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LYNN — With a chance to send Georgetown to the Division 3 state soccer finals, Ben Noelk didn't even have to think about what he was going to do. That's because the Royal sophomore made his plans long before his big moment.

BROCKTON — North Reading played Cardinal Spellman tough last night, but it was not able to contain running back Blaise Branch in a 28-16 setback.

Branch rushed for 175 yards on 21 carries and scored on runs of 57 and 28 yards as Spellman (1-2) won for the first time this year.

The visitors (10-1) spoiled a pregame ceremony in which the Lady Crusader captains, Courtney Ramunno and Jen Comeau hung a banner in memory of Jack Tierney (father of Fenwick AD Bob Tierney) on the centerfield fence.

The score will be forgotten before the Masconomet girls basketball team plays another game. But Bob Romeo anticipates the lesson will stick around well into March.

Forced to play most of the second half and all of overtime without stars Caroline Stewart and Jamie White, the Chieftains gave Division 3 power Cardinal Spellman all it could handle in a 56-52 loss at home.

Don't count Bishop Fenwick's football team out of the playoff picture just yet.

Led by Bobby Tarr, who scored four touchdowns and finished with 312 yards in 33 carries, the Crusaders thumped Cardinal Spellman, 34-20, last night.