Friday night’s football game between Bishop Fenwick and Maynard was a four-point game in the third quarter after the Crusaders led 17-0 at halftime. The Tigers’ comeback story fell short, however, and the Crusaders exploded in the second half to defeat Maynard and advance to the Final Four of the division 5 tournament, 37-13 at Alumni Field.
Two touchdowns towards the end of the third quarter prevented the scare, as Fenwick quarterback Bryce Leaman found Luke Connolly for two touchdowns in as many drives. The first was a 25-yard toss to a wide open Connolly after an impressive drive through the air from Leaman, and on the final play of the third quarter, Connolly was the recipient of a 21-yard touchdown pass to put the Crusaders ahead 30-13.
Anthony Nichols, continuing his stellar season on the ground, put things away with a 23-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. The 37-13 final may look like an easy win, but Fenwick showed its mental toughness and never folded while on the brink of losing its lead.
The Crusaders were successful on three of their first four drives. Aidan Silva got things started with a 35-yard field goal.
Then came the explosive play that Fenwick’s delivered on many times this fall. The Leaman and Costa Beechin duo connected for an 81-yard touchdown – much to the dismay of the Maynard crowd as Fenwick extended its lead to 17.
Connolly also registered a rushing touchdown in the win. In total, he had five rushes for 43 yards, four catches for 64 yards, and three total touchdowns.
Through the air, Leaman impressed, completing nine of his 15 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Fresh off his recent Item Player of the Week nod, Leaman has shown no signs of slowing down.
On defense, it was a versatile effort with many Crusaders making an impact. Beechin had an interception, Mike DeFelice recorded two sacks, and the defensive line put relentless pressure on the Tigers from the start.
The Crusaders’ ability to respond was the theme of their victory, and Fenwick looks to continue the momentum this Friday against North Reading at Manning Field with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
