The 2010 Rebel Football team had their first game of the season on September 11 against Newton North at their brand-new, 197 million dollar high school. At the new Dickinson Stadium, the Rebels hoped to spoil the home crowd’s dream of winning their opener against Walpole.
Newton North came out on their first drive and pounded at the Rebels defense. The Tigers drove the down the field with a long drive that ended in a 7 yard run from Newton North. With the extra-point good, the score was 7-0, Newton North on top about mid-way through the first quarter. These would be the only points Newton North scored during the game as Walpole began to hammer away at the Tigers. When the Rebels got the ball back to start the second quarter, they answered with a score of their own. Senior quarterback Troy Salvatore found senior tight-end Andrew Mandeville and connected for a 67 yard touchdown pass. The extra-point attempt by senior kicker Tim Crowley was no good – making the score now 7-6, with Newton North still in the lead. Later on in the second quarter, Walpole drove the field with an impressive drive and it ended when Salvatore found junior wide receiver Craig Hanley in the end zone for an 8 yard touchdown. The Rebels tried a two-point conversion and converted as Salvatore run it in himself. The score going into halftime was Walpole 14, Newton North 7.
To start the second half Newton North went with an onside kick. This decision payed off as the ball hit one of the Rebel players and was then recovered by the Tigers. The Rebel’s defense showed just how good they were when senior cornerback Chris Norberg intercepted a pass. Walpole started to drive down the field again, but on fourth down Salvatore threw a pick and Newton North had the ball on their own 17 yard line. After a three-and-out by the Tigers, the Rebels got the ball back and pounded the ball on the ground through senior running back Kenny Woods. Woods busted out a 25 yard run that put the ball inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line. Woods capped off the drive with a 1 yard touchdown run. Crowley nailed the extra-point, which made the score 21-7, with the Rebels leading as the fourth quarter started. Just as Newton North was starting to march down the field towards a score, junior safety Dave Thibault intercepted another Tiger pass. This pick lead to a 30 yard run by Salvatore for another Rebels touchdown. The score was then 28-7 with the extra-point, and this was the final score. The Rebels defense completely shut down Newton North’s offense. The Rebels defense is led by the linebacker core, especially senior Dave Conroy, and the defensive backs shutdown their receivers. By this showing, it looks like the Rebels football team could have a shot at the Herget title and possibly a postseason berth.
