Marblehead Inches Closer to Northeast Conference Title
Posted on November 13th 2011
By Jan Taylor
BEVERLY, Mass. --- Will Quigley scored two touchdowns in the first quarter as the Marblehead Magicians beat the Beverly Panthers, 13-12, at Piper Field in Marblehead. With the win Marblehead eliminated Beverly’s chances of winning the Northeast Conference and defending its Super Bowl title.
Marblehead got the scoring started in the first quarter when Quigley scored a 50-yard touchdown with 9:00 left in the first quarter to put the Magicians ahead 6-0. About three minutes later, Beverly tied the game 6-6 with Brendan Flaherty scored a 37-yard touchdown with 6:06 left in the first quarter.
Marblehead went ahead for good when Quigley scored his second touchdown of the game on a 27-yard rush with 3:11 left in the first quarter. Christian Flores kicked the extra point to put the Magicians ahead 13-6.
After a high scoring first quarter, both teams made this game a defensive battle for the rest of the game. Both the second and third quarters were scoreless.
The only touchdown in the fourth quarter occurred with Flaherty scored his second touchdown of the game with 5:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. Beverly had the chance to go ahead by attempting the two point conversion. However, Marblehead’s defense blocked Beverly’s conversion attempt.
“This was the most important game of the season for us, especially since Beverly is the defending Northeast Conference champions,” said Quigley after the game. “All the area newspapers favored Beverly, but we were all willing to work hard as the underdogs.”
With the win, Marblehead improved to 7-2. They will play Swampscott at home on Thanksgiving Day. The team who wins that game will win the Northeast Conference and play in the post season. Meanwhile, Beverly dropped to 6-4 and will play at Salem on Thanksgiving.
“My teammates, coaches and I are definitely looking forward to Thanksgiving.” said Quigley. “Not only will this be the last game for the graduating seniors, but we will have the chance to beat our rivals and achieve our goal of winning the Super Bowl.”
