Chosen as the game of the week for Fox 25’s High School Friday, the Newton North vs. Walpole football game on the night of October 28 at Turco Field proved to be a showcase of Walpole’s talents that was broadcasted to the entire state.
The Rebels didn’t waste any time to start the game as the offense quickly drove down the field. Senior Captain Craig Hanley finished off the drive with a two yard touchdown run. Sophomore kicker Colton Mitchell tacked on the extra point and five minutes into the game, Walpole was already on top 7-0.
The defense proved stout against an injured Newton North offense as they forced a three-and-out on Newton North’s possession. However, a Walpole player ran into Newton North’s punter on the punt so the Tigers got a first down on the ensuing penalty. The Rebel defense replicated their earlier results as they once again made the Tigers punt the ball away.
Senior running back Shane Blass rewarded his defense for their efforts as he sprinted 68 yards for another Walpole touchdown behind the blocking prowess of juniors Ricky Ordway and Gary DeVincentis. Mitchell’s extra point made the score 14-0 with Walpole in command.
The second quarter began and it was the same old song and dance for the Rebels as Blass blasted his way for another long touchdown run at the nine minute mark. A failed extra point resulted in a 20-0 lead for Walpole. The defense of Walpole was a wall during the second quarter, and throughout the game, as they stopped anything the Tigers threw at them. Late in the quarter, senior quarterback Tom Donnellan threw a screen to Hanley, who took the ball 59 yards for the touchdown. This touchdown was possible by the expert blocking of the offensive line – who both Hanley and Blass credited as stars of the game. The score was 27-0 with Walpole on top as the half ended.
The Rebels didn’t let up in the second half as Hanley added more security points with his six yard touchdown run that put the Rebels on top 34-0. Shortly after this, Walpole began subbing out their starters and instead opting to give some second and third stringers some valuable playing experience. The final score was Walpole 34, Newton North 0.
Fox 25’s presence at the game, because of their selection of the Newton North at Walpole game as the ‘High School Friday Game of the Week’, played a role in that both players and fans got to relish the victory in the spotlight. The Rebels are back at it again next Friday, November 4, as they travel to Dedham to take on the Marauders.
A link to Fox 25’s coverage of the game can be found here, be sure to check out all the interviews and photos:
http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/sports/hs_friday/high-school-friday-20111028
