By Adam Nazzaro
NEFJ Correspondent
BROCKTON – As we head into mid-October high school in Massachusetts, plenty of league titles and playoff spots are up for grabs.
That includes the the Catholic Central, where Bishop Feehan and host Cardinal Spellman showed up for a chance at getting closer to the opportunity. Both defenses put on a show, but it was Bishop Feehan who cruised to a 24-0 victory on Friday night.
On the Shamrocks’ first drive of the contest, sophomore QB Owen Mordas found senior receiver Brett McCaffery for a 46-yard completion, setting up the first points of the night. Junior kicker Austin Clemente nailed a 38-yard field goal, giving Feehan a 3-0 lead with 7:44 left in the opening frame.
“I have a lot of respect for Spellman,” Feehan coach Bryan Pinabell said. “They’re a very well coached team and do a lot of good things on offense and we knew it was going to be a challenge going into the game.”
Following a couple missed opportunities from both offenses, Feehan was able to take advantage of a couple Spellman offensive penalties that put them back inside their own 20-yard line.
Feehan sophomore DB Andrew Orphanos (3 INTs in game) picked off a sloppy pass, taking it back for a 23-yard pick-six, giving the Shamrocks a 10-0 lead heading into halftime.
“Young kid. Very exciting seeing that, “Pinabell said on Orphanos performance. “We’re a pretty young football team, so we got a little bit of growing to do. Excited for next week.”
After getting Spellman to punt on their first drive of the second half, the Shamrocks punched in their second touchdown drive of the game.
Following a tough injury to junior Jack Charney, the Shamrocks finished off the drive on a four-yard touchdown run by junior David Quinn (2 touchdowns on night). The touchdown came on a gutsy 4th & 1 conversion, giving Feehan a 17-0 lead with 3:30 left in the third quarter.
On Spellman’s next drive, Feehan DE Sean Judge came up with an interception to cap off a great night for the senior. Judge was a high point for the the Feehan defense.
With two weeks left until the MIAA Playoffs begin, both these teams will be continuing to fight for top seeds.Feehan will be on the road against CCL rival Bishop Fenwick next Thursday night (6 p.m.). Spellman will also face a league opponent next week, they’ll host St. Mary’s of Lynn Friday night (6:30 p.m.).