Dubbs’ heroics lifts Warriors in shootout

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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor

The Medfield High School varsity football team improved to 2-0 in thrilling fashion on Friday evening with a 43-36 victory at Ashland.

Senior captain and running back Mason Giunta’s four-yard touchdown run on Medfield’s opening drive of the game gave the Warriors a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Junior quarterback Mitchell Gonser then hit senior wideout Jake Dubbs for a 62-yard touchdown on Medfield’s next possession, giving the Warriors a 14-0 lead with 9:62 remaining in the second quarter. Gonser extended the Medfield lead to 21-0 just over two minutes later with 7:02 remaining when he scampered for a 16-yard touchdown run.

Ashland would score two quick touchdowns to cut it to a 21-14 game, but Gonser scored his second touchdown of the night on a 63-yard scramble with 5:24 remaining in the first half. The Warriors would enter the break ahead by 14.

The Clockers scored to cut it to a 28-21 game late in the third quarter, but Gonser connected with junior wideout Stephen Williams for a 28-yard touchdown on Medfield’s ensuing possession to give the Warriors a 35-21 lead with 8:29 remaining in the game. Ashland then scored two straight touchdowns and converted a two-point conversion with 1:30 left in the fourth to claim their first lead of the night at 36-35.

With 1:19 remaining, however, Gonser threw his third touchdown pass of the night - and his second to Jake Dubbs - to give Medfield back the lead. The Warriors converted the two-point conversion to go ahead by seven at 43-36 and held the Clockers out of the end zone on their final possession to move to 2-0 on the year.

Gonser and company will look to make it three straight road wins to open the season when they travel to Norton on Friday.

For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.