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Lynnfield Pioneers Football '06

Sat, Oct 28, 2006 11:00 AM @ Lynnfield
Team Final
Pentucket 35
Lynnfield 15

Pentucket splashes past Lynnfield

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Wednesday, August, 29 By Chuck Frye
Staff writer

LYNNFIELD | Bad weather is often considered an equalizer, but just as often it's a magnifier. One slight mistake in executing a play can be compounded into lost yardage or even a turnover. Conversely, if one is able to rise above the conditions and shine, positive results will most likely be even greater.

Lynnfield's gridiron was muddy at midfield due to windswept rain, but Pentucket had the speed and execution to get its running backs to the sidelines where the footing was much better. On the other hand, the Pioneers' hurry-up offense couldn't find a rhythm. The Sachems splashed their way to a 35-15 victory, improving their overall record at 4-4.

"There wasn't much footing in the inside, so the outside was a little bit better," Pentucket head coach Steve Hayden said. "(Chris) Troy ran well, (Nate) Bunnell ran well and we got some blocks on some people up front."

Troy was most effective at turning the corner, blasting down the sidelines for well over 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The highlight of his day came with 3:22 left in the third quarter when, behind persistent downfield blocking from tight end Justin Bolla and running back Jeff Puopolo, the senior paddled 79 yards untouched for a touchdown and a 28-0 Sachem lead.

Bunnell pounded the interior on Lynnfield's defense effectively, scoring on a 15-yard run set up by a 61-yard Puopolo ramble to start the third quarter. Bunnell also had a 35-yard punt return to set up a 4-yard Puopolo TD jaunt early in the fourth quarter and was dominant at right defensive end (one sack, one hurry, two tackles for lost yardage in the third quarter alone).

Pentucket's other score came in the second quarter on a fine 22-yard hookup between quarterback Liam Crawford and Bolla. Bolla also shook off the sloppy situation to drill all five point-after kicks.

Against the Sachems' second stringers, Lynnfield (1-7) posted a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns that forced the starters to return but the Pioneers never seriously threatened.

"Give Lynnfield credit, they battled to the end," Hayden concluded. "Under lousy conditions, this was a good win for our team."

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