RallyNorth.net

Haverhill uses running game to roll past Lawrence

Saturday, September, 27 By David Willis
Staff writer

HAVERHILL — Samie Al-Ziab’s face showed the wear and tear of a tough afternoon, as he took a moment to wipe away the blood running from the gash above his nose.

“This was a long, hot, tough game, but it was sure worth it,” said Al-Ziab with a smile. “We wanted this one so bad after getting embarrassed two weeks ago. Today we got to show the team that we are.”

On Haverhill’s third play from scrimmage, the 220-pound Al-Ziab broke free for a 33-yard touchdown, and it was smooth sailing from there as the Hillies rushed for 409 yards as a team on the way to surging past Lawrence 41-14 Saturday afternoon at Haverhill Stadium.

“It was an amazing day,” said running back Pedro Santiago. “It has been a tough two weeks, and it feels great to be able to redeem ourselves.”

Haverhill entered the steamy afternoon — which was estimated to be over 90 degrees on the artificial turf — with an extra chip on its collective shoulder after the Merrimack Valley Conference small favorites fell 40-0 to Central Catholic two weeks ago.

“That loss was very tough on us,” said linebacker Phil Panici. “We had two weeks of very tough practices, and that paid off. We wanted to show that we are the team everyone was talking about and we are a threat in the conference. It feels amazing to play like it.”

The Hillies, who have run primarily pistol and spread offenses during Tim O’Connor’s five years at the helm, showed a new look yesterday, running almost exclusively a tight double-wing with two tight ends along with Al-Ziab, Santiago and Ian Kessel in the backfield.

“The (tight offense) is something that we picked up and decided to give a try,” said offensive lineman Matt Haskell. “We decided with out big, talented line we could push some people around and let our talented backs make something happen.”

That worked to perfection yesterday, as the combination of Santiago (144 yards, 2 touchdowns), Kessel (126 yards, 2 TDs) and Al-Ziab (96 yards, TD) all ran wild. The three combined for 258 yards in the first half alone as the Hillies rushed out to a 27-0 advantage at the break.

“The double wing is great because as running backs we could just pick a hole and go,” said Santiago, a sophomore who had just 53 career rushing yards going into the day. “And when you have big guys like Samie and Haskell and Panici pushing kids around it is even easier.”

Haverhill started fast, as Casey O’Sullivan ended Lawrence’s first drive with an interception that set up Al-Ziab’s first score. The Hillies then forced a three-and-out and Kessel broke a 71-yard touchdown.

“We fell behind to Central Catholic early so we know how hard it is to fight back from that,” said Panici, who made a team-high 16 tackles. “On defense we just tried to fly around, fill holes and hit hard.”

The Hillies now hope they can carry that momentum into next Saturday’s clash with Methuen.

“There is no better feeling than when you make a huge hit, look up and see the running back going for a touchdown,” said Haskell. “Coach emphasized that we needed this win, and we feel like this could start a run.”