RallyNorth.net

Big Blue defeats Exeter

Saturday, November, 10 By Bryan Deyermond
Staff writer

EXETER | Chad Hollis took the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to put Phillips Andover on its way to a 24-14 victory over Phillips Exeter in the 127th meeting of the two schools yesterday.

"Basically, its a dream come true," said Hollis. "I saw the holes, and there was great blocking. I wanted to set the tone for the game."

The Big Blue have won three straight against the Big Red, and own a 68-49-10 advantage overall in the series, the oldest continuous rivalry in the country.

There was a playoff-type atmosphere, with fans from both schools packing ice-cold Phelps Stadium. Fans of Phillips Andover stormed the field to celebrate the win.

Quarterback Bryan Farris led the way for Phillips Andover, passing for 163 yards. But it was an unknown skill that gave the Big Blue a spark.

The former Pinkerton Academy QB rushing for a career-high 92 yards. The pocket passer's previous single-game best in rushing was 32 yards against Manchester Central in 2005, while still a member of the Astros.

Farris also kicked a 33-yard field goal and connected with Mike Cuimmei on a two-point conversion.

Haverhill's Thane Sanford chipped in with a 10-yard touchdown run and, on the defensive side, forced a fumble from his position at linebacker.

The Big Blue pulled ahead early, notching 17 points to start the game. Exeter, on the other hand, turned the ball over three times including quarterback Alex King's fumble at the Andover goal line on the Big Red's first drive of the second quarter.

The Big Red had no trouble rushing the ball against the Big Blue defense, piling up 248 yards on the ground. Former Masconomet running back and Eagle-Tribune All-Star Eric Bunker led the way with 133 yards on 20 carries. He also caught a 56-yard touchdown, the final score of the game. Phillips Andover finished their regular season with an 7-1 mark and now awaits word on whether or not they will qualify.