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Jenkins big in comeback win for Lawrence

Friday, September, 11 By Kyle Gaudette
Correspondent

LOWELL — For nearly a century these teams, Lawrence High and Lowell High, finished their seasons going head-to-head on Thanksgiving Day before packed stadiums.

Some things have changed, including the smaller crowds, and last night the rivals met on opening night in Massachusetts.

Last night was like old times, as Lawrence scored three touchdowns on their first three drives of the second half and held on for dear life to stun Lowell, 28-20, snapping a 17-game losing streak to the Red Raiders dating back to the 1985 "Wing and a Prayer" Thanksgiving game classic.

"Last time we beat them I was on the field," said coach Mike Yameen. "I was a senior and it was a blizzard. We went up to Lowell and scored with 24 seconds left. My good friend Bubba Farrington scored the tying touchdown and Bobby Wing kicked the extra point (19-18)."

The last few years Lawrence has been very close, losing to Lowell last year in overtime.  

"It was a great game (last night)," said Yameen. "We battled back and played well on both sides. We had some timely sacks and a couple of (interceptions). We couldn't get that big first down, Juan Gonzalez got the interception to clinch it. It was very exciting. Beating Lowell means a lot to us."  

Lawrence quarterback Ismael Jenkins led the second half charge for the Lancers, completing 6-of-7 passes in the second half for 136 yards.

Jenkins was an integeral part of both the Lancers air and ground attacks. He threw for two touchdowns in the second half.

The Lancers found themselves down 20-7 when Lowell wideout Keith Lynch caught his second touchdown pass of the game. That would be the last time the Red Raiders would find the end zone, however, as the Lawrence defense didn't allow a point in the second half.    

Lawrence, 1-0, hosts Malden on Friday night at 7 p.m.