The 2015 Walpole Rebels kicked off their season this past Friday at Turco Field with a 19-14 win over the Marblehead Magicians on the 14th anniversary of September 11. The Rebels faced off against the Magicians for the first time in school history. A historically good program, the Magicians made for a good matchup for the Rebels.
The Rebels came out of the gates with an explosive 68 yard touchdown run from Senior Captain Steve Cuqua on the second play of the game.
“The blocking on the run was great. All I had to do was find the hole and I was off,” said Cuqua.
The Walpole defense also made a good first impression as Senior Captain Mike Curran recovered a fumble to quickly get the ball back in the hands of his offense.
Both offenses were then quiet until late in the second quarter when Senior Alex Caskie kicked a 22-yard field goal with 2:14 left in the first half to put the Rebels up 10-0 on the Magicians.
“The snap was good and so was the hold; all I had to do was make the kick. It was all set up perfectly for me,” said Caskie.
The Rebel defense started the second half right where they left off making a goal line stand highlighted by two clutch stops by Senior Linebacker Kevin O’Leary. Stopping the Magicians from getting on the board, the Rebels disrupted the Magician’s field goal by tackling the holder after he fumbled with the snap.
Soon though, momentum turned to favor the Magicians. The Rebel offense took the field but had a brief stay as Senior Quarterback Tyler Berkland’s pass was deflected high in the air and intercepted by a Marblehead defender. The Rebel’s stingy defense had their first lapse as the Magician’s completed a deep pass for a touchdown with 7:34 left in the third quarter to make the score 10-7.
The Rebel offense responded with a great drive capped off with a 2-yard touchdown run by Senior Captain Lovevindjy Salvant to make it 16-7.
Alex Caskie added another field goal, this time from 28 yards out, to open the fourth quarter. Down 19-7, the Magicians’ offense marched down the field but were stopped on fourth down by Junior safety Charlie Auditore’s pass breakup.
To the dismay of the Rebel crowd, a late flag came for pass interference gave the Magicians a second life. Marblehead took advantage of the call and ran the ball in for a touchdown on an option the next play.
The Rebels got the ball back with the score 19-14 with 4:49 left in the game. The Magicians defense held firm and forced the Rebels to punt with 3:28. The Rebels again relied on their defense. Following a sack by Junior David White, Salvant forced and recovered a fumble with 1:18 left in the game sealing it for the Rebels.
“I saw the ball and quickly covered it,” said Salvant. “Everyone started jumping all over me and attacking me while I was trying to get my breath back. That’s when I realized it was a really big play for my team.”
