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NORTH ANDOVER — Even the fudge from the post-game brownies couldn’t cover-up North Andover’s spirits after the 11-9 win over arch-rival Andover.

"This has a special meaning when it is Andover-North Andover," said Knights coach Steve Connolly. "We needed a win like this against a quality team, and it’s always a great game when we get together. We feel fortunate."

It was little about luck and more about the Knights’s offense that blasted Andover for five goals in the first quarter. Brian Amor had two of his game-high four in the period.

"This is the first game that Brian shot that accurately," said Connolly. "He’s had the potential and today he put them in the cage. If he can do that with consistency it will be a huge help for us."

Andover, now 5-2, answered with goals by Josh Torres, Gavin McIver and Christian Benedix in the second, making it 5-4 at the break.

Torres and Joe Lamagna heaped on the pressure, but Knight Brien O’Connor stood tall with big save after big save .

The biggest of all came late in the fourth quarter when he turned away a Torres rocket.

"Brien is one of the best goalies in the state," said Connolly. "He’s going to keep us in most games because he is tough as nails, sees the ball well, and is a fierce competitor."

"Our defense did a good job keeping them to the outside," said O’Connor who had seven saves in the game. "Tom O’Connell did a good job shutting off their big guys."

Andover was able to close the gap to 10-8 with 4:19 to play. Then Alex Blane broke the Warrior backs. The junior took a perfect pass from John Carney, turned, and put it by Jake Gostanian for the handy three-goal lead — more than enough cushion for O’Connor and Co. on the other end.

"I love it. It’s a great feeling," said Blane smiling. "But we still have to work hard with Concord-Carlisle on Wednesday and Billerica on Friday."

Lamagna’s three goals for Andover upped his season total to 25.