Old Rochester Regional football didn’t mess around in the battle for the South Coast Conference Large title, doubling-up Somerset Berkley 38-19 to secure the title and a shot at the SCC championship game against the SCC small’s top contender.
The Bulldogs have now outscored their opponents 139-33. And that’s without the Bulldogs’ top offensive weapon, running back Will Garcia, in two of their five games.
“I feel like we’re playing great,” junior Jackson Cotesaid after Friday’s win. “I feel like a lot of people, without having Harry (Smith)and Emo (Schiappa)and Zach (Kelley), thought we were going to be a lot worse this year. I think we’ve proven to everyone that’s not the case.”
Cote was one of two Bulldogs to finish with over 100 yards on the ground, going for 141 on 15 carries. He also finished with two touchdowns. Desmond Diasalso ran for over 100 yards, finishing with 115 and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Cole McIntyrewould also score a touchdown on the ground, as well as connect with Tyler Noefor a 15-yard score through the air.
ORR (5-0, 4-0 SCC Large) will play the SCC Small champion on Friday, October 19. The time and location have yet to be announced. By winning the SCC large, Old Rochester has secured an MIAA State Tournament berth, as well.
ORR girls soccer extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 2-0 win over Apponequet on Monday. Meg Hugheswas the Bulldogs’ leader on offense, assisting on the game’s first goal and scoring the second. The Bulldogs are already a lock for the MIAA State Tournament, but they still hope to extend their winning streak.
“I think we’ve been playing great most of the games,” Hughes said. “But some games when we play teams that are at a different level and we’ve been sticking to them when we could be putting games away and scoring more goals.”
“We lost a lot of really talented players last year and the question was how was this group going to fill in,” ORR girls soccer coach Jeff Lombard said. “And [I’ve] been really pleasantly surprised with how they’ve filled in, how they play together and how they’re growing together.”
Old Colony
Old Colony football bounced back from its 8-0 loss in the fourth week of the season by plowing through South Shore, 30-6.
Old Colony quarterback Kyle Scholzdidn’t attempt a single pass in the win, but he didn’t need to, rushing for a team-high 173 yards on only 13 carries. He also found the back of the end zone twice, with Matt Bumpusscoring the Cougars’ other offensive touchdown.
“It’s nice to see him come along and progress,” Old Colony coach Brandon Mendez said after Friday’s win. “Hopefully it does something for his confidence. He’s a good athlete. He’s worked hard; hopefully, he continues that and continues to progress and get better.
“He’s an energetic kid,” Mendez continued. “He brings a lot of that to practice every day. We see a lot of that and are finally starting to put it together with the entire time. Hopefully, it springs — you know, if it’s one guy each weak that’s fine if it’s by committee, whatever works. Tonight it worked in (Scholz’s) favor.”
The Cougars also scored one defensive touchdown when Blake Dennisonblocked a punt in the first quarter, recovered the ball and rushed 17 yards for the score. Dennison and the rest of the defense tied their season-best in points allowed, only surrendering six to the Vikings.
“We take a lot of pride in our defense,” Mendez said. “So, not allowing a lot of points is something we pride ourselves on. We expect that. We expect to be physical, play assignments and really play stout defense.”
Tabor Academy
Tabor Academy girls soccer walked away with a 2-2 tie in Saturday’s matchup with Thayer Academy. Jaydah Bedoyahand Cat Barryscored the Seawolves’ two goals, with Barry’s coming in the 70th minute to salvage the tie. Following the tie, Tabor is now 5-1.
High School Sports Update
By Nick Friar