Post-Graduate T.J. Urbanik ’17 tore through swarms of Deerfield defenders to return the first kickoff of the game for a touchdown, paving the way for Andover Football’s 44-22 victory over Deerfield on Saturday. After suffering five straight losses to start the season, Andover finally clinched its first win to elevate its record to 1-5.
Urbanik’s touchdown established an offensive momentum that Andover rode for the rest of the game. In addition to Urbanik’s touchdown, the team scored four touchdowns, five extra points, and one field goal.
Kicker Alex Apgar ’17 said, “Probably the biggest key to our success on Saturday was the quick start, which got the ball rolling and the sideline pumped up. As a whole, we were able to minimize the mistakes in the first half while capitalizing on Deerfield’s many errors. We knew the game wasn’t over at the half, so we came out with an electrifying third quarter and never took our foot off the pedal.”
Andover’s running game had a field day, pounding Deerfield’s defense for four touchdowns on the ground.
On the other side of the line, Andover’s defense shut out Deerfield for the entire first half and forced three fumbles and two interceptions throughout the entire game.
Andover’s raucous bench also played a crucial part.
Michael Codrington ’18 said, “Our sideline was amazing. Guys who were injured, guys who were taking a play or two off and guys that later got [into the game] were all amped up. There were a good amount of standout plays.”
Not only has the team improved its skill on the field, but it has also worked to establish a strong team bond off the field.
Co-Captain Jack Legler ’17 said, “This week, we came together as a family. We played for each other and worked as a team. From the beginning of the game, from TJ’s kick return on, we didn’t stop and kept going. We have come a long way since the beginning of the season. We have to keep working, and the results will come.”
Head Coach Leon Modeste said, “They played their best game offensively, defensively, and on special teams. We opened the game on a kickoff and we never looked back… We’re real excited and we’re hoping we can win our next two games and put us in the off season in good spirits.”
Andover will face off against Worcester Academy on Saturday with hopes of earning its second win of the season.
