RallyNorth.net

Defense, special teams power Pelham

Friday, October, 02 By Conor Clancy

PELHAM N.H. — With a few new looks on offense and a dominating performance on both defense and special teams, Pelham bounced back with an impressive 25-7 win over Bishop Brady.

Linebackers Conor McColgan and Mike Lombard (10 tackles each) led an aggressive defense and special teams that turned in several big plays while quarterback Joe DeAngelo threw for 120 yards and two touchdowns as the Pythons improved to 3-2.

Already leading 6-0, the special teams went to work, recovering the ensuing onside kick and, after a stalled drive, kicker/punter Joe Perrone pinned Brady deep in its own territory.

McColgan than made the first of two spectacular plays as he reacted to a quick screen pass and leaped into the air to intercept the pass and return it 10 yards into the end zone to put Pelham up 12-0. The quick turn-around seemed to stun Brady as Perrone and the kickoff team again executed a perfect onside kick.

“Joe (Perrone) did great tonight,” said coach Tom Babaian. “It’s one of the jobs that doesn’t get a lot of recognition from too many people but we definitely notice it.”

Pelham’s defense seemed to feed off the momentum created, putting a stranglehold on the Bishop Brady offense and getting the Pelham offense back on the field quickly.

The offense, usually pass heavy with an emphasis on the shotgun, spent most of the day in a power-I, which featured McColgan and Lombard converting to fullbacks and leading the way for tailback Cameron Robidoux, who was coming off an injury.

With the offense and defense both providing points, the special teams joined the act late in the third quarter. After another Perrone punt again put Bishop Brady inside its own 10 yard-line, Lombard and McColgan combined for spectacular play No. 2 as Lombard blocked a punt in the end zone which McColgan immediately fell on for his second touchdown of the night.

“Conor and McColgan have been doing that all year for us,” said Babaian. “They are certainly two guys who stepped up and lead tonight.”

DeAngelo threw for 100 or more yards for the fourth straight game. His first touchdown pass capping a 76-yard drive in the first quarter when he scrambled out of the pocket and found receiver Josh Luciano near the corner pylon from 18 yards out. His second touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter put a stamp on the win when he tossed a perfect 25-yard fade to Sean Sweeney.