RallyNorth.net

North Reading, Lynnfield should be an offensive show

With fewer than 30 candidates starting the season, attrition and injuries have been the bane of North Reading's existence.

The 5-5 Hornets, who opened the year with three straight wins, look to end it in similar style with a win over the rival 3-7 Pioneers.

Points, passes and unpredictability should be in abundance when these two similar offenses collide.

Chris Grassi quarterbacks the Pioneers and can hurt you with his arm and legs. He's thrown nine TDs, five to top target Jeff Millinazzo, and three to No. 2 threat Frank Celani. Grassi is most dangerous on the run, with the inside option play. He's run for four scores.

Hornet QB Jimmy Campbell has thrown for 662 yards and five TDs. Dangerous two-way man Darren Hartwell has caught four of those scoring strikes. In all, he has 19 catches for 453 yards. Dino Rizzo has scored eight touchdowns, running for 382 yards on 90 tries.

Linebacker Brendan Lutz and massive defensive lineman Nick Chalmers (6-foot-2, 320 pounds) pace the defense | which has given up a commendable 15.2 points a game | along with Hartwell and tackle Ronnie Rossi. North Reading held Newburyport and North Andover to 14 points apiece.

Lynnfield leads the overall series 29-19, but it was North Reading which dominated a year ago, 22-0, and two years ago, 34-6.

Did You Know?

With 876 yards receiving in the last two seasons combined, junior Darren Hartwell is on his way to becoming one of the most prolific receivers in North Reading history. Hartwell also helped lead the Hornet baseball team to the Division 3 North title game.