RallyNorth.net

MARBLEHEAD — In a game where both offenses looked like they were still in preseason form, it was only natural that the game’s two biggest plays occurred on the defensive side of the ball. Marblehead senior defensive back Bing Bial returned an interception 78 yards for a fourth quarter touchdown and the Magicians stuffed Pentucket’s potential game-tying two-point conversion in the final minutes to hang on for a 14-12 victory at Piper Field. Bing’s pick — which happened with less than three minutes to play — appeared to be nothing more than a well-timed turnover for the Magicians. When he turned up-field and started picking up blocks, however, it became game-changing. Bing raced down the left sideline, past the Pentucket bench, and watched his teammates pick off would-be Sachem tacklers one by one. His score, followed by Christian Flores’ extra point, gave the hosts a 14-6 lead. Pentucket quickly answered in its Northeastern Conference/Cape Ann League debut. Pentucket junior Nick D’Agostino took the ensuing kickoff to the 46 yard line, then Nolan Dragon busted through the middle for a 40-yard gain to put the Sachems in scoring position. Four plays later Dragon crashed in from three yards out to cut the Marblehead lead to two with 1:12 to go. Marblehead sophomore Jeremy Gillis then made the big stop on the two-point attempt, blasting into the backfield and blowing up Dragon. “We got a little lucky because that (play) wasn’t what we had expected,” Marblehead coach Jim Rudloff said. “Our defense wasn’t called for that. Fortunately, individuals made great plays there.” Even in defeat Pentucket coach Steve Hayden took a lot of positives out of the game. “They didn’t quit,” Hayden said. “Obviously that’s an experienced team over there. All you can do is ask your kids to battle and they did that.” Dragon was the most impressive offensive player in the game. The bruising fullback ran for 102 yards on 17 carries and he caught four passes for 48 yards. He scored both Pentucket touchdowns. The Sachems held Will Quigley to just 33 yards on 11 carries. He rushed for 1,200 yards last year to lead the Magicians to a 5-6 record.