The Rebels (4-2) knew that their game against rival Norwood had one major implication.  With a win, the Rebels clinch a playoff berth and put themselves in great position for their next game against arch rival Natick.  However, with a loss, the Rebels lose all playoff hopes.  Motivated by keeping their playoff hopes alive after a tough loss to Milton, the Rebels ultimately blew out Norwood 35-6 to clinch a playoff berth on October 18.

Senior Captain Will Bolster started the scoring off for Walpole on a 31 yard quarterback counter in which Bolster followed great blocking to run right through Norwood’s defense.  Sophomore running back Steve Cuqua had two touchdowns in the first half on runs of 39 and 4 as the Norwood defense could not stop the run all game.  Cuqua led the Rebels with 185 yards on 16 carries while scoring three times.  With the run game firing on all cylinders, the Norwood defenders had to commit more people in the box, which opened up the pass game for Bolster.

Their was one bright spot for Norwood despite the rout, for they did something they have not done in four years:  score a point on Walpole.  At the end of the first half, Norwood took advantage of great field position.  They eventually scored on a 20 yard pass to put the score at 21-6 Walpole going into half.  Despite this drive,  Walpole played outstanding defense the whole night and forced Norwood to play on their side of the field.

“Our defense played well the entire night which was a big improvement upon last week.  We hope to carry this momentum into the Natick game,” said senior safety Brendan Chaisson.

The second half was all Walpole as they dominated all sides of the field.  Just 45 seconds into the third quarter Cuqua found a hole as he scampered 76 yards for the touchdown.  The score did not only put Walpole up 28-6, but it also diminished Norwood’s hope, or the Norwood players knew the game was out of reach.  Junior Jack Lavanchy finished off the scoring for the night as he hauled in a 43 yard pass from Bolster to put the score at 35-6.

Walpole hopes to bring this momentum as #2 Natick comes to town in what is one of the most anticipated games of the year.  The Rebels look for revenge as Natick handed Walpole their only loss from last season.