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Chen rushes for 284 yards, Andover locks up playoff berth

Friday, October, 24 By David Willis
Staff writer

ANDOVER — One year ago, Andover found itself on the outside looking in on the new Massachusetts football playoff system, relegated to the losers bracket after a 4-3 start.

A season later, the Golden Warriors weren’t going to be left out again.

“Last year hurt bad,” said quad-captain Chis Tully. “It was awful being left out of the playoffs. Every day we were focused on getting back to the postseason, and to respond like we did this season makes me so proud of this team.”

Led by a stunning 284-yard, 38-carry tour de force by breakout star Kevin Chen, Andover rolled over Lowell 28-14 on Friday night.

The victory clinched a playoff berth for the Golden Warriors as the No. 2 team out of the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 1, behind just MVC Division 1 champion Central Catholic.

“This just means everything to us,” said Chen. “As a senior, our class just worked out butts off all year. It was rough not being in the playoffs last year. To get it done we had to dedicate ourselves and storm the field and celebrate on the A (logo) is just excellent.”

Chen’s career day began with loud statement.

With the Golden Warriors starting the game at their 15-yard-line, the senior speedster carried the ball on the first eight plays of the game, chewing up all 85 yards and finishing it off with a 9-yard score.

“We knew going in that the game play was to run it down their throats,” said Chen, who now has 1,035 yards and 12 touchdowns. “Any running back would be thrilled to get the ball that many times, so I was pumped.”

By the end of the first quarter he had already rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns, at halftime he had already gained  210 yards — his second straight games over 200 yards — and he finished with the career-best 284.

“We love Chenny,” said Tully. “We will give him the ball 100 times a game. He takes a beating and keeps on going. He’s an awesome back to block for.”

Known primarily for his elite speed, the 5-foot-8, 172-pound Chen showed his gritty running style to pound out tough yards inside. He was the man until the end, rushing on the final nine plays of the game to ice the victory.

“Chen is amazing every game in and out,” said sophomore QB E.J. Perry IV. “He carried the ball about 40 times, he just kept pounding and he did a great job. This is a guy that gave his all to do this and he has been awesome.”

When it wasn’t Chen it was Perry who hung points on the board. The young QB connected with Alex Marshall on a 4-yard touchdown, then in the third made a terrific play to buy time before hitting Christopher Nicholas for a score.

The Andover defense also delivered its best game of the season, limiting Lowell to just 20 passing yards heading into the final drive of the game — a possession Zach Walker ended with a pass knocked down in the end zone. The only score allowed by the Warriors was a 61-yard touchdown run by Syracuse-bound Shy Cullen, who was otherwise held in check.

The Golden Warriors now wait the playoff matchups announced on Sunday.

“This is huge,” said quad-captain Brian Duffy. “After getting knocked off last year, we wanted more than anything to get back to the playoffs. Now we are excited to play in the postseason.”