Sports

PA Football Maintains Perfect Record

Co-Captain Chad Hollis ’08 dodged his way through the Cushing special teams, returning a second quarter kickoff for a touchdown to put the game out of reach in Andover’s dominant 34-6 victory. The balanced success on both sides of the ball brought Andover’s record to a perfect 4-0. Just a week after Andover’s nail-biter victory over Choate, the team took complete control of the Cushing game from the very start. It was a very well balanced game for Andover on both sides of the ball, with the defense being particularly dominant. With strong team play from the very first minute, the Andover defense did not allow Cushing’s offensive unit in the endzone once. The secondary also came up with many game-changing plays by recording a season-high four interceptions. “What worked well on defense was the overall teamwork we used to shutdown Cushing,” said defensive lineman Ryan Furlong ’09. Furlong continued, “We applied enough pressure to cause their offense to break down and make mistakes…and not let up and surrender any easy points to them.” Andover’s offense was able to fuel off of the defensive domination. The ball was constantly in Andover’s hands, allowing the offense to establish a smooth rhythm throughout the game. Andover’s defensive line was able to constantly pressure Cushing’s quarterback, forcing four interceptions and a fumble. Hollis and Anthony Morloni ’09 each recorded one interception, and safety Corbin Tognoni ’08 pulled in two. The forced turnovers were major factors in the great field position that the Andover offense worked with all game. Andover’s offense established itself early on, scoring the very first touchdown of the game. The running game was particularly impressive throughout the game for Andover behind running backs Dan Evans ’08 and Thane Sanford ’08, compiling two touchdowns and close to 100 yards on the ground. “We had been game-planning the inside run all week,” explained Co-Captain Hollis. “We practiced the trap and the blast during practice because we knew that those plays would make Cushing aware of our running game, making the passing game more deadly. Evans and Thane were great all day. They refused to go down after the first hit. It was thier tough running that made the difference in the game.” The success of the two post- graduates on the rush made Andover’s potent air attack even more dangerous. Quarterback Bryan Farris ’08 continued his terrific play in the pocket, throwing for two touchdowns and over 150 passing yards. A highlight reel-type play took place on one of the touchdowns, as Farris beautifully hooked up with receiver Co-Captain Mike Ciummei ’08. Early in the second quarter, Andover drove down the field and scored on a touchdown pass from Farris to post-graduate Ryan McCarthy ’08. On the following kickoff, however, Cushing scored its only points of the night on a long kickoff return, making the score 21-6. With Cushing in striking distance, however, Co-Captain Hollis stepped up and put the game out of reach on the very next play. Hollis received the kickoff following the Cushing touchdown and weaved his way in and out of the Cushing special teams. Using terrific blocking, Hollis found a seam in Cushing’s defenders and broke through, using his incredible speed to sprint his way to the end zone for the 78-yard return, Andover’s first kick off return touch-down of the season. “When I returned the kick, it was the blocking that allowed me to break free,” said Hollis. “The members of the second row, Corbin Tognoni, Thane Sanford ‘08, and Luke Duprey ‘10, each made huge blocks that allowed me to find the cutback lane and break free of the traffic.” The score not only gave Andover a formidable lead, but it also suppressed any momentum Cushing built from their only touchdown of the game, allowing Andover to control the rest of the game with relative ease. In the second half, Andover again controlled the pace of the game with a dominating defense. Andover completely shut out Cushing, thanks to improved play by the special teams. Punter Shaun Stuer ’09 booted a beautiful 60-yard punt that was downed on the Cushing two-yard-line after a favorable bounce. This Parent’s Weekend, Andover hosts NMH under the lights of Phelps Stadium at 5:30p.m. The Hogger’s of NMH are comming off a 6-46 loss from a very strong Exeter team. After the loss, NMH has a record of 0-4. Despite the winless record, the Hoggers boast many strong athletes. The game is sure to be fast-paced and interseting due to the NMH’s desire for its first win.