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Late rally falls short for Sachems

Saturday, October, 22 By David Willis
Staff writer

WEST NEWBURY — On a day Pentucket celebrated the only two head football coaches to walk the sidelines in 50 years, the Sachems showed the resilience the two coaches have long taught with a dramatic late drive.

But a game-winning 33-yard field goal with 26 left in the game was off target, and the Sachems fell to Winthrop 21-20 yesterday afternoon.

“The kids didn’t give up,” said Sachem head coach Steve Hayden. “But they were tough and there was no let-down.”

Winthrop scored with 1:54 left in the game to take a one-point lead.

Pentucket then answered with an eight-play, 49-yard drive to the Vikings’ 14-yard line, with Ryan Kuchar hitting Nolan Dragon on a pair of key passes. But, on fourth down, the field goal on the sloppy field was wide.

“It was just a regular day in high school football,” said Winthrop coach Sean Driscoll with a laugh. “That was a great game and we were fortunate to get out with a win. That is one tough Pentucket team.”

Pentucket trailed 14-6 heading into the fourth quarter, but rallied to take the lead. First, Kuchar connected with Dragon for an 11-yard touchdown and, after a three-and-out, Dragon scored a 6-yard touchdown with 4:02 to take a six-point advantage.

“They took it to us physically through most of the second half after we played a good first half,” said Driscoll. “Between Dragon and (Cody Rothwell) they are very dangerous.”

But Winthrop responded with the game-winning score.

The Sachems were led by senior co-captain Sean Brennan. Having missed the entire season with a leg injury, Brennan rushed for a team-high 81 yards on just eight carries and made 10 tackles.

“It is great to have Sean back,” said Hayden. “And (Kuchar) is getting better as a quarterback as he grows.”

Dragon caught two touchdowns, rushed for one and nine tackles. Nick D’Agostino led the Sachems with 12 tackles while Tim Freiermuth made 10 stops, recovered a fumble and caught an 18-yard pass.

Hayden, Flahertys honored

At halftime yesterday, both current Pentucket head coach Steve Hayden, now in his 30th year at the helm, and his predecessor Tom Flaherty (head coach 1963-82) were honored with a field dedication.

They were joined on the field by their wives, Lisa Hayden and Fran Flaherty, and a number of former players, while a moving speech was delivered by former Pentucket athletic director Dave Morse.

Prior to the game, the new press box was dedicated to the late Bruce Flaherty, a former Sachem and the son of Tom.

Hayden holds a career record of 175-138-2, including the 1999 Eastern Mass. Division 4 Super Bowl title, which started a streak of four straight Cape Ann League crowns.

Additional stories:

• VIDEO: Pentucket honors Hayden, Flaherty