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Central clinches MVC crown by crushing Chelmsford

Thursday, October, 24 By David Willis
Staff writer

LAWRENCE — D’Andre Drummond-Mayrie had been waiting for this moment.

The senior had been waiting for it since last season’s Thanksgiving disappointment and the 2010 Turkey Day loss, both of which cost playoff trips. He had been waiting for it since he first strapped on a Central Catholic football helmet as a freshman.

So when it finally arrived, Drummond-Mayrie couldn’t help but lead the cheers.

“This is huge!” said the running back/defensive back. “I am just so excited. Finally!”

With the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 1 title on the line, Central Catholic whipped Chelmsford 46-19 last night to earn the Raiders’ first outright league title since their Super Bowl-winning 1998 season.

“This is the best feeling,” said QB Mike Milano. “This is so sweet. After losing the playoff spot to Andover on Thanksgiving last year, we were heartbroken. We wanted more than anything to take it outright this year. We wanted this more than anything.”

The Raiders now advance to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, with their first opponent to be announced on Sunday.

“This was our goal from the beginning of the summer,” said Drummond-Mayrie. “Really since last year. We knew the work would pay off. We took the early lead and that was big.”

Central wasted no time setting the tone, holding Chelmsford to a three-and-out then going on an eight-play drive that Milano finished off with a 3-yard touchdown run.

“That was the momentum setter,” said receiver Cody Demers, who caught six passes for 65 yards. “That gave us confidence, and we fed off that. It really set the emotion for the game.”

Chelmsford tied it early in the second, but the Raiders entered the half with a surge. First Mike Balsamo ran for a 4-yard touchdown, then 1:04 later Milano hit Dan Wilson for a 68-yard score and a 21-7 halftime lead.

The Raiders continued to pour it on to start the third, with Milano running for a 55-yard score and Balsamo scoring from 3-yards out on the first two drives of the third.

Milano ended with another huge night, rushing for 126 yards and four touchdowns and completed 15 of 20 passes for 204 yards and another score.

“Milano was just terrific,” said Drummond-Mayrie, who added 66 rushing yards on four carries. “So was Balsamo and our other back (Markus) Edmunds. That put us on their backs and got the win.”

Balsamo was also a force on defense, picking off a pass and making 10 tackles. Drummond-Mayrie continued to shine with eight tackles and two passes defended and Edmunds also had 10 stops.

“Last year was like kissing your sister sharing the MVC (tri-championship) and missing the playoffs,” said Balsamo. “So it felt amazing to take it this year and have the outright crown. We have worked so hard for this.”

Despite the playoff realignment that meant a shortened regular season and greater emphasis on the postseason, Central coach Chuck Adamopoulos made sure his team knew what the accomplishment meant.

“It means a lot,” said Adamopoulos. “It is a big deal to win the MVC. It’s the first time in a long time and they have earned it.”

The Raiders could not get Adamopoulos with the post-game Gatorade bath, instead getting offensive coordinator John Sexton.

“Coach A would have killed us,” said Drummond-Mayrie. “But we had to get someone. It was awesome. This was a great day. We have waited this for a long time and to accomplish it is awesome. We have some big shoes to fill following that 1998 team.”