Ben Sheehan eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the season with 103 yards rushing for Minnechaug.
WILBRAHAM – From the very beginning it was clear how this game was going to pan out. Justin White was dragged down for a strip sack on Holyoke’s first possession and Minnechaug’s Ben Sheehan and Anthony Roughgarden converted on their first play from scrimmage, getting the wheels turning for the Falcons en route to their 42-0 win over the Purple Knights.
In what was Minnechaug’s homecoming game, the Falcons gave their parents, friends and alumni a performance to be proud of by jumping out to a 24-0 lead in the first quarter on the back of some solid defense and effective offense. Roughgarden ran Coach Steve Allosso’s offense to perfection connecting on seven of his first passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns.
“I believe balance is a myth,” said Allosso. “Some games I’ll throw the ball 80 to 100 percent of the time, sometimes I’ll run more. I was a fullback so I like to run the ball but I find throwing the ball to be more fun for the kids and the fans.”
The defense was opportunistic and took advantage of mistakes made by Holyoke’s offense. Kevin White made the first big play, nabbing his first of two interceptions on a fade throw by Justin White when Holyoke was on the three yard line.
John Ostrikas was the next to step up, picking up an interception after White’s pass was tipped by linebacker Dylan Roda. Ostrikas went 60 yards for the touchdown on the return.
It was a night to remember for Sheehan as he passed the 1,000 yard mark with 6:45 to play in the second quarter on a 27-yard run that set up a two-yard score by Carter Champigny. Champigny’s score stretched the lead to 30-0 in favor of the home team.
Sheehan finished with 103 yards on 13 carries and the touchdown. Champigny and Dan Naumac added some balance in the second half, racking up 44 and 22 yards respectively.
After stalling Holyoke again – the Purple Knights managed only 149 yards of offense on the night – Roughgarden took to the air, finding Tim Spafford twice for 27 yards and a touchdown on the final scoring drive of the half. Spafford’s tally with 3:36 left in the half made the score 36-0 going into the half.
Sheehan would add a score early in the third quarter, punching in from one yard out. The touchdown came after a long delay after Justin White left the field in an ambulance following a goal line play. He was conscious when he left in the ambulance, but nothing else is known at this time.
With the lead, Allosso was able to get several of his younger players involved in the game, something he valued.
“I love it,” said Allosso of getting young guys in. “Especially here on homecoming, the crowd is great and it’s just a cool atmosphere.”