RallyNorth.net

Fri, Sep 07, 2007 07:00 PM @ North Andover

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Andover	13	0	6	14	33
North Andover	0	0	0	0	0

Defense, Pierce (4 TDs) do the trick as Andover wallops Knights

Saturday, September, 08 By David Willis
Staff writer

NORTH ANDOVER | Andover quarterback and tri-captain Mike Pierce made it a point to pat most every defensive player on the back after last night's game.

"What more can you ask for than zero points," said the returning Eagle-Tribune All-Star. "We really came into our own late yesterday and it especially showed in the defense."

With Andover's much-publicized passing game struggling, the defense turned in a dominating performance as the Golden Warriors downed neighboring North Andover 33-0 last night in the opening game for both clubs in front of about 2,600 fans at a packed Walsh Stadium.

"The defense played outstanding tonight," said Andover coach Ken Maglio, whose club is ranked 10th in Eastern Mass. "We made the stops that we needed to make and came up big when we needed to. They were very quick and swarmed the ball."

The Golden Warriors allowed only 92 yards of total offense. North Andover managed only four first-downs, three coming on the first possession of the second half. They advanced to Andover's 28-yard line on that drive, by far the furthest they would advance into Golden Warriors territory.

"It was awesome out there tonight," said linebacker Chris Abreu. "We really controlled the front. The running game is always strong for North Andover. ... So we really concentrated on getting control up front. We just played phenomenal."

Abreu tied for the team lead with four tackles, and added a sack and forced a fumble that turned into Mike Pierce's third touchdown of the night.

"He just has great natural instincts and great skill," said Maglio of the linebacker, who made 61 tackles last year. "He does a great job on defense and offense and he is just getting better."

Derrick Beasley added an interception, three tackles and two passes defended and Tripp Stevens and Peter Hanson each made four tackles. In his first varsity start, Andrew Lebowitz stripped North Andover QB Steve Boudreau, and Matt Rayner picked up the fumble and scampered 56 yards for a score.

Andover managed enough offense to back up the defense. After the early struggles in the passing game, the very mobile Pierce (7 for 14 passing, 90 yards) took to the ground and rushed 11 times for 90 yards and a whopping four touchdowns. All of the scores came on quarterback draws out of the shotgun.

After carrying only 22 times last season, and none after week three, Abreu carried eight times for 85 yards last night.

"I think we made a few mental mistakes early like dropped passes and missed assignments," said Pierce, "How can you not be a little jacked up with the huge crowd? But the running game broke out."

Rayner did grab three passes for 53 yards including an impressive 35-yard bomb to set up Andover's first score, and Peter Hanson caught two for 24 yards.

North Andover struggled in its first game without two-time Eagle-Tribune offense MVP Andrew Foote, who is now playing at Springfield College. Matt Burckhardt led the way with 37 yards rushing on 13 carries and Boudreau was 7 of 14 passing for 45 yards.