RallyNorth.net

Thu, Nov 23, 2006 10:00 AM @ Danvers

Team	Final
Gloucester	25
Danvers	13

Fulford scores three touchdowns leading Fishermen over Falcons

Friday, August, 24 By Steve Maniaci
Staff writer

DANVERS | Andrew Fulford wanted to seize the morning.

The Gloucester junior halfback wanted to help the team erase memories of back-to-back heartbreaking losses at Dr. Deering Field in 2002 and 2004. He also wanted to give the seniors a going-away gift with a win in their final game.

Fulford racked up 144 total yards and three touchdowns helping the Fishermen beat Danvers 25-13.

Fulford rushed for 106 yards on 20 carries. He moved past Steve Marshall into second place on the school's all-time single season scoring list with his effort. He finishes the season with 134 points, leaving him six points shy of tying Jason Thompson for first.

Senior tri-captain Bryan Sanborn also scored for the Fishermen. Brett Fravel scored both Danvers touchdowns. The Falcons also received a solid game from senior Colin Lynch who rushed for 101 yards on 28 carries.

Fulford deflected individual praise citing his offensive line for his performance.

"I had a good game but I am never going to take credit," Fulford said. "It was all my offensive line and without them none of us can do anything. It's just a great feeling to get the win here."

Gloucester (9-2) turned two Danvers turnovers into 13 first half points. John Celata recovered a bad Danvers snap on the Falcons five yard line with three seconds left in the first quarter. Fulford scored his first touchdown on a straight ahead plunge giving Gloucester a 7-0 lead. Fulford added his second touchdown of the first half increasing the lead to 13-0.

The Fishermen cashed in on another Danvers turnover just before the half ended when Mike Burbine intercepted a Lynch pass at the Falcons 25-yard line. Sanborn turned that turnover into six points when he scored on a one yard run making it 19-0 at halftime.

"Those turnovers hurt," Danvers coach Mike Stellato said. "We talked about having to play mistake free football to beat a good team like Gloucester and we didn't do it. It's a shame because the kids fought hard in the second half."

Danvers (3-7) sprung to life after Fulford opened the second half with his third score making it 25-0. The Falcons played their signature ball control offense eating 13:48 off the game clock. Both drives resulted in scores as Brett Fravel scored from three yards out in the third quarter, plus three yards out in the fourth quarter to account for the Falcons points.

"These guys came out in the second half and had a little more spunk to them," Stellato said. "They played hard. I am really proud of them. I'm proud of my seniors who put a big stamp on this program with their leadership and work ethic." Gloucester football coach Paul Ingram praised Fulford's play. He was also pleased with the way his team closed the year. "Boy he's something," said Ingram of Fulford. "How he breaks tackles I don't know. That is the thing that amazes me the most. He is just so tough to bring down. I am very proud of him. It is not just the Fulford show, it is everybody's show but he makes it happen. This was a great year. The kids played exciting football. They played hard every game and that's what makes it worthwhile. We improved overall and got better as the season went on. It was a great year."