RallyNorth.net

Haverhill comes close, but falls

Sunday, October, 21 By Bryan Deyermond
Staff writer

The Haverhill Hillies came close again, but fell short at Dracut, 20-14, last night.

The Hillies had a chance to win the game late, but couldn't capitalize as senior quarterback Peter Byron | who otherwise had a fine game | threw an interception with 1:48 left to allow Dracut to hold on.

The Hillies' defense stopped Dracut on fourth down deep in the Haverhill red zone, but Byron's interception paved the way for the Middies to run out the clock and seal the victory.

Haverhill's defense, playing without linebacker Tito Morel due to injury, struggled all night to contain the spread rushing attack of Dracut quarterback Matt Grimard and running back Jonathan Rivera, who helped Dracut rack up 263 yards on the ground.

"We have to be stricter on defense and take advantage of turnovers," said Coach Tim Briggs. "We were able to take advantage of one. They're a good football team. They're probably the best-coached team in our division."

The Hillies had several chances to take control of the game, including two recovered fumbles by Grimard in the third quarter, but they could not convert on fourth down on both subsequent drives.

"We're getting better, but it's not translating into [wins]," said Briggs.

Running back Noel Figuereo and wide receiver Justin Cook had solid games for the Hillies who fell to 0-7. Dracut collected its third straight win, lifting the Middies over .500 at 4-3.