By: Austin Mendes
The Cougars line up to snap the ball on offense during Saturday's action
Harwich,MA-
On the field below the new high school building which was finished during the pandemic, awaited the Cape Cod Tech Crusaders. The Cougars did not play Cape Cod Tech during the Fall II season, as an outbreak at Cape Cod Tech left a change in the schedule the day before the game, this game would turn out to be against Hull High School. In the last match-up between these two teams, Old Colony left Harwich victorious with a 40-8 victory in the 2019 game. This year's game had a similar feel to it.
Quarterback Matt McGuiggan opened the scoring for the Cougars with a 2 yard touchdown run. On the drive, McGuiggan connected with Junior WR Trevor Taveira for a big 37 yard play.
McGuiggan rolls out and looks for the goal line on his touchdown run
The Junior Captain didn't stop there, as he connected with Sophomore WR Shawn Markham for an 18 yard touchdown pass.
Markham looks to evade oncoming Crusaders as he runs towards the endzone
Old Colony would continue the scoring with a 2 yard touchdown rush by Chris Egan. Egan would again be a problem for opposing teams as he hauled in a 27 yard pass from McGuiggan to end the half. Old Colony would lead at the halftime break 30-0.
Egan catches the touchdown over a Crusader defender as time expires in the first half
The Cougars would receive the football following halftime and drove down the field to set up a 14 yard touchdown run by Egan again. The Cougars held a commanding 36-0 lead at the point where, in the ensuing drive for the Crusaders, Cape Tech Quarterback Jonus Jamieson would connect on a 24 yard strike to WR Daniel Cruz for a touchdown. This touchdown would prove to be a garbage time score as the Cougars routed the Crusaders 38-6.
The Old Colony defense again was dominate. Led by Senior Captain Ray Thibault, the Cougars would recover the two fumbles forced by Thibault. Egan and Rubini would record sacks as well. Locking down Jamieson and the Crusader offense all afternoon.
(Left to Right) LB Ryan Letendre, DE Joe Rubini, LB Ray Thibault line up on defense
Fun Fact:
This week marked the second straight week in which the Cougars downed a punt on the 1 yard line.
Cougars Punter Shawn Markham boots a punt deep against the Crusaders
Players of The Game:
Junior Matt McGuiggan
McGuiggan rolls out and looks downfield for a pass
The Junior Quarterback was one of the stars of the show. Completing 5 of 7 passes for 113 yards and 2 Touchdowns, along with a 2 yard touchdown rush in the 1st quarter. McGuiggan showed great command of the offense all day. "With all this time together, you get to know your receivers and how they play on the field which makes it easier as a QB to know your reads and who will be open on whatever route they are running." McGuiggan had a strong defensive day as well breaking up multiple passes and interrupting the run from the cornerback spot.
Junior Chris Egan
Egan bursts through the line for a touchdown versus Cape Cod Tech
Egan had yet another strong performance on the ground for the Cougars as he carried the rock 11 times for 83 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. "I rely on my line and my athleticism to get myself through defenders." Along with this, Egan got a ball through the air from McGuiggan for a 27 yard touchdown. "As soon as freshman year hit Matt and I and all the others' relationships truly began to blossom into what it is today." On the defensive side of the ball, Egan recorded a sack and was all over the field for the Cougar defense. Matt and Chris grew up together in Carver.
Cougar Statistics:
Passing:
Matt McGuiggan: 5-7; 113 yards; 2 TDs
Rushing:
Chris Egan: 11 Rushes; 83 Yards; 2 TDs; 2 2PT Conversions
Ryan Silva: 6 rushes; 13 yards
Jake O'Neil: 6 rushes; 20 yards; 1 2PT Conversion
Jake Legault: 1 rush; 13 yards
Pat Quin: 1 rush; 6 yards
Ray Thibault: 1 rush; 3 yards; 1 2PT Conversion
Mike Willwerth: 1 rush; 6 yards
Matt McGuiggan: 1 rush; 2 yards; 1 TD
Receiving:
Trevor Taveira: 1 reception; 37 yards
Shawn Markham: 2 receptions; 27 yards; 1 TD
Chris Egan: 1 reception; 27 yards; 1 TD
Xavier Pratt: 1 reception; 22 yards
Defensive:
Ray Thibault: 2 forced fumbles (Both recovered by OC)
Joe Rubini: 1 sack
Chris Egan: 1 sack
WHAT'S NEXT?:
The Cougars host a non-conference matchup on Friday, September 24th at 7PM against Wareham High School.
Thank you for taking your time to read this article!
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Link For Photos From Game:
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