By: Austin Mendes
Cougars pose for a picture following their conference clinching game
HANOVER, MA -
The Cougars took the trip to conference rival South Shore Voc. Tech. on Friday Night for a conference matchup. The winner would be crowned the 2021 champion of the Mayflower Athletic Conference.
The previous three matchups against South Shore were during their record setting 2019 campaign, where that team broke the record for most wins in school history, along with having two one thousand yard rushers, Blake Dennison ('20) and Thomas Stanton ('21). The Cougars lost the three battles against the 2019 MAC Champions, once for the conference title, next in the state playoffs, and again in the vocational championship, all one score games. The Cougars looked to turn the tide in this rivalry as they stepped on the field in Hanover.
The game started off with a bang, when senior Jacob Legault broke off a large kickoff return. The drive ended shortly after as the Cougars coughed up the ball to give it the Vikings. Miscues by South Shore led to a three and out to give the ball back to Old Colony. South Shore and Old Colony would exchange rough drives as the score at the end of the first quarter resulted in no points scored.
Cougars line up on defense against South Shore
A highly motivated Cougar offense would open off the second half with a convincing drive down the field which would end with a 22 yard rushing touchdown by Junior workhorse Ryan Silva. Taking a 6-0 lead early in the 2nd, Old Colony and South Shore would hold each other, resulting in the halftime score being 6-0 in favor of Old Colony.
South Shore received the second half kickoff and began their drive, Vikings QB Tyler Richards would throw an interception to Cougar Sophomore Ryan Letendre, who would set up the offense in great starting field position. Silva would capitalize on the field position, as he would punch in his second score from 4 yards out.
Matt McGuiggan calls a play on offense for Old Colony
Following a turnover on downs for Richards and the Vikings, the Cougars offensive line would open up a hole for Egan to score off of a 22 yard rushing touchdown, Markham's two point conversion would give Old Colony a 20 point lead going into the final quarter.
A sack by Chris Egan gave the Cougars the ball back to finish the job, as they would punt. A touchdown by Jake O'Neil and a hard fought two point conversion by quarterback Matt McGuiggan would essentially put the nail in the coffin for the Vikings. Old Colony held a 28 point lead. In hopes of a scoring drive, Richards threw a deep ball that would be intercepted by Shawn Markham to seal the conference title for the Cougars.
A strong showing by the Cougars defense held the Vikings to no points, as Old Colony pitched their second shut out of the season. Key plays off of the interceptions by Markham and Letendre, as well as sacks from Egan, Thibault, and Rubini played a roll in sinking the Vikings' ship.
This is Old Colony's first conference title since 2017. The Cougars have their sights set on the bigger prize at the end of the season.
Old Colony Defensive Coordinator Gil Franklin talks to the defense
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Junior Ryan Silva
Ryan Silva ran 16 times for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with hauling in one pass for 5 yards. The junior running back got the team on the board to open the game. Gaining momentum for the offense on the ground, Silva would lead the team in rushing for the game, as they totaled 317 yards on the ground as a collective unit. Silva averaged 6.9 yards per rush.
Cougar Statistics:
Passing:
Matt McGuiggan
4-7; 23 yards
Rushing:
Ryan Silva
16 rushes; 111 yards; 2 TDs
Chris Egan:
13 rushes; 85 yards; 1 TD
Matt McGuiggan:
10 rushes; 69 yards; 1 2PT Conversion
Jake O'Neil
7 rushes; 37 yards; 1 TD
Ray Thibault:
2 rushes; 10 yards
Shawn Markham:
2 rushes; 5 yards; 1 2PT Conversion
Receiving:
Shawn Markham:
2 rec; 13 yards
Chris Egan:
1 rec; 5 yards
Ryan Silva:
1 rec; 5 yards
Defensive:
Chris Egan:
1 sack
Ray Thibault:
1 sack
Joe Rubini:
1 sack
Shawn Markham:
1 INT
Ryan Letendre:
1 INT
WHAT'S NEXT?
Old Colony (6-1) will travel to Swansea to take on Case High School on October 29 at 6:30 pm.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Special thanks to the McGuiggans for photos from the game. I apologize for the late post, I was having technical difficulties, as well as returning from my trip to Tampa Bay. I will see you at Case High School on Friday!
Thank you for taking your time to read this article!
If you have comments, questions, suggestions or anything please feel free to reach out to me! My contact information can be found in the "About" section of this website. I'd love to hear from you!
Link For Photos From Game:
Great article! Captured the thrilling game! Congrats to the Cougars!!