Eagles crush Tigers in 40-6 drubbing, draw rival Cathedral in second round

Sophomore Philippe Guerrier (number 4) to junior James LoChirco has become a common, and
successful, play call for the Eagles this season.

Photo courtesy of: mvrcs.org

By: The Eagle Eye Staff

For the second straight year and the second time in their history, the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School football team has advanced to the MIAA Regional Quarterfinals after a 40-6 dismantling of the Lynn Tech Tigers.

Despite a strong regular season, the Eagles seemed to have drawn a tough first round playoff opponent in the Tigers (4-4), seeing as they had handed the Eagles (8-2) their worst loss of the year by way of a 27-0 shutout in October. And yet, it didn’t take long before the second game between the two teams turned into a laugher on Friday, this time in favor of the Eagles.

“Our kids really came out and played an excellent game in all 3 phases,” head coach Craig Turner said. “We were well prepared and played with a significant chip on our shoulder. We know what kind of team we are and the kids really wanted to show everyone that what happened at their place a month ago wasn't indicative of what kind of team we are.” 

In a monster first half, MV clobbered the competition by scoring 34 unanswered points.

Senior Jayden Jean was the first to hit pay dirt by ending the Eagles’ opening possession with a double reverse. Sophomore quarterback Philippe Guerrier scored on the two point conversion to stake the Eagles to an early 8-0 lead.

The touchdown train continued over the next four Eagle possessions, with two scores coming from junior running back James LoChirco, one from senior receiver Jeremiah Timothee, and another on a sneak from Guerrier from the 8 yard line.

“Our offensive line, [which includes seniors Billy Pescione, Billy Callinan and Robbie Wentzell, sophomore Sean Finn and freshman Dennis Pierce], was incredible tonight,” Turner said. “They played with attitude and toughness and set the tone for us.

LoChirco also joined the fray from the defensive side of the ball along with standout seniors Billy Callanan and Kyle Larson-Santusanio, forcing numerous short possessions and giving the offense a plethora of opportunities.

By the time the dust settled, MV had held the Tigers to 19 all-purpose yards in the first half while gaining 245 of their own.

In a second half that was more of a formality than anything, the Eagles padded their lead when senior Jeremiah Timothee scored on a 30 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

The Tigers managed to score once in the fourth quarter, but when the clock hit zero, it was the Eagles who walked away with the impressive win and a date with rival Cathedral High School in the semi-final round next week.

Cathedral knocked off the Eagles in the regional finals of the 2014 campaign, ending a Cinderella season that saw MV make the playoffs for the first time in their history. After scoring a knockout win over a team that beat them badly earlier this year, the Eagles will be licking their chops for an opportunity to avenge last year’s seaon-ender.

“We'll be playing Cathedral next week at home and we'll need our crowd to come out in full force,” Turner said. “Cathedral is the class of our division. They've been the most dominant team in the division the last 5 years. […] They are big, fast and very well coached. I know we're going to prepare like crazy this week and we'll see what shakes out next weekend.”