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Whittier rallies for thrilling win

WAKEFIELD — It took just under 44 minutes for Whittier to grab its first lead of the day, but when the Wildcats did take the advantage, they made it count.

Trailing by a score with less than two minutes to play, Whittier delivered an 85-yard drive that Jaylin Deveau finished off with a 12-yard touchdown reception from Connor Bradley with 19 seconds left to give the Wildcats an 18-16 come-from behind victory over Northeast.

“This was a big victory for us,” said coach Kevin Bradey. “Especially going there, playing a team that won the (Division 4A) Super Bowl two years ago. I am so proud of the way our guys played today.”

Whittier trailed 16-6 with six minutes to go in the game, but quickly turned the tide when they cut the lead to 16-12 when Connor Bradley hit Justin Reyes for a 22-yard score.

Northeast, however responded with a drive to the Whittier 15-yard line.

But on fourth-and-3, Dave Sachs and Deveau combined to stuff the runner at the line, causing the turnover on downs that set up the game-winning drive.

“If they get that first down, the game is over,” said Bradley. “That was a big play, and Jake McCarthy and Shahib Blount also came up with huge plays during that stand.”

Connor Bradley, Kevin’s son, excelled, completing 9-of-18 passes for 212 yards and all three Whittier scores. Brandon Lyons was his favorite target, catching four passes for 115 yards, while Justin Reyes made three grabs for 76 yards.

Jesus Sanchez also did plenty of damage for the Wildcats on the ground, carrying 22 times for 142 yards.

“The receivers made some very acrobatic catches,” said Kevin Bradley. “And Scott Bonneau made a huge interception. It was a huge win. After the game, all the kids and parents ran onto the field. We have had some great comebacks this season. It feels like we are doing it every week.”