Firepower galore will be on display early Saturday morning as Sean Mayo leads the Holliston air attack against running back Blaise Blanchard and Cardinal Spellman.
For Holliston, this marks their second appearance in the state championship in as many years. Last year, they bowed to Austin Prep. For them to prevent a similar outcome, they'll need their defense to be at its best. Kevin LaMarque and Tommy McCarthy will be charged with the task of assuring the Cardinal Spellman offensive line isn't allowed to produce the gaping holes Blanchard has run through all season. If they can stand tall and make a few plays in the backfield, Holliston's chances will increase dramatically.
On offense, enough can't be said about how talented the Panthers are. Mayo leads a unit that posted a whopping 39.9 points per game during the regular season, and dropped 35 on a Rockland team that was allowing just 10.4 Running back Jake Frechette has been their feature back, putting up ten rushing touchdowns and doing a tremendous job keeping defenses from keying on his teams passing attack.
Expect to see a heavy dose of Mr. Blanchard when Spellman has the ball. The senior has amassed 36 touchdowns this season, and has proved that he is every bit as explosive as some of the more heralded backs. Balance will be key for the Cardinals, however, as Holliston may present the best front seven they have seen this season.
Defensively, discipline will be demanded. Holliston does a great job mixing in the pass with the run, and if the Spellman defense doesn't stay home and mindful of the play-action, Holliston will put up points in a hurry.
The Cardinals have more than enough talent to contend with the Panthers. They are statistically the stingiest defense in Division 3A, shutting out opponents five times this year. Outside linebacker Kevin Stanton is the leader of this bunch, registering 80-plus tackles.
Ball control will be the key. Cardinal Spellman has the pass rush ability to get in Mayo's face, which means it could very well come down to a battle between Frechette and Blanchard. The team that shows the ability to control the clock will find themselves victorious.
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