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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
A week after beating Holliston for the first time in over a decade, the Medfield High School football team hosted Westwood on Friday evening for their final TVL regular season game before the MIAA playoffs. Behind a strong defensive effort, the Warriors (5-1, 3-1) defeated the Wolverines (1-5, 0-3) 31-6 to clinch at least a share of the TVL title.
After both teams traded punts to begin the game, it appeared as if the first quarter was going to end locked in a scoreless tie. However, a 65-yard pick-six by Medfield senior defensive back Ian Gipson with 2:21 gave the Warriors a 7-0 lead. Just 21 seconds later, junior running back Joey Vachon punched the ball in from three yards out following yet another forced turnover by the Warrior defense, as Medfield went ahead 14-0 at the end of one.
A helmetless Mason Giunta (33) helps corral Westwood’s Jake Antonucci (22) with the help of teammates John Lowell (77) and Elliott Mantz (81).
Medfield running back Joe Vachon (25) tries to bump a run to the outside with Westwood’s Dominic Hough (32) and Michael Hanlon (5) in pursuit.
With 4:40 to play in the first half, Mason Giunta dashed 19 yards and leaped over a defender into the end zone to finish off an 11-play drive for the Warriors, extending the Medfield lead to 21-0 at the half.
Reed Wilson led Westwood deep into Medfield territory on the Wolverines’ opening possession of the second half, but a turnover on downs gave the Warriors the ball back with the chance to go up by four scores. With 5:51 remaining in the third quarter, Medfield junior quarterback Mitchell Gonser dashed to the end zone on a quarterback keeper to bump the lead to 28-0.
Giunta’s second touchdown of the night early in the fourth quarter all but sealed the win for Medfield as the score reached 35-0. Jake Antonucci cut the deficit to 35-6 late for Westwood on a long touchdown run (two-point attempt unsuccessful), spoiling Medfield’s shutout bid. However, the damage had already been done by the Warrior offense, and Medfield hung on for the 29-point victory.
The Warriors will host non-conference foe Walpole on October 20 for their regular season finale before getting after it in the sectional playoffs, while Westwood will host Norton.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
Westwood quarterback Reed Wilson (9) attempts to shake a tackle from Medfield’s Daniel Dealy (48).
