A close game after three quarters, a 21 point explosion brought a state title to Tewksbury as the Redmen beat the Plymouth South Panthers 42-14 to win the MIAA Division 3 State Championship.
Trying to keep the explosive Plymouth South running game off the field, the Redmen held on to the ball for the first 7:17 of the game and finished the drive with a one-yard run from Ed Matovu with 2:43 left in the first quarter.
Giving the ball exclusively to Dylan Oxsen on their opening drive, the Panthers tied the game early in the second quarter on a run up the right. A short extra point maintained a 6-7 Tewksbury lead.
James Sullivan picked up the first of this three touchdowns for Tewksbury on the next drive, scoring on a five-yard run with 5:19 left in the half.
Oxsen quickly responded, scoring again from the right with 15 seconds left in the half. The two point conversion took both teams into the half tied at 14-14.
The Redmen picked up a huge break in the third quarter after a botched snap on fourth down by Plymouth South turned the ball over to Tewksbury.
The turnover would lead to a three yard run by Matovu who switched directions after nearly getting stuffed on what would be the go ahead touchdown with 2:13 left in the third quarter.
Sullivan picked up his third touchdown with 3:11 left in the game, locking up a Tewksbury win.
Attempting to pass the ball, a fumble after a reception by Plymouth South's Ryan Donovan led to a touchdown pass to Kevin Dick and Ryan Bednarek's interception returned for a touchdown wrapped up the Redmen's victory.
Tewksbury ends the season at a perfect 13-0 while Plymouth South is 10-3.
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