What a week for ORR sports! A red-hot football team captured a blowout victory over Bourne, the Girls’ Cross Country team rolled to another SCC Championship, and Boys’ Soccer clinched a playoff spot in exciting fashion. Read on for the full scoop on this huge week for Bulldog Athletics.
Football: On the heels of two momentous victories, the Bulldogs took on Bourne at home on Friday. From the start, it was clear that Coach Kogler’s team still had a high level of energy and determination and an explosive offensive attack in a 44-8 victory. However, the Bulldogs showed some newfound defensive skill this week, as they held the Canalmen to just eight points. Among the notable defensive plays were a 46-yard interception return by sophomore Elijah McAllister, and a recovered fumble by junior playmaker Andrew Riggi. The offense continued to light it up as junior QB Cam Hamilton was 5-6 passing for 133 yards and two TDs. Junior wide receiver Patrick Saltmarsh returned to catch three passes from Hamilton for 55 yards. His other two passes went to tight end Grant Reuter (Jr.) who continues to play exceptional football. He also scored a TD. The most impactful player was without a doubt sophomore running back Harry Smith, who ran 17 times for 101 yards and three TDs, plus a pair of two-point conversions. Smith has nine TDs on the season and figures to be a big part of the team’s offensive plans going forward. This Friday, the Bulldogs hope to keep the momentum going as they travel to Case.
Boys’ Soccer: Monday at home against Case, senior Alex Tavares had a huge game in a 2-1 victory. Tavares assisted a goal to star junior Alex Sousa and later scored the game-winner as the boys inch closer to a playoff berth. On Thursday, keeping the home-field advantage against Apponequet, sophomore Tanner Figueiredo scored two goals, and fellow sophomore Ben LaFrance and junior Timothy Dix added the other two in an emotional 4-1 win. The victory allowed the team to clinch a spot in the MIAA playoffs, and their future schedule will be released on Monday, November 2.
Girls’ Soccer: At Case on Monday, a common opponent for Bulldog sports teams this week, the girls earned a nice 2-0 win, powered by senior captain Amy Bichajian’s goal, which came on an assist from sophomore Leah Przybyszewski. Freshman Maddie Demanche assisted sophomore Ava Ciffolillo on the other goal. Up against the rival Apponequet Lakers on Thursday, the girls suffered a tough 1-0 loss with the Lakers’ only goal coming on a penalty kick. Returning home to face non-conference New Bedford High the next afternoon, the girls earned an exciting 2-1 victory with goals from Bichajian and fellow senior Sarah Beaulieu. That game wrapped up the regular season for the Lady Bulldogs, who eagerly await the playoffs.
Boys’ Cross Country: Saturday marked the all-important SCC Championship, with the boys expected to be among the top teams. The result was a 2nd-place finish to Dighton-Rehoboth, but an impressive showing nevertheless. Freshman Adam Sylvia led the Bulldog pack per usual, running a personal best 17:29. Behind him were junior James Goulart, sophomore Geoffrey Noonan, and senior Jared Wheeler. On Saturday, the non-varsity runners will compete at the State Coaches’ Invitational in Wrentham.
Girls’ Cross Country: The Lady Bulldogs were heavy favorites coming into Saturday’s SCC Championship meet, where they continued their unbroken streak of success with another conference title. They took the first eight spots, led by senior Maddie Meyer (19:40), sophomore Madisen Martin (19:58), senior Nina Bourgeois (20:02), and junior Riley Shaughnessy (20:06). On Saturday, the non-varsity girls’ runners will run in Wrentham at the State Coaches’ Invitational meet.
Volleyball: The Lady Bulldogs started off the week at Case on Monday, where they lost on three consecutive sets. On Wednesday they faced Sturgis West, a non-conference opponent who they played against early in the season. The girls swept Sturgis on consecutive sets, 25-19, 25-20, and 25-12. The Lady Bulldogs had another non-conference game against New Bedford High on Friday afternoon, where they were swept on three straight sets. This week, the girls are home against non-conference Somerset-Berkeley on Monday, and they look to gear up their offensive attack for their impending playoff run.
Field Hockey: At Case on Tuesday, the girls earned a blowout 5-0 victory, powered by junior Hannah Guard’s two goals. Sophie Church (Jr.), Morgan Middleton (Sr.) and Ali Hulsebosch (Soph.) also scored, and sophomore Riley Goulet and freshman Gates Tenerowicz shared the workload in goal to earn the Lady Bulldogs’ sixth shutout of the season. The girls resume from their break for a rare Sunday game against non-conference Falmouth High at home.
Below are the overall fall team records, followed by the conference records in wins, losses, and ties as of October 31.
Boys’ Cross Country: (6-1-0)(6-1-0); Girls’ Cross Country: (7-0-0)(7-0-0); Golf: (17-1-0)(16-0-0); Football: (3-5-0)(3-4-0); Volleyball: (11-10-0)(8-9-0); Field Hockey: (9-5-4)(8-2-4); Boys’ Soccer: (8-10-2)(7-8-2); Girls’ Soccer: (10-8-2)(9-6-1).
By Patrick Briand
