November 13, 2023 By Kevin Riordan
The 7th graders undefeated season continues, but they have some unfinished business from last year to take care of which they plan to do next Saturday in the Super Bowl for the chalice. It was evident early on that this playoff game against Norwood have to be won with speed and execution. The Raiders scored an unanswered 30 points as QB Hudson Garrity had one of his best games leading his team with four rushing touchdowns and a fifth with a TD pass. The defense recorded its highest number of sacks, an 86 yard pick six interception as the offense scored their most points in a game this season. The Super Bowl pits a re-match with Natick you won’t want to miss.
On the first possession the Raiders ripped off multiple first downs on runs by Evan Tomasello and a Hudson Garrity pass to Johnny Heller that set up a first and goal. The front line of Denny Costello, Frank Cavagnaro, John Peterson, Duncan Wilder and Will Berkeley carried out their blocks opening a hole for (QB) Garrity to dart into the end zone for the touchdown putting the Raiders ahead 6-0. Norwood moved the ball by throwing for multiple first downs until Teddy Lovendale sacked the QB causing a fumble that Norwood recovered for a big loss. On the next play, defensive ends Costello and Shamus Devine sacked the QB forcing a 3rd and a long 31 yards. But the resilient Norwood QB threw a perfect pass to his receiver who outran every Hingham defender for a touchdown. After kicking the extra point Norwood took an 8-6 lead.
Trailing for the first time all season and finding themselves in unfamiliar territory there was a fleeting moment of shock on the players faces. A poised and collected (QB) Garrity led his team down field following blocks by Cavagnaro, Wilder and Devine to run for a first down. (RB) Evan Tomasello bolted for 14 yards and Garrity threw a strike to Johny Heller for another first down. From the shotgun (QB) Garrity ran outside a block from Ryan Crespi and cut back inside for a 15 yard TD run to put the Raiders back on top 12-8 and most importantly regained the momentum for his team. The Raiders would not look back as Frank Cavagnaro sacked the Norwood QB causing a fumble that Mason Aframe recovered at the 41 yard line. Back on offense Garrity scrambled avoiding a sack to gain positive yardage. (RB) Andrew Nolan and Tomasello ran the ball down to the 6 yard line where (QB) Garrity followed his blockers Will Taylor and Braden Oun to trot in for the TD and an 18-8 lead. The defense rode the momentum with Andy Gerlach tipping a pass to force a 4th and long. Norwood tried to execute a fake punt, but Teddy Lovendale did not bite as he tackled the kicker to recover the ball with just a minute remaining in the half. (QB) Garrity on the play action faked the pass and scampered into the endzone for his third touchdown. (RB) Carter Karis followed his blocker Mason Devine for the extra point and a convincing 25-8 lead into halftime.
In the second half the Raiders picked up where they left off on defense as Shamus Devine jumped a pass route to intercept the ball by his finger tips and run it back for a 86 yards for a pick six TD. Coen Melgoza bulldozed his way in for the extra point and a 32-8 lead. Shamus Devine has both the longest TD catch and Interception return on the season. In the second half Cam Forger and Jack Hart relentlessly put pressure on the Norwood QB with help from lineman Braden Oun, Taylor Bradl, Preston Kirley and a sack by Duncan Wilder forced a turnover on downs. Hingham quickly capitalized as (QB) Garrity threw a short pass to Tomasello who ran it in for a 13 yard TD and the 38-8 lead. The defense with tackles from Mickey Syp, Duncan Wilder, Wes Govoni, Ryan Fernquist and Ryan Crespi secured the victory to send the Raiders to the Super Bowl. Please support the 7thgraders at 4:30pm Saturday 11/18 at Natick HS.