Connolly Leads Tewksbury Over L-S

Sean Connolly lead his team on both sides of the ball.

At quarterback and safety, the senior was able to lead the Tewksbury High football team to a 28-17 road win over Lincoln-Sudbury, Friday night. Connolly had three passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and an interception in the game.

"(Connolly) showed he is one of the better kids out there," said Tewksbury head coach Brian Alyward. "Every time we needed a big play he did it."

The Redmen were able to control the clock early. On a drive that took up over six minutes, Tewksbury was able to move the ball down the field and score on a pass to senior Ryan Viber.

"It was huge to get an early lead," said Alyward." "Since they have such big lineman, if they get up on you they are very tough."

"Then they can just grind the clock out."

Despite a strong kick return by senior Marc Pace, the Warriors failed to convert on their first set of downs. With a rushing attack, lead by senior halfback Anthony Arcari and Connolly, the Redmen were able to move down the field for a second passing touchdown midway through the second quarter.

"The kids executed some great plays," said Alyward. "(Connolly) showed some savvy and poise."

After two unsuccessful drives halted by an interception and penalties, senior quarterback Matt Cahill was able to move the ball to the 16-yard-line. A field goal with two seconds left would send the warriors into half down 14-3.

"We threw the ball pretty well," said Thomas Lopez, the L.S. head coach. "I thought we would be stronger defensively."

The Warriors were able to move the ball in the first half, but could not score at the same consistency as Tewksbury.

A 44-yard drive capped off with a touchdown pass by Cahill would give L-S its first touchdown and lower the lead lead to 14-10 with 8:06 left in the third.

"We came out of half time with a lot of intensity," said Cahill. "The offensive line played great all night. They did a great job of picking up blitzes."

"The wide receivers ran hard routes."

The Redmen would respond with two touchdowns. Two fourth-down conversions by Connolly late in the fourth quarter would be crucial for Tewksbury to score the second touchdown and gain a 28-10 lead.

"I did not want to kick off again," said Alyward about the fourth down attempts. "I do not think they had a kick off where they did not return it to midfield."

"I also did not want to kick a field goal because we had not tried it from further out."

Despite a late rushing touchdown by sophomore Brian Carroll and an onside recovery, the Warriors were unable to even the score. Cahill would end the day with one touchdown and two interceptions.

"Our kids worked awfully hard coming into this year," said Alyward. "I am thrilled to be able to come out on top against a great program like (L.S.)."

"Our senior players were able to lead the team and maintain the momentum."

Tewksbury will play Lawrence High at home next Saturday.