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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Following a tough 1-3 start to the 2016 season, the Walpole Rebels have rebounded with two hard-fought and competitive games against Bay State Conference rivals Wellesley (10-7 loss) and Norwood (14-0 win).
In Walpole’s 14-0 victory over Norwood on the first of October, Barry Greener’s bunch showed the ability to play lockdown defense by completely shutting down the Norwood rushing and passing attacks.
The Rebel pass rush, led by Robert Colburn and Kyle Smith, has been absolutely dominant of late, breaking into the backfield and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
The offense, led by quarterback Charlie Auditore, has also been producing. In their week-four victory over Norwood, Auditore tossed a first quarter touchdown to Matt Tosone to give the Rebels a 7-0 lead. The Rebel ground attack, led by Ferry Armand and Brian Simeon, has also been extremely productive, as Simeon punched one in from seven yards out against Norwood to put Walpole up 14-0, a score that would end up becoming final.
The Rebels came into their match against Wellesley with the hopes of earning a win and returning their record to .500, but unfortunately, a tight defensive battle did not turn out in Walpole’s favor, as the Rebels fell 10-7 to the Raiders.
After a stellar effort by each team’s defense early, the game remained knotted at zero after one quarter of play. A second quarter field goal put the Raiders up 3-0 at the half.
Wellesley struck first in the second half with a six-yard touchdown run midway through the third to go up 10-0.
Charlie Auditore and the Rebels found their rhythm and got the ball moving late in the third quarter, resulting in a long drive which culminated in a touchdown run by Ferry Armand to cut the Raider lead to three with the majority of the fourth quarter still left to play.
The Rebel defense held the Raider offense in check and got the ball back for the offense two more times for a chance to tie the game or take the lead late. Auditore and the Rebels were unable to find the game-tying or go-ahead score, as two interceptions by the Raiders late sealed the win for Wellesley.
Walpole travels to Natick on October 14 before hosting Dedham on October 21.
