Led by three touchdowns from running back Post-Graduate (PG) T.J. Urbanik ’17, Andover Football defeated Worcester Academy 34-28 on Saturday. This victory improved Andover’s record to 2-5 on the season.
Andover’s offense excelled, with strong individual performances contributing to the team’s overall success. Urbanik had a season high of 204 total yards from scrimmage with strong receiving and rushing performances. Two of his touchdowns were off of receptions, and he ran for 104 yards.
“We found success with both our run and pass game,” said cornerback and receiver Jason Reynolds ’18.
Receiver PG Austin Myers ’17 hauled in four receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Andover’s strout offensive line also gave Quarterback PG Will Sirmon ’17 ample time to thrive in the passing game. Although Sirmon has had breakout performances on the ground in Andover’s last few games, Worcester managed to shut down his rushing attack.
“Worcester’s plan was to stop Sirmon from running, and it worked,” said Head Coach Leon Modeste. “But they couldn’t stop him from running and throwing.”
Sirmon responded with 243 yards total and three touchdowns on 15 passing attempts.
The starting signal-caller also instigated many big plays for Andover throughout the game. In the second quarter, Sirmon found Urbanik for a 50-yard touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Sirmon connected with Myers for an 80-yard score.
With 18 tackles from Adam Cohen ’18 and three sacks from PG John O’Brien ’17, Andover’s defense maintained constant pressure on Worcester throughout the contest. Andover stifled Worcester’s offense, preventing its quarterback from stringing together productive drives.
Reynolds notched an interception and scored a touchdown when returning, converting Andover’s defensive efforts into tangible points. Reynolds said, “We exploited Worcester’s inability to maintain pass coverage downfield.”
“Throughout our last three games, the defense has put us in great scoring positions,” said Modeste. “The defense has shown they are capable of scoring. That’s the mark of a good defense.”
Andover hopes to continue the positive momentum as it prepares for its final game against Phillips Exeter Academy, who currently sits at 0-7-1 on the season. Andover’s two game win streak will add motivation for the team as it looks to finish off the season on a high note.
“Against Exeter, we want to come out with the same intensity as we did against Worcester. We want this game to be a huge example of the improvements that we’ve had over the course of our season, and we want good momentum ending this season,” said Michael Codrington ’18.
