Led by a combined 240 rushing yards from the backfield duo of Eddie Houghton ’09 and Sam Auffant ’09, Andover cruised to a lopsided 55-6 victory over Worcester Academy. With a win in its final tune-up before the Exeter game, Andover improved its record to 6-1 on the season. Andover came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, jumping out to an early lead. Houghton put Andover on the scoreboard with an explosive 65-yard touchdown run. Andover then padded its lead with a 7-yard passing touchdown from Dan Hussey ’09 to Lou Jacoubs ’09. Andover continued to pile it on in the second quarter, as the offensive line opened up holes for the rushing attack. Hussey snuck into the end zone from the three-yard line, and Houghton pounded the ball in for a 4-yard run. Kevin Paul ’10 kicked all 4 extra points and Andover took a comfortable 28-0 lead into halftime. Andover’s offense continued to score at will in the second half, as Auffant reeled off a 14 yard touchdown to give Andover a commanding 35-0 lead. With the game clearly in Andover’s hands, the team substituted in some less experienced players. These players didn’t stop the scoring parade, however, as Zach Boyd ’10, Charlie DiGulian ’10 and Sam Dodge ’09 all added touchdowns to bring Andover’s lead to 55-0. Worcester scored once to break up the shutout, but Andover held on for a dominant 55-6 win. Houghton and Auffant dominated on the ground as usual, compiling over 240 yards. Overall, the team rushed for over 310 yards, allowing Andover to control the ball the whole game. Much of this success can be attributed to the offensive line. “With Bobby Kubacki [’09] out, [Pat Maher ’09] did a tremendous job filling in and maintaining the dominant level of play that we expect from the offensive line,” said Captain Andrew Pohly ’09. In addition, the defense completely shut down the Worcester offense. “Our linebackers and defensive backs were outstanding in this game,” said Coach Leon Modeste. The linebackers made tackles all over the place, as Jacoubs and Sam Clark ’09 had 11 and 9 tackles, respectively. Turnovers played a big role for the Andover defense again this week. Asst. Captain Anthony Morlani ’09 intercepted his third pass in two weeks. Clark and Auffant also added interceptions. Finally, Alex Gray ’10, a substitute at cornerback, intercepted a Worcester pass in the fourth quarter. This week, Andover is preparing for its most anticipated matchup all year: the Exeter game. Returning players who know the feeling of this rivalry game always look forward to this historical matchup. “The Andover/Exeter rivalry is one of the reasons I came to this school. The energy around school is infectious, and I am honored to be a part of the tradition of the game,” said Pohly. New players are also excited to be playing in this game for the first time. “I’m definitely looking forward to walking out of that tunnel and taking to field because it’s one of the greatest and oldest high school rivalries in the nation and I’m very excited to be playing in it,” added Bobby Kubacki ’09. After 22 years of the rivalry, Coach Modeste knows the atmosphere of the game very well. “This is always the greatest game. The whole weekend is what sports are all about,” he said. In order to come out with a win, Andover will have to match up with Exeter’s great passing game. “Exeter probably has the best quarterback we will face all season,” said Coach Modeste. If Andover can pull out a win, the team will clinch a birth in the championship game for the fourth straight year.
