OTTO INDELICATO rumbled over Hamilton-Wenham defenders all night on his way to 158 rushing yards and 4 TD’s in NR’s 35-6 win over the Generals on Friday night. (Eric Evans Photo)
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North Reading defeats Triton 13-10 (Oct. 4)
Published October 3, 2024
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
NORTH READING — Three games into the season, the explosive North Reading Hornets have found yet another way to win, dominating the second half of what had been a closely-fought battle with CAL opponent Hamilton-Wenham on Friday night.
Junior tailback Otto Indelicato, who put the Hornets in front at the outset of the second quarter, reeled off a trio of unanswered TD rushes in the second half to dispense with the visiting Generals, 35-6.
North Reading remains undefeated at 3-0 (CAL 1-0) while Hamilton-Wenham continues to seek their first win of the season.
“Our kids worked really hard this week in preparation to be able to play four quarters and I think you saw that in the second half in terms of execution,” said North Reading coach Ed Blum, who defeated Hamilton-Wenham last year by a score of 48-20. “The offensive line, led by tackles Glen Mello and Chris Libby, were driving their blocks and opening holes for Otto.”
Hamilton-Wenham, armed with the opening possession, threatened in the first quarter with a red zone visit. The Hornet defense was unyielding on four plays, forcing a 26-yard field goal try. Placekicker Martin Baum had plenty of leg but struck the right upright, reminiscent of Dedham’s “doink” the week before.
North Reading took over after the miss, marching 76-yards on 8-plays to reach the General 4 as time ran out on a scoreless first frame. Catching their breath, the teams reversed ends and on the initial play of the second, Indelicato found a seam for a 4-yard TD rush. Xander Villarroel, a perfect five-of-five on the night, booted the Hornets to a 7-0 lead.
“I take pride in my patience behind the line of scrimmage,” said Indelicato, who racked up 158-yards on 17 carries. “I know if I just follow the numbers on the jerseys of my offensive linemen, they’ll ultimately get me to the end zone.”
THE HORNETS celebrate Desi Brown’s (No. 13) tone-setting interception in their win over Hamilton-Wenham on Friday night. (Eric Evans Photo)
Emerging players in this contest included Hornets sophomore defensive back Desi Brown, who impressed with a pickoff of QB Jack Cooke, ending a promising drive. Brown also accounted for a bone-crunching tackle on the first play of the game, planting the ball carrier in the backfield and setting the tone.
“The inspiration came from coach Blum who endlessly prepares us for these moments,” said Brown. “He was drilling it into me that the third option was going to be there and I was able to execute it. As for the pickoff, I got under the ball and was able to come down with it and give it back to our offense.”
With 45 seconds remaining in the half, Cooke took it in himself from the 8-yard-line. Hamilton-Wenham tailback Caden Schrock led the drive, adding to his 139-yards on the night but the Generals missed the PAT to remain behind, 7-6.
Tanner DuPriest answered with a trip to the house, racing for a 75-yard kickoff return seconds before intermission. It was the first run back of the season and put the Hornets in front, 14-6.
On the opening possession of the second half, Jason Berry missed a pair of targets and soon faced a 4th-and-8 from the Generals 44. Flushed from the pocket, he scrambled madly, back and forth, until he found Indelicato for a 38-yarder and a fresh set of downs at the 6. Two plays later, the powerful running back was in for his second of the night, to move ahead 21-6.
To the chants of “Otto-Matic” from the cheerleaders and North Reading faithful in the stands, Indelicato added a pair of long TD rushes in the fourth quarter to put it out of reach. With 8:54 left, he bowled over several would-be tacklers for a 35-yard score and minutes later, added a 30-yarder. Indelicato now has six rushing scores on the season.
THE NRHS football team improved to 3-0 with a 35-6 win over Hamilton-Wenham on Friday night. This Friday night, the Hornets will host 3-0 Triton at 6 p.m. (Eric Evans Photo)
“We know this Hamilton team and our game plan was to run the ball,” said Indelicato. “My offensive line was blocking well and making big holes. It all comes down to conditioning and who will be able to execute at a high level in the fourth quarter when they’re tired.”
“Otto, because of his size and strength, is one of the hardest runners to take down,” said Blum. “Credit to all of our kids and their ability to adjust and play hard for four quarters. As coaches, it’s our job to remind them of their responsibilities and techniques but it’s up to the kids to provide the encouragement to teammates. They did a much better job this week lifting each other up.”
North Reading will next host the 3-0 Triton Vikings on Friday evening at 6 p.m.
