried for the extra point. The Cardinals continued to keep the tireless Hurricanes from gaining ground. This quarter had some impressive tackles from J. Myers, C. Lelievre and B. Boland. The second interception of the game was made by T. Hicks. Merrimack was 34-0 with one quarter to go.

The Hurricanes continued their valiant effort and were rewarded in the fourth quarter with a touchdown, by N. Ruelle. T. Hicks stopped the extra point. Final was 34-6 giving the Merrimack Cardinals Pee Wee their first win of the season.