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Dominating D, running game leads Andover

Friday, October, 01 By David Willis
Staff writer

ANDOVER — Despite the outcome, last Friday’s win left a sour taste in the mouth of Andover defensive lineman Lyle Baker that lingered heading into last night.

“Last week felt horrible,” said Baker, whose defense allowed 32 points to Tewksbury. “It felt like a loss. We came out in the second half and were just flat. This week, we wanted to keep going and put our foot on them. We wanted to finish off the victory.”

Finish they did.

The Golden Warriors surrendered just 40 yards of total offense for the game, and Andy Coke rushed for over 200 yards for the second straight week as Andover bested Haverhill 31-0 last night in the lone game that was not postponed due to the driving rain and wind that persisted for nearly the entire contest.

 “It was awesome,” said nose guard Connor Clancy. “We’re more than a month in and we’re really clicking now with out MVC schedule starting. It’s coming together.”

The Golden Warriors allowed only 32 yards total on the ground. They were especially dominant in the second half, surrendering only 8 yards of total and allowing the Hillies to run nine total plays in the final two quarters.

“This game was nothing like Tewksbury,” said Baker. “We were determined to finish strong and really make it count.”

Linebacker Will Keller led Andover with eight tackles, while Ned Deane added six stops and Baker and Clancy each made five tackles. Michael McGovern and last week’s co-hero Jimmy Walsh each grabbing an interception.

“To put a statement and post a shutout on defense is great,” said Andover head coach E.J. Perry. “The Tewksbury quarterback really got into a rhythm last week, and to come out and play their best and do what we did against Haverhill was great.”

With the heavy rain and swirling wind making the passing game nearly impossible, the Golden Warriors once again rode their dynamic junior back, who wasted no time taking over.

On his second carry of the game, Coke broke off a 39-yard carry, and his third rush was a 20-yard touchdown. The tailback was rolling from there, carrying 26 times for 216 yards and three touchdowns.

Coke again benefited from the Warriors, usually a spread team, utilized a power-I formation on nearly half their snaps and running through impressive holes opened by an offensive line led by Clancy and Baker.

It was Coke’s second straight huge day, following his 222-yard, five-touchdown performance against Tewksbury last week. 

“That is what our offense is,” said Baker. “We can throw, but our true strength is running the football. Give it to Coke and let us run it down their throats.”

Andover QB Tom Dempsey needed to throw the ball just five times, none in the second half, but he did connect with Brian Miller for an impressive 4-yard touchdown on a fade route.

Brett Pettis (team-best eight tackles) and Aaron Molsan (six tackles) were bright spots for the Hillies. David Herook added a fumble recover for Haverhill.

The Golden Warriors continue their season-opening six-game homestand when they host Lawrence on Friday, while Haverhill travels to face Central Catholic.

“It was a great performance all around,” said Dempsey. “We’ll take whatever the defense gives us, and we ran the ball really well. And the defense was just great.”

Every other football game in The Eagle-Tribune area was postponed last night, but Andover had no intention of waiting for their matchup with Haverhill.

“What’s a little rain?” said offensive and defense lineman Lyle Baker with a smile. “Rain’s nothing. I’ll play in anything. I’ll play in lightning if they’ll let me. All day in school people were asking if we were playing. We kept saying, ABSOLUTELY!”

While Andover’s “jumbo” power-I run  package was a perfect offense for the rain, Golden Warriors athletic director Chris Bergeron noted their was also a practical reason to play the game.

“We really didn’t have a choice,” said Bergeron. “We’re hosting the MVC play day for all of the boys soccer teams on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. On Sunday there is the (Andover Junior Football League) on Sunday. Could we push them out? Probably. But we didn’t need to. They kids wanted to play.”