Turn the clocks back to early Sept. From its 34-0 thrashing of Norton on opening night, murmurs spread throughout the streets of Peabody of an impressive Bishop Fenwick football team. Led by Head Coach Dave Woods, the Crusaders are 9-1 and currently riding a three-game winning streak. That said, they face a tricky opponent in the North Reading Hornets on Friday – a game that should have both fanbases a bit nervous. Here are some things to keep an eye on as the Hornets and Crusaders square off for a bid to the Division 5 state championship on Friday at Manning Field (7 p.m.).
1. Home-field advantage: forget about it
Fenwick is 6-0 at home this season while the Hornets are 6-1. Away from Donaldson Stadium in Peabody, Fenwick is 3-1, and away from Arthur J. Kenney Field, North Reading is 3-0. Despite the impressive showings, the Final Four brings teams to a neutral location. This Friday, Fenwick and North Reading will square off at Manning Field in Lynn. Both faithfuls should travel well, but only time will tell which team can outplay the other under the neutral circumstances. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Fenwick has played at the newly-refurbished Manning Field earlier this season against St. Mary’s – an overtime thriller that ended with the Crusaders picking up a comeback win on the road. So, seeing if a familiar piece of turf can benefit Fenwick is something to watch out for.
2. Two explosive offenses
Fenwick has scored 305 points this season, an average of 30.5 over 10 games. Despite the rather eye-popping statistic, North Reading has scored 439 points with an average of 43.9 points per game. Other than their one loss against Amesbury (30-27), the Hornets scored 35 or more points in every game this season and 50+ points in back-to-back games earlier this fall. On the defensive end, Fenwick has allowed 123 points while North Reading has allowed 122, so Friday’s game may come down to which defense can slow down its opposing hot offense.
3. Some fun players to watch
If you live around Peabody, you know this Fenwick team has lots of starpower. From Bryce Leaman’s accuracy in the pocket, to the two-headed monster running backs of Troy Irizarry and Anthony Nichols who are capable of dominating the statistics page on a nightly basis, and to Costa Beechin’s efficient outings at the receiver position, the Hornets defense faces a tough test. During Fenwick’s game at Manning Field – the site of Friday’s game – Beechin hauled in six catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns. However, North Reading has players to pinpoint as well. Against Newburyport, quarterback Alex Carucci impressed with 270 yards and five total touchdowns. In the same game, Craig Rubino caught seven passes for 174 yards as the Hornets stung the Clippers.
4. Potential of a close game
In the Division 5 playoffs, neither Fenwick or North Reading has played a close game. The Crusaders defeated Auburn (42-7) and Maynard (37-13), while the Hornets won against Dedham (50-18) and Apponequet Regional (40-0). Even looking back at the regular season – Fenwick and North Reading each played in just one game decided by one possession. Granted, both teams have taken care of opponents with ease, but Friday may show us which team can execute down the stretch if the fourth quarter remains tight.
5. Everything’s on the line
On the other side of the bracket, Dover Sherborn and Shawsheen Valley Tech battle to face the winner of Fenwick and North Reading. That matchup pins two 10-0 teams against each other. Also, the Raiders of Dover Sherborn have only allowed 68 points this season, racking up three shutouts along the way. That said, no matter which team wins, players of both Fenwick and North Reading have to be itching at the idea of playing for the state championship against, what will be, a still-undefeated team.
