THE HORNETS had plenty to celebrate in a victory over Bishop Fenwick on Friday night, including Tanner DuPriest’s first of two TD grabs. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

 

By DAN ZIMMERMAN

NORTH READING — In the words of one of the many North Reading faithful, Hornetpics photographer Eric Evans, “All they had to do was flip the switch to ‘Otto-Matic’ in the fourth quarter.”

Insightful words, indeed.

In a post-playoff consolation game staged last Friday night, North Reading and visiting Bishop Fenwick had dueled to a 28-28 tie as the third quarter came to a close. The Hornets were seeking the offensive means to shake off their persistent opponent. Tailback Otto Indelicato, like he had so many times before, delivered the knockout punch.

With just over a minute remaining, Indelicato rushed for 40-yards on 6 carries, capped with a 6-yard game winner in the final seconds. More often than not, the premier tailback was met at the line only to continue forward with punishing yards after initial contact.

“In the second half, Otto and the offensive line carried us,” said North Reading coach Ed Blum, who improved to 8-2 overall with one game remaining. “The O-Line was blocking well and making the holes while Otto was running fresh. He was one of the fresher guys in that second half and it took a toll on the Fenwick defense.”

Blum was referring to his game plan and the limited use of Indelicato at the outset, when the Bishop Fenwick defensive formations allowed North Reading to effectively throw the ball. By the start of the second frame, QB Jason Berry already had three TD passes to his credit.

 

OTTO INDELICATO scored the game-winning TD after carrying the Hornets down the field during the final drive of a 35-28 win over Bishop Fenwick at home on Friday night. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

Berry (12-of-17 for 201-yards, 3 TD) found Tanner DuPriest for a 13-yarder to open the scoring, adding a successful 2-point toss to Andrew Taylor off a faked PAT. The Crusaders fumbled away their first possession, pounced on by James Fodera. The Hornets converted the takeaway, driving 55-yards on 9-plays, polished off with yet another Berry-DuPriest linkup, from the 11. Last, but certainly not least, Berry hit Gavin Brady in stride for a 69-yarder to put North Reading in front, 21-8. It was not, the Hornets would soon discover, a comfortable lead.

The Crusaders, with an axe to grind following back-to-back defeats to North Reading including the memorable 2022 game that sent the Hornets to a Super Bowl, went on the attack, matching their host’s offensive output. QB Brayden Clifford found receiver Tyler Connolly for a 40-yarder, Dylan Patterulli added a 5-yard TD rush, and with seconds remaining in the half, Clifford hit Patterulli with a screen to move ahead, 22-21.

Midway through the third, Connolly added to the Crusader lead with a 15-yard keeper. Bishop Fenwick had scored 20 unanswered points in less than 10-minutes. To stem the tide, the Hornets switched gears and went to the run, deploying Indelicato. His first two touches resulted in 13 and 23-yards, respectively. His third carry in the series yielded a 3-yard score and a 28-28 tie.

The Crusaders consumed more than half of the fourth quarter with a methodical 15-play drive that was ultimately foiled by the Hornets defense.

“I give credit to our defense for digging deep, making the necessary tackles, and coming up with that stop,” said Blum. “We’ve talked about making that one more play and the defense did that.”

As time wound to the final seconds, Indelicato delivered the winner.

 

ARTHUR J. KENNEY FIELD will trade the moon, hopefully for some sun in NR’s final game of the season next week when they host Lynnfield for the 65th Thanksgiving Day game at 10:30 a.m. A preview will appear in next week’s Thanksgiving supplement. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

“Practices have been tough and I’ve been dealing with minor injuries but for the second half of tonight’s game, I was feeling refreshed and took advantage of that,” said the junior tailback, who compiled 105-yards on 13 carries.

Next up for the Hornets is the season finale as 8-2 Lynnfield, which recently dropped a 36-34 overtime decision to Fairhaven in the playoffs, pays a visit on Thanksgiving morning.

“I don’t know how much more motivation we really need for this game,” said Blum. “Lynnfield is always a challenge and I certainly hope we can give them a good battle.”