Walpole’s high powered offensive attack led by senior Lovey Salvant’s 290 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on just 12 carries blew away Rebel’s archrival, the Natick Redhawks, by a score of 42-7 on Friday, October 16.

The Rebels came out of the gates slow and let up a 65 yard run on the first drive of the game which set up a Natick touchdown just a few plays later. The Rebels looked to be in for another classic dog fight style game against Natick, but the offense responded and Walpole never looked back.

Salvant took a handoff down the Walpole sideline for a 75 yard touchdown to tie the game up 7-7. The Rebel defense took the field and regrouped well from their poor first drive and forced a Natick three-and-out. That was a familiar sight for the rest of the night as Walpole’s defense did not allow another first down for the rest of the time the starting defense was in the game.

Salvant continued to dominate on the ground with three more touchdown runs with help from his fullback Ferry Armand (10 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD).

“The only way I know is the savage way,” said Salvant (who is known as Lovey “Savage” to his teammates).

If Salvant is able to keep up his stellar play in the backfield, the Rebels’ offense will be a dangerous one in the postseason.

There was definite improvement from Walpole’s offensive line this week, a position group that has struggled throughout most of the season. The improvement is a very promising sign as Walpole closes in on the playoffs that start next week.

After beating Natick, the Rebels have their sights set on Dedham (0-6) and the playoffs. Friday night’s game against Dedham determines the Rebels’ seeding in the playoffs. A Walpole win clinches home field advantage for the first game of the playoffs, against most likely Stoughton. Similarly, the Rebels most likely will be seeded 4th overall in the D3 Southwest playoff bracket if they are able to keep Dedham winless on the year. The game is away Friday night at 7 o’clock.