For the opening game of the 2022 season, Walpole varsity football faced off against Framingham. With a talented roster and adept coaching staff, Walpole sought to defeat Framingham in a commanding fashion. Both Walpole and Framingham are in the Bay State Conference, and in the same division as well. In front of the home crowd, Walpole put on a show for the spectators in attendance. 

The explosive Walpole offense opened the game strong, with Senior Quarterback Corey Kilroy throwing a touchdown pass to Senior Max Collins. Senior Kicker Aidan Feeney kicked the extra point, which he would complete to make the score 7-0. Walpole was quick to strike again , with another touchdown coming from a great catch by Junior Jamall Abdal Khalaq. Yet again Feeney made the extra point, making the score 14-0. Walpole’s defense smothered the Flyers, forcing a fumble resulting in a turnover. Kilroy completed another pass to Senior Sean O’Brien, showcasing the talent that the walpole roster has. Kilroy handed the ball off to captain Andrew Falzone for another touchdown, resulting in a 28-0 score after the successful extra point. Walpole then scored on a run by Junior Logan Keyes, and O’Brien caught another touchdown pass on Walpole’s next drive. With the score 42-0 heading into halftime, Walpole’s dominance would continue. 

In the second half, junior Kamari Hughes forced a fumble near the endzone and Senior Charlie Lyons recovered the ball for a touchdown. Quarterback Noah Mackenzie rushed for a touchdown and Feeney kicked another extra point to make the score 56-0, with Walpole coming out on top. 

Kilroy went a perfect 6/6 passing on the night, throwing 150 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kilroy’s great play and leadership at the quarterback position contributed greatly to Walpole’s offensive dominance in the game. In the second half, Mackenzie went 2/3 passing. Mackenzie threw one touchdown and rushed for another in the dominant win. Feeney went 8/8 on the day, completing all extra point attempts. Walpole’s defense was able to completely shut out Framingham’s offense, holding the team to zero points in four quarters of play. Junior Matt Reynard had a great showing with 10 tackles and forced two fumble recoveries. Sean Moriarty and Falzone also contributed on defense picking up tackles respectively. Walpole’s defense also put constant pressure on Framingham’s quarterback, forcing scrambles in the pocket and resulting in multiple sacks. The immense pressure from Walpole’s defense forced multiple fumbles and cut Framingham’s offensive drives short on multiple occasions. 

The commanding home victory over Framingham opened the season on a high note for Walpole, and the team hopes to continue this success throughout the season. With seven different players scoring a touchdown on the night, the hopes are high for Walpole in the 2022 season.