Old Rochester football sent a swift message across the entire South Coast Conference in the first week of play, blowing past Wareham football 42-0 in the Cranberry Bowl.
The Bulldogs scored five of their six touchdowns on the ground. Of those five scores, four were courtesy of lead running back Will Garcia. He also accounted for over 50 percent of Old Rochester’s 284 yards on the ground, rushing for 154 yards, despite only logging eight carries.
But Garcia was not the only Bulldog to perform well in the big win.
“The offensive line played well,” Old Rochester coach Justin Kogler said. “The offensive line had good pass protection [and] good run blocking. Our quarterback (Cole McIntyre) threw a lot of nice balls. He should’ve had a touchdown pass that was dropped. He threw a couple really good balls.”
Kogler continued, “I thought the receivers ran good routes. I thought offensively we were all pretty crisp, but we have to get better because we have a tough one this week.”
With Old Rochester jumping out to a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, McIntyre didn’t have a ton of passing opportunities. Though he did take advantage of the few he had, going 2 for 4 for 49 yards and a touchdown to Anthony Childs.
Old Rochester’s kicking game was on point, as well. Jonathan Borsariwent 3 for 3 in point after tries, as did Ryon Thomas.
The little things, like the PATs, are what will separate the Bulldogs from the other tough opponents as the season progresses. Those aren’t something that should be affected on a game-to-game basis, whether it’s in an airtight contest or a blowout win.
“I just think looking at things like the intensity we’re playing at, making sure we’re not making mental mistakes, making sure that we’re focused – that we’re not having to burn timeouts because kids aren’t on the field or that we’re not missing assignments on the offensive line,” Kogler said. “You’re just looking to see if your team is mentality into it. Once the game got kind of out of hand a little bit, at that point you start to look to the guys on your bench to get some playing experience, some guys who don’t normally get into the game.”
The Bulldogs take on Apponequet on Friday in a game that should have a much different feel from the season opener.
“They’re very quick,” Kogler said. “They’ve got good linebackers and their running backs are solid. Their quarterback is only a sophomore, but he started for them at the end of the year and is also a very good player. Also, I believe this group of seniors, when they were freshman, went undefeated. So they’re certainly much better than they were last year.”
Old Rochester volleyball grinded out a 3-1 win over Somerset Berkley to remain undefeated in South Coast Conference Large Division play to start the season. The Bulldogs won the first set 26-24, the second 25-12, and fourth 25-13. The only set they lost was the third, 26-24.
Natalia Wierzbickihad 21 service points, 13 kills, and 12 digs for Old Rochester. Sally Butlerhad nine kills and eight blocks for Old Rochester. Delaney Soucylogged 19 digs and 10 service points. Jenny Durocherhad 17 assists, and Lea Bourgeoislogged nine kills for the Bulldogs.
Old Rochester (2-1, 2-0 SCC) hosts GNB Voc-Tech on Wednesday.
Old Colony
Old Colony football won the first contest of the season 16-6 over Cathedral. After Cathedral jumped out to a 6-0 in the first quarter, Mitchell Wilsonpunched in a one-yard score in the second quarter, followed by a Matt Bumpus’two-point conversion to give the Cougars an 8-6 lead. Kyle Scholzthen scored what would be the game-winning touchdown in the third quarter on at 47-yard run, which was followed by another successful Bumpus two-point conversion. Bumpus also finished with 51 yards on the ground on 10 carries. Old Colony (1-0) hosts Keefe Tech on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
Old Colony golf (1-1) earned its first win of the season on Monday, edging out Southeastern 5-4. Preston Forcier, Drew Weaver, and Joel Corteswon their individual matches for the Cougars. Forcier and Anthony Wrighttied for best ball in the first pairing to secure half a point. Lucas Correiatied his match for half a point and won best ball in the second pairing with Weaver for an additional point.
High School Sports Update
By Nick Friar