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HAVERHILL — A Greater Lawrence Tech football team that struggled through two forgettable months and a 1-7 mark closed out a “November to Remember” by stunning rival Whittier Tech in a holiday eve classic, 28-22 on Wednesday.

HAVERHILL — For just over six minutes, Thursday looked as if it was turning into a nightmare for Whittier Tech.

The Wildcats saw Georgetown QB Anthony Plumb complete his first eight passes, one for a touchdown, and run for another score to give the Royals a quick 16-point lead.

WAKEFIELD — Northeast scored the go-ahead touchdown with 32 seconds left but Whittier made an improbable comeback. According to coach Kevin Bradley, Niko Burke returned the kick to midfield then the Cats' Cam West completed passes to Julian Torres, Noah Mercier and Burke. Ben Hussey, who booted his second field goal of the season earlier in the game, attempted a long 44-yard with a second to play. But it fell just a few yards short and the hosts (now 6-2) prevailed 18-16. West threw TD passes to Mercier and Burke. Linebacker Jyzaiah Ferreira and free safety Burke "were all over the place," said Bradley. The loss will likely keep the Wildcats (4-4) out of the playoffs. Pairings will be announced Monday.

HAVERHILL — Lowell Catholic earned a 28-15 win over Whittier Friday night. Eighth-grader Kaden Silton threw for a score and ran for a score and Aidan Virella rushed for 100 yards and two TDs. For Whittier (4-3), Eno Bryant scored on an 8-yard run and Ryan Archambault hauled in a 28-yard TD pass from Cam West. Jyzaiah Ferreira rushed for 124 yards.

HATHORNE — Whittier Tech senior Ben Hussey scored his first career varsity points with a 30-yard field goal with 31 seconds left. That boot gave the "Cardiac Cats" a 23-22 win over Essex Tech. Coach Kevin Bradley said, "He has a strong leg. We said, 'This is it.' It was like Belichick (last week vs. Tampa Bay). Essex called timeout to ice him. Our kids (players) picked him up and fans stormed the field." A Jeremy Rousseau fumble recovery near midfield set up the game-winning mini-drive. It was ironic for the Wildcats to win on a field goal because historically they usually don't kick even extra points. Julien Acevedo-Torres carried 16 times for 168 yards and scored twice.  Whittier (3-2) trailed by 16 in the second quarter but rallied. Bradley said, "Four of our five games we've trailed by double-digits at halftime." But the Cardiac Cats had Hussey, Acevedo Torres and more. Bradley said linebacker Anthony "Sarge" Olivieri had three sacks. Whittier was missing some kids but reserve lineman Mike Comtois stepped up and turned in an all-star performance. Nose guard Jaki Mitchell also was a mainstay.

HAVERHILL — Whittier seemed to have a memorable victory within its grasp.

Receiver Niko Burke faked out his defender with an out-and-up, and QB Camden West hit him with a perfect throw for a 76-yard touchdown that completed a 17-point comeback and gave Whittier the lead with 6:38 left in the game.

HAVERHILL — A new quarterback, continued strong running and clutch defense made the difference for Whittier Tech Friday.

And so did the crowd at the Wildcats' first-ever home night game.