RallyNorth.net

Hillies fall short to Exeter

Saturday, November, 03 By Bryan Deyermond
Staff writer

EXETER, N.H. — Haverhill was hoping to spoil Exeter's Senior Night festivities but the Blue Hawks made sure that wouldn't happen.

The Blue Hawks' punishing ground game tore up the Hillies' defense, racking up 334 yards on the ground, en route to a 38-18 interstate victory.

Exeter (8-1) was led by Gabe Bourgeois, who broke off a 92-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to give the hosts a 24-point lead. Bourgeois had 108 yards rushing on only five carries, and did not play in the second half due to an apparent ankle injury.

Senior quarterback Andrew Kukesh did not attempt a pass, but set the tone early on, sprinting for a 53-yard touchdown run on the Blue Hawks' opening possession. He added a 13-yard TD run later in the game.

Haverhill, which is still looking for its first win, took some positives out of the game.

"On offense, we have to key our blocks," said Hillie senior wide receiver Justin Cook. "On defense, we've got a good defense, everyone just seems like they're in the wrong place. We'll watch film on Monday and see what we did wrong."

Cook finished the game with 98 yards receiving, including a 52-yard catch and run touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Peter Byron was on his game, completing 11 of his 16 passes for 151 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.

Haverhill pulled to within 12 points at the end of the half, but the Blue Hawks' relentless ground game controlled the clock, allowing the Hillies only 16 plays in the second half.

The Hillies will have their turn at Homecoming Weekend to pull off a victory Friday against Tewksbury, a game Cook knows is very important.

"It's our homecoming, we have to win," said Cook. "It's our Senior Night."