As the Rebels took the field on Friday Night, October 11, against Bay State Herget foe Milton, they had one thing on their minds: one more win to clinch their playoff berth. From an outsiders point of view one would think this would be an easy win because Milton is traditionally a weaker opponent; however, they have progressed since last season and Milton has been revamped. Their record in their last 8 games is 6-2. Keep in mind, their two losses have been to 4-1 Stoughton and the best team team in the state, Mansfield, who they played tough having multiple chances of winning the game. Milton took all of their momentum into last Friday’s game, managing to knock out the Rebels 26-7.
Despite the score, the game was much closer than it indicates. The game started off all Walpole, scoring on their first play from scrimmage as sophomore Steve Cuqua scattered 48 yards to put Walpole up 7-0. Everything was going right for the Rebels getting the ball right back in Milton territory; however this momentum quickly disappeared when Cuqua fumbled on the Milton 30. Milton did not hesitate to take advantage of this as senior back Jonathon Pierre hit the edge with force as he scored on a 58 yard run to tie the game at 7.
Up until this run, Walpole was playing stout defense forcing three, 3 and outs in Milton’s first four drives. Subsequently, this long run discouraged Walpole, as they seemed to lack the intensity they had the first quarter. Milton took advantage of this managing to punch a touchdown in after a long drive to put the Wildcats up 13-7.
Coming out of halftime, the Rebels failed to get anything started on offense and failing to score in the second half; thus failing to make a comeback and Milton wrapped up the win, scoring two late touchdowns off of two blown coverage’s to win 26-7.
This loss certainly does not help Walpole but they are still the five seed in Division 3. Walpole hopes to clinch a playoff berth in their home opener against rival Norwood, who comes to town on Friday Night, October 18.
