North Andover
Much to my chagrin, I have not been able to see North Andover in person this year. Seeing how good they look on film has made that fact even more of a downer. The Scarlet Knights offense is explosive and capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Their defense is smart, powerful, and dominant in every way. They've dropped just one game, to Andover, a team that is two divisions above them.
On the offensive side of the ball, everything runs through quarterback Brandon Walsh, who has 28 total touchdowns and has found the end zone in all of his teams wins. The Scarlet Knights are averaging 36.4 points per game, and have been able to drop 40-plus points on six different occasions. Solely stopping Walsh doesn't assure Pentucket a win, however. Jack Murphy and John Iannone are bruisers who give their team the option of grinding out long drives should they need to.
No defense in Division 2A has been stingier than North Andover, as they are allowing just 9.7 points per game. Seniors Mike Weisman and Murphy are among the best linebacking tandems in the state, and Kyle Robbins has done a good job disrupting opponents running and passing games. The key to their holding off Pentucket will be their ability to stay strong in their gaps and disallow a very talented Pentucket line to create space.
North Andover tid-bits
- North Andover is 2-0 against GBL opponents this year, winning those games by a combined score of 98-25.
- Their margin of victory against Cape Ann Large opponents stands at 52.
- Who has scored the Scarlet Knights lone defensive touchdown? Brandon Walsh, on a 16 yard interception return against Cambridge.
Pentucket
The underdogs have plenty to feel good about. They've won five straight, boast one of the most balanced teams in Division 2A, and look to have a great chance of knocking off their nemesis this weekend. For that to happen, Pentucket will need to force turnovers and play disciplined defense, then find a way to control the clock on offense.
On offense, the Sachems are a team of many weapons. Quarterback Mike Doud has done an excellent job leading his team, showing the ability to execute the play action fake at a high level. Paul Treado is not only the Sachems most explosive back, but he is also their kicker, having knocked through five field goals. If Pentucket can get Treado and the running game working early, it'll allow Doud more time to find John Modlish and the other talented Pentucket receivers.
Nolan Dragon is the driving forces behind this defense. He starts at both fullback and linebacker, and has the ability to affect the game on both sides of the ball. Doud is an excellent defensive back whose ball skills will be put to the test this weekend. The Sachem defense will have their hands full, but if they can each do their job and take away either the run or the pass, they will put themselves in position to walk out of North Andover with another win.
Pentucket tid-bits
- Pentucket has beaten North Andover in each of their last four meetings.
- A freak first quarter safety against Ipswich is all that stood between Pentucket and a shutout.
- Paul Treado has converted all but one extra point attempt this year; Masconomet was able to block one last week.
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