October 5, 2021 by Kevin Riordan
A smothering defense that prevented Marshfield from ever entering the redzone and an explosive 2nd quarter offense led the 8th graders to a 20-0 romp of Marshfield on Sunday. This stingy defense led by bruising tackles from Jack Germain and Eli Melendes quickly forced Marshfield to punt on their opening drive. QB Jake Varholak quickly went to work throwing a short strike to Cavan Nicholas and an 18 yard fade pass to Deacon Evriviades for first downs. But the Marshfield defense held strong and shut down the drive as the first quarter expired.
Opening the second quarter QB Varholak torched the Marshfield defense hitting a wide open JT Reale for a 21 yard touchdown in the back of the end zone. After the unsuccessful extra point JT Reale pinned Marshfield deep in their own territory with a monstrous kickoff. The defense featured a key pass break up by Eli Melendes, run stuffing tackles by Cam McKenna and Andrew Sullivan to force a turnover on downs. Riding the momentum, QB Varholak went to work throwing a strike to Chase Beighley who ran down to the 6 yard line. Rolling right Varholak then threw a dart to Ian Smith for the touchdown to make it 12-0. Defensive linemen Mac Corey, Charlie Shape and LB’s Cam McKenna and Aedan Milligan were a disrupting force in the Rams backfield all afternoon forcing a turnover on downs. With seconds remaining in the first half, Varholak threw a bomb to the corner of the end zone where Cavan Nicholas made an over the shoulder catch for a 48 yard TD. On the two point conversion RB Evriviades took the direct snap and passed the ball to JT Reale who was all alone in the end zone to take a commanding 20-0 lead into halftime.
Receiving the second half kickoff and steadily in control, QB Varholak led the Raiders offense downfield highlighted by a quick slant pass to Chase Beighley who made the most of the yards after catch to bring the ball down to the 8 yard line. Holding their ground, Marshfield prevented the Raiders from scoring and forced a turnover on downs. Not to be outdone, the Raiders defense produced tackles for loss by Matt Griffin, Aedan Milligan, Jack Daley and Wyatt Averett to give the Raiders the ball back.
Running backs Drew St Pierre, Ian Smith and Chase Beighley capped off the day with multiple positive yardage run plays that secured the shutout win giving the Raiders a 4-0 record.
The JV squad showed its prowess this weekend by also beating Marshfield’s JV team 24-0 with QB’s Brody Beale and Liam Rogers connecting with receiver Teddy Anderson for two TD passes and solid rushing attack from Matt Thorley, Jack Daley, Owen Bernard and Tommy Riordan.
Come support the Raiders next Sunday Oct 8th at Hingham High School as they host Raynham.