By Jeff Kiesling
Community Contributor
The Dover Sherborn Raiders varsity football team extended their winning streak to four games to begin the season with a dominant showing on the road against the Dedham High School Marauders on Friday night. The Raiders defense bottled up Dedham’s potent ground game and the offense continued to roll as the team blanked its Tri Valley League (small) rival, 24-0.
The Raiders took advantage in the first quarter when Harry Dummer made a diving interception on the right sideline, allowing DS to take possession at their own 38-yard line. The offense snapped to life when Michael Polk took a handoff on first down and motored around the left side to midfield. On the next play, quarterback Garrett Webb rifled a pass down the middle that Henry Moore grabbed in stride before outrunning the Marauders’ secondary to the end-zone for the first score of the night. Ronan Richards booted home the PAT and DS was up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The two squads traded possessions early in the second quarter, but neither team was able to gain much ground. Dedham was able to drive the ball to inside the visitors’ 20-yard line as the second quarter wound down. However, the DS defense was able to pressure the quarterback and contain the running game. The visitors clung to a one-score advantage going into the half.
The Marauders started the second half with the ball deep in their own end. On third and long they attempted a pass, but Brian Olson charged up the middle, tipped the ball into the air, and then grabbed it for an interception that gave DS possession near the goal line. Two plays later, Polk took a handoff and broke into the end-zone over the left side for a touchdown. The PAT was unsuccessful, giving DS a 13-0 lead at the midway point of the third quarter.
On its ensuing possession, Dedham was able to put together a drive, but the Raiders defense pushed back, and DS took over on downs at its own 30-yard line. On the final play of the third quarter, Polk took a handoff and raced straight up the middle for a long gain to the Marauders’ 20. Two plays later, Polk capped the drive by taking a handoff and racing around the right corner, outrunning the defense to the end-zone for his second score of the night. DS tacked on two points when Webb called his own number on a run/pass option to the right side and raced into the end-zone. By that point, DS was in complete control of the affair, leading 21-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game.
The Raiders would tack on a late field goal to make the final score 24-0.
In the four games played so far this season, the Raiders have outscored their opponents, 98-7. DS returns home Saturday, October 8, for an afternoon date with league opponent Bellingham at 3:45 p.m.
