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Whittier rolls past Lowell Catholic

Friday, September, 20 By Jeff Hamrick

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."