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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Speaking at media day back in August, Needham head coach David Duffy stated that his team would be running a lot of new schemes and plays this season that emphasized the speed the Rockets possess. Four games into the season, it’s safe to say that the Rockets have done just that, and then some.
On Friday, Needham took down Weymouth 34-16 for their third consecutive win, improving to 3-1 on the year, and like their first two wins against Walpole (6-0) and Newton North (28-27), Needham’s speed on offense was once again a deciding factor.
The Rockets drew first blood with 3:31 remaining in the first quarter when senior quarterback Charlie Sumner hit senior wideout John Andre for a 25-yard touchdown on a post route down the middle of the field, giving Needham a 7-0 edge at the end of one.
Weymouth struck back midway through the second quarter but failed to convert the PAT, and the Rockets kept the lead at 7-6. Nolan Reilly rumbled his way into the end zone on Needham’s next possession to extend the Rocket lead to 13-6 (PAT no good). Weymouth would add a late field goal and the Rockets entered the half with a four-point lead at 13-9.
Odhari Hibberts got the Rockets off to a roaring start in the second half with a 48-yard touchdown run during which he broke through three tackles and flew down the far sideline, extending Needham’s lead to 20-9.
The Needham defense forced a punt on Weymouth’s ensuing possession, and following a long clock-killing drive, Reilly plunged into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the night to extend the Rocket lead to 27-9 at the end of three quarters.
Charlie Sumner hit junior wideout Matt Smith for a touchdown on Needham’s first possession of the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 34-9. Weymouth scored a late garbage-time touchdown to cut it to 34-16, but the Rockets hung on for the convincing 18-point victory.
Needham will look to make it four straight wins on Friday night when they travel to Framingham.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
