October 31, 2022 Submitted by Kevin Riordan
The 6th Grade Raiders finished the regular season 8-0 on top of the standings as they head into the playoffs next week. Five times this season the defense didnāt give up a single point in the game while the offense producedĀ an onslaught of 246 points overpowering each opponent. But what might be a first in Hingham youth football is that both the varsity and JV squads went undefeated and credit goes out to the coaches Glenn Forger, Michael Garrity, Scott Huber, Mike Taylor, Shane Nolan, John Peterson, Mitch Syp, Tom Farren and Jake Heller who selflessly gave of their time to develop this young team.
Sundays game started with run stuffing tackles by John Peterson and Frank Cavagnaro forcing Hanover into a quick punt. On their first offensive drive the Raiders were all about the run game as RB Evan Tomasello ran for multiple first downs as did Jack Hart and Hudson Garrity. After a pass interference call at the 12 yard line, QB Garrity ran behind the blocks of Brayden Huber and Will Berkeley for the touchdown and a 6-0 lead. The defense delivered intense pressure from Frank Conway and Cavagnaro as Brayden Huber recovered a fumble. Taking advantage of the momentum QB Garrity threw a bomb to Jack Hart who caught it and stiff armed his way down to the Hanover 38 yard line. Garrity quickly connected with his tight end Shamus Devine down to the 12 yard line. On the run pass option RB Evan Tomasello broke outside the blocks of Duncan Wilder and Andy Gerlach to dive over the pylon for the touchdown for a 12-0 lead. The defense continued to stymie the Hanover offense as safeties Garrity and Cam Forger broke up a 3rd down pass and Mason Aframe tackled the ball carrier forcing a turnover on downs at midfield as the first half wound down.
This dominate defense started the second half with tackles from Cavagnaro, Garrity and John Peterson creating a quick turnover on downs. Evan Tomasello had a big day rushing for close to 100 yards as he picked up a first down. QB Garrity rolled to his right avoiding the pass rush and threw a deep pass to Brayden Huber who dove for the catch at the 2 yard line. Hudson took the snap and followed his blocker Duncan Wilder and Peterson for the touchdown and a commanding 20-0 lead. Hanover began moving the ball with consecutive first downs when Huber and Devine swallowed the ball carrier for losses. Hanover converted a third down deep into Hingham territory when Andy Gerlach and Preston Kirley forced a 3rd long. Feeling the pressure from Huber and Devine the Hanover QB hastily threw the pass which CB Jack Hart stepped in front of and returned it down the sidelines for a 72 yard pick six TD. QB Hudson took the snap and ran it for the PAT putting the Raiders firmly in the lead 28-0 late in the 4th and once again shutting out its opponent
Its onto the playoffs next Sunday at Hingham High School as the 6th graders face arch-rival Bridgewater in the playoffs to continue their pursuit of the championship.