RallyNorth.net

Vieira (6 TDs) runs wild as Pelham remains unbeaten

Saturday, September, 22 By Tim Donovan
Staff writer

PELHAM, N.H. | Talk on the Newfound sideline revolved solely on stopping Pelham junior Bruce Vieira.

Talking about it, though, is considerably easier than doing it.

Vieira went over, around and through the Bears for an astonishing six touchdowns and 250 yards in a 47-0 shutout. Winless Newfound showered him with attention, but to no avail.

Before almost every snap the coaching staff hollered, "Watch Vieira! Watch Vieira!" When Pelham decided to pass, the battered Bears defense literally breathed a sigh of relief.

Power, speed and durability, Vieira's entire array of skills was on display last night.

Power | Newfound Tylor Brawn was one of the few Bears to get a clean shot at the 5-8, 175-pounder. Vieira didn't even stop, running over the defensive back en route to his fourth touchdown.

Speed | Earlier on the same drive, Vieira burst through the line and dashed 17 yards as helpless Bears fruitlessly tried to slow him down.

Durability | With all eyes and all defenders on No. 36, he ran 21 times, taking some wicked shots along the way.

In the last decade, only two area players have ever scored six times in a game: Georgetown's Brandon Wade last fall and North Andover's Matt Rock in 2002.

Even when he wasn't carrying the ball, Vieira had a major impact on the game.

Sophomore quarterback Joseph DeAngelo again took advantage of the threat Vieira presents. With defenders keying on Vieira, DeAngelo was able to patiently find open receivers. DeAngelo completed eight of 13 passes for 100 yards on the night.

Despite Vieira's career performance and DeAngelo's strong play from the pocket, a fourth quarter touchdown run by sophomore Cameron Robidoux proved to be one of the night's most memorable plays.

Robidoux took a handoff, cut to the outside, and shed three tacklers before turning downfield and running 76 yards to the end zone.

Constantly pressured by junior linemen Bill Helliwell and David Wesson, Bears quarterback John Hilditch threw for just 32 yards on the night.

"Bill Helliwell had a great game at nose tackle," said Pelham coach Tom Babaian, "and Dave Wesson did really well too."

The 4-0 Pythons have outscored their opponents 167-14 on the season, and have posted three shutouts. Pelham will look to extend its streak to five wins in a Friday game against defending Division 5 champion Bishop Brady (3-1, 3-0 Division 5) at Harris Family Track and Field in Pelham.