THE HORNETS had plenty to celebrate in a 52-18 road victory over Wilmington on Friday night. Pictured is James Fodera (52) celebrating with teammates including Anthony Tammaro (10) and Glenn Mello (53). (Eric Evans Photo)
After press time:
North Reading defeats Dedham 21-20 (Sept. 20)
Published September 19, 2024
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
WILMINGTON — The North Reading football team opened the 2024 season on Friday night in neighboring Wilmington and what transpired on the field brought back fond memories of their State Championship team of two years ago and that exceptional program’s frequent domination of opponents.
This year’s version is off to a similar start, handing Wilmington a 52-18 drubbing and sending a message to upcoming adversaries that North Reading should not be taken lightly.
On the strength of five first half TDs, three in the opening quarter alone, the Hornets amassed what proved to be an insurmountable 38-12 lead at the intermission. Wilmington, which suffered a tough season-opening 48-6 defeat to Chelmsford the week before, didn’t stand a chance against the visitors.
The North Reading faithful, hungry for football after an extra bye week, got a taste of what lies ahead just two plays into the contest when junior QB Jason Berry hit senior Tanner DuPriest in stride for a 41-yard score. Gavin Brady (5 catches, 70-yards, 1 TD) collected a Berry toss for a 2-point conversion off a faked kick to make it 8-0.
“Certainly, they should be happy with their performance tonight,” said North Reading Coach Ed Blum, who seeks to improve on last year’s 5-5 finish. “It was a long four weeks of practice and we had placed emphasis on all three phases, offense, defense, and special teams and it paid off. There’s a lot of good to take away from a game like this but we weren’t perfect and there are a few things to clean up.”
JASON BERRY crosses the plane for a rushing TD in NR’s Week 1 win over Wilmington. The junior QB also threw for 208 yards and 4 TD’s. (Eric Evans Photo)
Blum is likely referring to several early penalties, including a pair of 15-yarders that ultimately led to a Wildcats red zone visit and a score, reducing their deficit to 8-6 after a failed 2-pointer.
North Reading was soon off on a tangent, scoring on back-to-back possessions. Berry combined with senior Antonio Ricca (2 catches, 59-yards, 1 TD) for a 36-yarder on a fourth down play and on the next series, junior tailback Otto Indelicato made it 22-6 with a 37-yard rumble, taking advantage of a Lucas Do Val block that cleared a path to daylight.
The second quarter began with Wildcat QB Mark Holleran taking it in himself from the 11, but as halftime loomed, North Reading added points off a safety following a botched punt and then two more scores. With 2:10 left, Berry put some air under one from the 44, hauled in by Brady. And with one second left in the half, the Hornets converted a Wilmington turnover for a Berry 3-yarder to DuPriest (5 catches, 63-yards, 2 TD).
“I just want to say that God is good,” said Berry, who spread the ball around and completed 15-of-21 for 208-yards and 4 TDs. “Coach (Eric) Archambault had me watching a lot of film and I feel like I have this offense down pat. Going forward, I just have to keep my foot on the gas pedal but remain humble.”
GAVIN BRADY brought in 5 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in NR’s 52-18 win over Wilmington on Friday. (Eric Evans Photo)
“Jason Berry’s work ethic is unbelievable,” said Blum. “His ball is so catchable and he’s constantly working on it. He also has the ability to run, make plays, and improvise. We have outstanding skill players, certainly, but none of this could happen without the offensive line. That group is a year older and a year more experienced and they do a great job protecting our QB and blocking.”
The Hornets’ offensive line is made up of seniors James Fodera and Ryan Labb, along with juniors CJ Humber, Dylan Matthews, and Zack Morse.
In the third quarter, Indelicato (10 carries, 89-yards, 2 TD) added a 17-yard TD rush to his growing resume, and minutes later, Berry capped the scoring with a 15-yarder.
“You respect each opponent,” said Blum, when it was pointed out that the Hornets took Wilmington seriously, despite their recent struggles. “We ask ourselves, does our preparation get better for next week; does our execution get better next week? You treat each week as the ultimate game as you strive toward important goals.”
North Reading will host the 0-1 Dedham Marauders in another non-league matchup, on Friday at 6 p.m.
