The undefeated Milton Wildcats upset the Rebels, 28-7, at Milton High School on September 25. The speed of Milton’s receivers paired with Walpole’s inability to sustain drives on offense made the night a long one for the Rebels.

Walpole faced off against the fastest team they’ve seen all year, which shocked the Rebel defense as the Wildcats marched down the field on their first drive to make the game 8-0 early after they converted the two point conversion. The defense responded well after the initial drive and were able to keep Milton’s speed in check.

Walpole’s offense struggled in the first half and were unable to get anything going on the ground or through the air. In the beginning of the second quarter, Berkland had a pass batted at the line of scrimmage that fell into the waiting arms of a Milton linebacker deep in Rebel territory. The Wildcat offense took the field from twenty yards out and had little trouble scoring.

Down 14-0 before half, Berkland ran a quarterback sneak but then came off the field clutching his shoulder. Junior wide receiver and safety Charlie Auditore stepped up and filled in for the injured Berkland.

“At first I thought I was being subbed in at receiver, but once I saw Ty holding his shoulder I knew I had to start throwing and taking snaps,” said Auditore.

Auditore stepped in and was able to control the offense by leading the only scoring drive of the night for the Rebels at the end of the third quarter.

“I was more startled than nervous but once I got through that first drive I got more comfortable,” said Charlie.

Walpole seemed to be coming back after their scoring drive in the third quarter, but after Milton took over with great field position in the fourth quarter and scored, the game was all but out of reach. Milton shut down the Rebel offense for the rest of the night, and their offense scored one more time making the final 28-7.

Auditore will be getting the start this Friday night as the Rebels square off at home against their undefeated cross town rivals, the Norwood Mustangs. Berkland’s return time is currently uncertain.