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By Robby McKittrick
Hometown Weekly Reporter
After a big 42-0 win against Durfee last week, the Wellesley Raiders kept their momentum going against Newton North, defeating the Tigers on the road, 27-7, on Friday night.
Shiloh White dominated on the ground all game long, accumulating over 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and the Raiders’ defense owned the Tigers for four quarters to cruise easily to the victory.
Wellesley was the better team right out of the gate.
After forcing the Tigers to a three out and out on its first possession of the game, the Raiders responded with a great opening, seven-play drive that ultimately ended with a five-yard touchdown run by White. However, a botched snap for the extra point kept the score at 6-0 Raiders.
With 4:10 left in the first quarter, White found a hole and busted out a 55-yard touchdown run to make it 13-0 Raiders.
The Raider defense, which did an excellent job throughout the game, did not allow Newton North to complete a first down in the first quarter, and the Tigers went into the second quarter with a 13-0 lead.
Referees signal a touchdown after Wellesley Quarterback Bert Greene sneaks the ball in from the goal line to make it 27-0 Wellesley in the third quarter. Photos by Robby McKittrick
It was not until the last couple of minutes in the second quarter that the Tigers offense showed any life at all. However, after a long, methodical drive, Newton North quarterback Andrew Landry could not convert a touchdown pass on third and goal, preserving the Raider lead at 20-0.
The Raiders did not let off the steam in the second half. With 8:32 remaining in the third quarter, Greene found a hole on the left side and scored a touchdown on an impressive 41-yard quarterback keeper, making it 27-0, Wellesley.
The Raiders defense kept the pressure on the rest of the game, delivering big hit after big hit. Even when Tigers receivers were open and Landry made an accurate throw, the ball was often broken up after a big blow from a defensive back.
The Tigers finally got on the board at the end of the third quarter with a 60-yard touchdown throw by Landry to Kyle Ray-Canada to make it 27-7.
The Raiders defense swarmed the Tigers the rest of the way, and Wellesley held onto the football for most of the fourth quarter to defeat Newton North.
The Raiders dominated the game from start to finish, and they were led by sophomore running back Shiloh White.
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Wellesley fans watch their team defeat Newton North 27-7 on Friday night. Photos by Robby McKittrick
“[White]’s a passionate kid,” said Wellesley Head Coach Jessie Davis. “He runs hard. He worked hard in practice this week and showed it tonight.”
White, who played on the team last year as a freshman, started in just his second game of the year after beginning the season injured.
“He’s a tough kid,” said Davis. “He knows the game, he has a high football IQ, and when he gets a full head of steam in him, he runs well.”
Coach Davis was also very pleased with his defense.
“We are flying to the football,” said Davis. “I think our defensive game plan was excellent this week, and the kids executed.”
Wellesley improved to 4-1 on the season, while Newton North dropped to 2-2. Wellesley will look to win their fifth game of the year next Saturday afternoon at Natick High School.
