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Sylvester, Andover run over Billerica

Friday, October, 11 By David Willis
Staff writer

BILLERICA — The first month-plus of the season had been a nightmare for Andover running back Jack Sylvester.

An ankle injury kept him out of the opener and hobbled him for Game 2, and two personal fouls against Central Catholic led to a suspension a week ago against Chelsmsford.

“It was a mistake and I felt so bad,” he said. “It was heartbreaking.”

Last night, Sylvester was the one breaking hearts.

The Golden Warrior running back was back to his dominant self for the first time all year, shredding Billerica for 217 yards and three touchdowns and was complimented by a tremendous defensive effort on the way to an Andover 36-7 drubbing of the Indians, snapping a three-game losing streak.

“Finally!” he said after the game. “I finally feel like myself again. I had the injury and then made the huge mistake. So it feels so good to be back running and helping the guys again.”

Sylvester wasted no time showing Billerica he meant business.

He opened Andover’s first drive of the night with a 21-yard catch, then a play later broke free for a 39-yard touchdown. After a three-and-out for the Indians, Sylvester took his third carry of the day to the house for a 25-yard touchdown.

He finished the first half with 185 yards on just 11 carries — a 16.8 yard average — well over his output from the first four weeks combined.

“That first big run was huge,” he said. “I felt like, ‘Ok, I am back. Now I can play football.’”

The Warriors were thrilled to have their biggest offensive weapon back in stride.

“He was unbelievable,” said lineman Ben Hartford. “He is our running game. He is the most powerful running back around.”

While Sylvester was ripping the Indian defense, the Golden Warrior defense was also dominating.

Andover allowed just 4 rushing yards, and the majority of Billerica’s 133 passing yards came late in the fourth with the game well in hand.

Will Eikenberry continued to dominate with 12 tackles while Cole Organisciak and Ommel Bonilla each had a sack and John Oteri and Brandon Marti each had an interception that set up a touchdown.

“We got the job done and were playing out game for the first time this season,” said Oteri.