By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Staff

LAWRENCE – Central Catholic quarterback Caden Smith totaled five touchdowns to help lead Central Catholic to 38-20 victory over Andover in a Merrimack Valley Conference showdown on Friday.

Central Catholic (4-3) came into this game looking to get back on the winning side of things after falling to Methuen before their bye week, Andover on the other hand, looked to keep the momentum going after picking up a big time road victory over Pinkerton.

Things could not have started any better for the Raiders and any worse for the Warriors.

Central Catholic set the tone early on. After a three-and-out and a partially blocked punt, the Raiders methodically marched down the field thanks to the legs of Smith.

On multiple occasions during the drive, Smith converted on fourth down to move the chains before punching it in from four yards out to give the Raiders the 7-0 lead.

“When we come out fast we’re a tough team to keep up with,” said Smith

Things went from bad to worse for Andover on the ensuing possession when Drew O’Keefe picked off Kyle Olsen in Andover territory.

Smith and the offense capitalized on the turnover with another fourth down completion, this time an 18-yard touchdown pass on 4th-&-16 to Cal Schoenfeld  to make it 14-0.

“Our defense did a really good job tonight,” said head coach John Sexton

Olsen and the Warriors – looking to not dig a deeper hole – found themselves backed up deep in their own territory before Olsen showed off his arm and legs with big conversions in the air and on the ground to get into Raiders territory.

Running back Marcus DeJesus punched it in from one yard out to get the Warriors on the board.

The two teams exchanged blows to close out the first half. After Smith led the Raiders on another scoring drive that saw the CCHS QB score his second rushing touchdown from 10-yards out, Olsen responded with a 56-yard touchdown run to cut the Central Catholic lead to 21-14

The Raiders – who scored on every offensive possession in the first half – marched down the field once again, but this time it was Drew O’Keefe’s 30-yard field goal that gave Central the 24-14 lead at the half.

“The kids responded and I thought we were flying around,” said coach Sexton.

The second half began with an Andover onside kick recovery, but senior defensive back Joseph Leal gave the Raiders the ball right back, intercepting Olsen.

The Raiders offense capitalized once again off the turnover with Smith running it in from 22-yards out to extend the lead to 31-14

Central Catholic’s defense created yet another turnover with a forced fumble that led to a Smith touchdown pass to O’Keefe, giving the Raiders a comfortable cushion at 38-14

“Defense has stepped up for us all year long,” said Smith. “We’re wreaking havoc on the defensive side of the ball.”

On senior night, Smith rushed for 177 yards and dedicated the game to his grandfather who has been in the hospital this week.

“I was playing for a bigger purpose tonight,” said Smith.

The Raiders wrap up regular season play next week when they visit Haverhill while Andover hosts undefeated Tewksbury.