RallyNorth.net

Treado field goal gives Pentucket win over Newburyport

Saturday, October, 03 By David Willis
Staff writer

WEST NEWBURY – A still astonished Paul Treado could describe his kick with just one word.

“I was relieved,” said the Pentucket kicker while taking in the moment. “Ecstatic, but very relieved.”

With 1:06 left in the third quarter, Treado booted the first field goal of his varsity football career, and that turned out to be the difference in the Sachems’ 3-2 victory over previously undefeated Newburyport yesterday afternoon.

The kick was likely the biggest field goal for Pentucket (2-2) since Brian Griffiths beat Newburyport with the first field goal of his career in 2001, also at Pentucket, as the Sachems were on their way to their third straight Cape Ann League title.

Pentucket had opened the second half with a 14-play, 8:57 drive to the Clippers' 1-yard line. But, on third down, quarterback Mike Doud was caught in the backfield, setting up a fourth-and-goal in the scoreless contest.

“I had realized the play before that it could come down to a field goal,” said Treado. “I walked onto the field and could not have been more nervous. It was killing me. It wasn’t a far kick, and was on the right hash. But it was very muddy and it was hard to get stability with my left foot.”

Despite the rainy conditions, Treado booted the first field goal attempt of his varsity career, and his first made at any level, easily splitting the uprights for the game’s winning points.

“I was so happy,” said Treado, also a backup linebacker and running back. “I don’t play much, so being able to do this means so much. This is probably the moment I will most remember in my football career.”

Treado was mobbed by teammates after the game, sharing one celebratory hug after another.

“That was one of the greatest things I have ever seen,” said senior linebacker Dan Dragon. “It was awesome. I have never had a game come down to a field goal like this, and it worked out.”

Dragon spearheaded an attacking Sachems defense that never allowed Newburyport (3-1) a legitimate shot at the end zone.  The Clippers, who had outscored opponents 73-13 heading into the game, were held off the scoreboard entirely, other than a late safety in which Doud kneeled in the end zone so Pentucket could have a free kick instead of punting from its own end zone with 0:16 left on the clock. It was the second straight game in which they Sachems defense did not allow a point.

Pentucket allowed just 117 yards of total offense, including just 42 yards passing against the Clippers that ran the spread throughout the game. Newburyport never advanced inside the Sachems’ 25-yard line, once making it to the 28, but that drive ended with a John Troy interception off a C.J. Lataille tip. Doud also picked off Clippers QB Matt Mottola on the following drive.

Dragon paced the Sachems with six tackles while Troy and Peter Koopman each had five stops and Zack Eddy and Nolan Dragon each made four tackles.

“Our defense is finally starting to kick it up,” said Dragon. “The first game, we were pretty shaky. But we like to fly around and make tackles and we did that today.”

Pentucket had just enough offense to make the defensive effort stand up. The Sachems finished with 194 yards of total offense, and did not attempt a pass in the second half.