With only seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Michael DeLaus ’14 battled his way into the end zone for the first varsity touchdown of his career. However, this touchdown was Andover’s only score of the game in a disappointing 47-6 loss against Choate.
“It feels amazing to score my first varsity touchdown, and I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to run the ball in our final drive of the game,” DeLaus said.
Choate’s quarterback completed every pass he threw in the first drive of the game, leading Choate to a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead.
Coach Leon Modeste said, “[The problem] was Choate’s crossing routes. In the beginning of the game, we were letting their tight end get away from us.”
Andover didn’t fare any better in the second quarter, as Choate scored two rushing touchdowns to extend its lead to 20-0 at halftime.
Zack Greenberg ’12 said, “We had them multiple times where it was third or fourth and long, and they converted, which we can’t let happen.”
Choate’s offense pushed even harder in the third quarter, scoring another 20 points to make the score 40-0.
“Because our strong safeties and outside linebackers were coming up, screen plays and backs coming out of the backfield hurt us,” said Modeste.
Choate scored again in the fourth quarter, making the score 47-0.
With minutes remaining in the game, Andover began its final drive. Khalil Flemming ’12 ran for two big gains, putting Andover in good field position with seconds remaining in the quarter.
“Khalil ran the ball well. He sparked the club,” said Modeste.
On the 1-yard line with less than five seconds remaining, quarterback Tim Salvadore ’15 handed off to DeLaus, who fought his way into the end zone for his first career touchdown, ending the tough game on a high note.
“We all had the mindset that we weren’t going to let this game be a shut-out and that we had to give everything to end the game on a positive note,” said DeLaus. “We needed to make the statement that we wouldn’t give up, no matter what the score.”
Going into Sunday’s game, the team was concerned about Choate’s wide receivers. According to Modeste, defensive backs Sylvester, Tyler West ’12 and Alex Kramer ’13 defended Choate’s receivers well.
“Their wideouts, who were supposed to be the big guns, ended up doing nothing. The corners did a nice job [covering them],” said Modeste.
Greenberg said, “It’s hard to stop a team with as many threats as they had. Our defensive line played well, and our linebackers made a lot of tackles.”
With a plethora of injuries, the team had to put its younger players on the field for the majority of the game. Sylvester left the game with a foot injury.
“We’re asking guys to step up in varsity football that are 10th graders, and that’s hard. They’re kids, and we’re asking them to play against men. I am very proud of them,” said Modeste.
Andover will try to end its three-game losing streak on Friday against North Andover High. Fan buses will leave from Andover at 6:30 p.m.
