By: Austin Mendes
Old Colony charges onto the field prior to Friday's Action
ROCHESTER,MA-
Old Colony matched up with Mayflower rival Upper Cape Tech on Friday under the lights of Oliveira Field. The game was Old Colony's homecoming game, along with senior night. Seniors from all the fall sports were honored pregame during a procession.
The Cougars (3-0) came into the game as favorites after dominating performances the week prior against Cape Cod Tech and Wareham High School.
Quarterback Matt McGuiggan calls the play during Friday's action
The Cougars got off rolling quick. Junior Quarterback Matt McGuiggan connected with Sophomore Wide Receiver Shawn Markham on a 50 yard touchdown pass to open up the game. "Matt and I have great chemistry, he does what he needs to do to get the ball out, and it's my job to make the plays." said Markham following the game. After a quick three and out from the Rams, Old Colony would drive down the field again and Chris Egan would score on a 10 yard touchdown run. "Up front is the key to it all, they get to their blocks well, and we got guys that run the ball hard and get the job done." said Coach Mendez following the performance.
Sophomore WR Shawn Markham lines up prior to a snap
Upper Cape's drive following the Egan rushing touchdown would result in a fumbled snap that would result in a recovery by the McGuiggan. The play prior to this, Rams senior Quarterback Blake McElroy of Falmouth, MA would leave the game with an injury from a hit. The scary sight resulted in McElroy leaving the game. Our thoughts and prayers go out to McElroy and we are hoping a full and speedy recovery from the scary scene. McElroy would be replaced by Junior QB Davonte Green, from Wareham, MA.
Senior Captain Ray Thibault receives a play to relay to the defense
The Cougars would receive the ball back following the fumble recovery by Matt McGuiggan, and in the second quarter, he would connect again with a wide open Markham for a 35 yard touchdown pass, McGuiggan's second of the game. "I knew Shawn [Markham] would make the plays when we needed him to." said McGuiggan after the game. On the next drive for the Cougars, senior Ray Thibault would score on a 2 yard touchdown run to give the cougars a 36-0 lead at the break.
Junior Kicker Ryan Silva lines up for an extra point
The Cougars and Rams would hold eachother to zero points in the third quarter. In the fourth, after a failed fourth down conversion, Upper Cape's senior RB Colby McKinnon would score on a 60 yard rushing touchdown, the Rams would fail to convert the extra points.
Old Colony would hold on to win 36-6 in front of a large homecoming crowd at Oliveira Field to advance to 4-0 on the season.
DE Chris Egan chases down Davonte Green for the sack
The Cougar defense dominated once again throughout the game. Sacks were recorded by Chris Egan, Joe Rubini, and Matt McGuiggan. Rubini would force two fumbles during the game, giving the ball back to the Cougars offense. Sophomore Tom Fulton and Junior Matt McGuiggan would both recover fumbles from the Rams. "Foot to the floor from the start all game long, we're able to keep going and not let our foot off the gas." said McGuiggan following the defensive performance. "Teamwork is our biggest success on defense, everybody does their part." said Markham. Throughout the season, the Cougars have allowed a combined 26 points to opponents. "Coach Franklin is always going to have a great gameplan, executing from there,and we're proud of our physicality. To be physical and to execute is the name of the game. The kids prepare so hard." said Coach Mendez following the win.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Matt McGuiggan
McGuiggan looks to make a play during Friday's action
Celebrating his 17th birthday on Friday, Junior Matt McGuiggan had an impressive game. Through the air, he would complete 4 of 5 passes for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. Commanding the offense all game, McGuiggan kept his composure and performed. Flipping to the defensive side of the ball, he would record 1.5 sacks, along with recovering a fumble. At cornerback, McGuiggan kept the Rams contained to allow his teammates to make the play in the middle. "Great birthday gift to advance to 4-0"
Cougar Statistics:
Passing:
Matt McGuiggan: 4-7; 110 yards; 2 TDs
Rushing:
Chris Egan: 6 Rushes; 48 Yards; 2 TDs
Ryan Silva: 5 rushes; 55 yards; 1 2PT Conversion
Jake O'Neil: 2 rushes; 13 yards; 1 2PT Conversion
Shawn Markham: 2 rushes; 10 yards
Mike Willwerth: 5 rushes; 19 yards
Ray Thibault: 1 rush; 2 yards; 1 TD
Stuart Burnham: 2 rushes; 19 yards
Andrew Cassetta: 2 rushes; 22 yards
Receiving:
Trevor Taveira: 1 reception; 14 yards
Shawn Markham: 3 receptions; 96 yards; 2 TD
Defensive:
Joe Rubini: 2 forced fumbles; 0.5 sacks
Matt McGuiggan: 1.5 sacks; 1 fumble recovery
Chris Egan: 1 sack
Tom Fulton: 1 fumble recovery
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Cougars enter their bye week at a 4-0 record. Following their bye, they host Blue Hills, who hold the 3rd longest win streak in the state. The game is October 15, at 7 PM at Oliveira Field in Rochester.
Thank you for taking your time to read this article!
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Link For Photos From Game:
Great article and descriptions of game! Go Cougars!!
HB Matthew 😉