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READING — Whittier couldn't have picked a worst time for its worst performance in five years. In fact, the Wildcats struggled just as much as they did that December day in 2008.

Fourth-seeded Austin Prep ran roughshod over the fifth-seeded Wildcats in yesterday's Division 5 quarterfinals en route to a convincing 36-0 victory.

BILLERICA — Thanks to a dominating regular-season finale, Whittier heads into the upcoming Division 5 playoffs exactly how a contender wants to advance — on a roll.

Winning for the fifth time in six games, the Wildcats breezed past Shawsheen 27-7 in yesterday's final Commonwealth Conference game. The Wildcats, who entered the weekend holding the fifth seed in the North.

HAVERHILL —A season ago, Whittier claimed the biggest victory of its season with a dramatic game-winning touchdown pass with 44 seconds left at Northeast Tech.

Yesterday, the drama was the same but the roles reversed, as Northeast scored with 1:38 to go in regulation for a come-from-behind 18-14 victory over the Wildcats.

ANDOVER – Very few area teams habitually share the rushing wealth as much as Whittier. But even the Wildcats know how to ride a hot back.

WESTFORD — As little as three weeks ago, Whittier had an open weekend on its schedule. Lowell Catholic wishes the Wildcats had looked elsewhere to fill the void. Forced to play at Westford Academy because of EEE concerns in Haverhill, Whittier relied on its rushing attack to roll past the Crusaders for a 30-0 nonconference victory last night. "We scheduled this about two weeks ago," Whittier coach Kevin Bradley said. "I looked on the MIAA web site and (the Crusaders) were there. They said 'Sure, let's play.' " The Wildcats (2-1) were the only ones having fun, however, as Sidney Taylor and Scott Bonneau scored on 51 and 47 yard runs, respectively, providing a 16-0 first-quarter lead. Jesus Sanchez, who scored a conversion run after Taylor's touchdown, ignited a 14-point third-quarter attack with a 17-yard run followed by another conversion for a 24-0 advantage with 7:11 left. But that trio was only part of Whittier's 15-man rushing attack that compiled 262 yards on 39 carries. "We have the ability to be explosive, but then we shoot ourselves in the foot," Kevin Bradley said, alluding to his squad's seven penalties. "But we're still young. Bonneau is the only senior that carried the ball." Fending off Crusaders: Lowell Catholic couldn't complain about field position last night as the Crusaders began four of their first eight possessions in Whittier territory. In fact, only two of their nine possessions began farther than 60 yards from the end zone. Whittier, however, shut down the Crusaders, allowing only 97 total yards — 47 on two plays. The Wildcats had fumble recoveries by Jake McCartney and Zach Zullo and interceptions from Mitchell Censullo, Joshua Barton and Richard Vazquez. Taylor and Kris Cole each posted a sack. "That defense is strong," Whittier coach Kevin Bradley said. "Thery're gelling and starting to believe in themselves. Our goal is to put pressure on the quarterback, especially with the spread teams. We're trying to make them throw the ball quick. That's our philosophy. And what I like from our (defensive backs) is they go after the ball." Finishing by air: Whittier closed out its scoring with a 22-yard scoring pass from Connor Bradley to Jaylin Deveau, the same pair that connected for the conversion after Bonneau's long TD run. "We're getting more experience and working hard in practice," Sanchez said. "After that (season-opening) loss (to Austin Prep) everyone wants to win now ... We're starting to move the ball better. We're getting the outside sweeps going and the inside game is good, too."

BELLINGHAM — The Wildcats put the hard-fought opening game loss to Austin Prep and the 75-minute ride to Bellingham behind them.

Whittier turned in a strong two-way effort and blitzed Bellingham 38-12. Scott Bonneau scored three times while Connor Bradley fired two touchdown passes.