By Curran Coakley
Community Contributor
After shutting out Medway on the road, the Warriors entered their home opener against Dedham on a high note. However, the unpredictability of football and the whims of the football gods became evident.
The Warriors now find themselves back on level ground, having experienced a shutout one week and being the ones shutting out their opponents the week before.
Dedham executed a flawless trick play on their very first snap, resulting in a 72-yard touchdown just 20 seconds into the game. This early blow left Medfield struggling to regain their footing. The Marauders maintained their lead throughout the game, never looking back. A touchdown in the first quarter, coupled with their strong defense, kept the Warriors scoreless.
Medfield's offense had difficulty finding its rhythm against Dedham. The Power I run game, which had been successful against Medway, sputtered in this game as the Marauders claimed a 16-0 victory.
Despite several opportunities and promising drives, Medfield's offense couldn't find the missing piece. Quarterback Nick Hasapidis faced limited options downfield and often found himself evading the relentless pursuit of Dedham's defense.
Dedham's experienced defensive line set the tone, providing a relentless pass rush and a formidable barrier that Medfield struggled to penetrate. While Medfield's offensive line featured three sophomores who saw significant playing time, it faced challenges expected with a younger group.
Dedham relied on running back A.J. Pinet to control the game's tempo, opting for a ground-based attack after the first quarter. The Medfield pass rush led by Luke Gobin and Chase Coughlin caused frustration for Dedham, and cornerbacks Tommy Ojuolape and Roman Schoenfeld effectively defended against Dedham's receivers.
From Medfield's perspective, the key takeaway is the strength of their defense, which held its ground against a formidable opponent. Despite an early deficit, the Warriors kept the game competitive. Dedham had previously performed well against Division 2 Wellesley, making their struggles against Medfield a source of encouragement.
In the upcoming week, the Warriors will face a challenging yet beatable Bellingham team on the road. Offensive improvement will be crucial in the coming weeks, with the hope of a rebound game from the offensive line, led by Tyler Rosen and Declan Frazier. In a nine-game season, avoiding a multi-week slump is essential for playoff aspirations.
Coach Eric Ormberg emphasized that this year's team needs to be "Forged in Fire," and after two weeks, they have faced their share of challenges. The upcoming game will be a test of their resilience. Kickoff is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Bellingham.
For updates, follow @MedfieldAD on Twitter/X and @medfield_football_community on Instagram.
