RallyNorth.net

Saugus football stomps Marblehead

Friday, November, 09 By By Matt Jenkins
Staff writer

MARBLEHEAD | Head coach Doug Chernovetz knows his Marblehead High football team is better than it has played this season.

Unfortunately, the Magicians only have one more game to prove it.

Marblehead dropped its third straight game | and missed out on an opportunity to keep alive hope for its first winning season since 1992 | when Saugus scored early and often on its way to a 40-14 victory last night at Piper Field.

"We have better things to come from this team," Chernovetz said about a roster that will lose only six seniors. "I have seen it."

Saugus scored on its second play and ended its first four possessions with a touchdown before Marblehead was able to put points on the board. The Sachems answered Marblehead's first score by returning the ensuing kickoff 83 yards for another touchdown.

"It was tough. The kids played as well as they could have. My hat's off to Saugus," Chernovetz said. "They are a really improved team."

The Sachems didn't even attempt a pass and finished with 380 yards on the ground. Marblehead (4-6), meanwhile, accumulated zero yards rushing.

Sachems junior quarterback Bret Reid took his first carry 67 yards for a touchdown and ended with a game-high 96 yards rushing. Nick Ortega ran for 86 yards and a touchdown and was responsible for the 83-yard kickoff return. Mike Dean was the Saugus workhorse, toting the ball 13 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

"This was a good high note before Thanksgiving," Saugus (6-3) coach Mike Broderick said. "Marblehead is a good football team that has beaten some good teams. They've owned us the past three years."

Sophomore quarterback Hayes Richardson was a bright spot for the Magicians. After taking over for junior Ian McKinley in the second quarter, Richardson completed three of his first four passes for 70 yards, including a 30-yard screen pass to Mike Sahagian that accounted for Marblehead's first touchdown.

Richardson also hooked up with Sam Perlow for a 77-yard touchdown connection in the fourth quarter. He finished with 169 yards passing on eight completions, while Perlow caught three passes for 100 yards.

Marblehead now has time to put things back together before meeting Swampscott on Thanksgiving. "We'll keep working together," Chernovetz said. "We have tough kids and we'll keep playing."