DAVID TRAN earned the most noise from the Hornet sideline in their win over Essex Tech on this play as he broke a tackle to get in the end zone for a 10-yard TD run. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

 

After press time:
North Reading falls to Amesbury 20-16 (Oct. 18)

 

 

By DAN ZIMMERMAN

DANVERS — As North Reading football reaches midseason, there is hope that this team will be able to handle opponents in the latter stages of the campaign much like they’ve commanded the second half of their football games.

Currently undefeated at 5-0, North Reading has won most of their games by outscoring their adversaries after the intermission, 83-19. That statistic would include the most recent win, at Essex Tech on Friday night, in which the Hornets outpaced their host by a 26-6 margin in the second half on the way to a 47-20 final.

“It’s an indication of their conditioning work in the off-season and the fact that they have the ability to play strong through all four quarters,” said North Reading coach Ed Blum, when asked about his team’s tendency to power through second halves. “I know the teams we’ve faced have come in with solid game plans but halftime allows us to communicate the necessary adjustments and get on the same page. Credit to the kids for going out there and executing.”

Essex Tech did not look like a 1-4 team at the outset, delivering the first blow on the opening possession. Led by tailback Jake Gilbert, who rushed for 106-yards on 21 tries on the night, the Hawks marched efficiently to the red zone. When the drive became mired at the 20, QB Jacoby Casinelli-Tarasuik took it upon himself, racing in for the go-ahead score.

North Reading answered with a brief series, covering 75-yards on just 5 plays. Quarterback Jason Berry (9-of-11 for 171-yards) hit Tanner DuPriest for 39-yards, Gavin Brady for 12 and then handed the ball to Otto Indelicato, who smashed through the line for a 19-yard score. “Otto-Matic,” as he is affectionately referred to by the North Reading faithful, added an 11-yard TD rush as the first frame came to an end.

The Hornets boosted their lead to 21-7 with 28 seconds left in the half as Berry connected with DuPriest from the 19 and added a 2-point throw to Andrew Taylor to offset an earlier missed PAT.

After the break, the North Reading quick strike offense added a 6-yard TD linkup from Berry to Brady. This score was the result of enviable field position after Brady ran the kickoff back to the Hawks’ 11-yard-line.

 

GAVIN BRADY reels in a TD pass from Jason Berry in NR’s win 47-20 win over Essex Tech on Friday night. Brady had 6 catches for 87 yards and 2 TDs, along with 1 rushing TD. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

The Hawks still had a little fight left and made it interesting, halving the deficit to 28-14 with an 80-yard, 12-play drive that led to a 7-yard TD rush from Casinelli-Tarasuik. But the Hornets premier receiver Brady hauled in a 50-yard TD on the next possession and for good measure, tacked on a 20-yard score on a reverse to make it 40-14.

“I just think it was the result of the coaches giving us the right plays,” said Brady, who caught 6 Berry passes for 87-yards and two TDs and rushed for a third. “In the second half, we found our rhythm and we just clicked. It was a great team win tonight.”

“We see Brady every single day and we know what he’s capable of,” said Blum of his junior receiver. “Him and Berry put in a lot of work together. When his number was called tonight, he did a great job taking advantage of his matchup and made some plays.”

Essex Tech scored late but for the third time, the Hornets answered without delay. The North Reading sideline saved the loudest cheer for senior tailback David Tran who was deployed in the final minutes and scored from the 10-yard-line.

“Obviously, you try to enjoy and take away all of the good things,” said Blum. “Being in a position of 5-0 is awesome but we have to reset and understand that Amesbury is coming in and they certainly have had our number in recent years. That offense and that team presents a challenge. Certainly, we’re in a good position but there’s a lot to clean up before Amesbury.”

The 3-2 Amesbury Red Hawks will pay a visit for a Cape Ann League clash on Friday night at 6 p.m.