By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Staff

WOBURN — No. 2 West Boylston jumped out to a big lead and never relinquished it in a 36-14 victory over No. 3 Carver in the Division 8 state semifinals on Saturday.

One thing everyone knows about West Boylston is the Lions are going to run that ball and if you can’t stop that running attack, then it will be a long day. WB jumped out to a 22-0 lead and it seemed as though on defense, the Lions knew everything Carver was doing on offense.

West Boylston will be making its third straight trip to Gillette Stadium.

“We ran the ball well, they made a little comeback. I’ll be honest with you, I got a little concerned,” admitted West Boylston head coach Mike Ross. “We can run the ball and we can stop people.”

The Lions (9-2) came into this game averaging 46.5 points per game in the postseason, while the Crusaders came in averaging 36 points per game.

The Crusaders’ explosive offense managed to put together only two good scoring drives. The first scoring drive came late in the first half when quarterback Jack Balzarini connected with Teagan Zakrzewksi for a touchdown as time expired. Carver converted on the two point conversion to cut the lead to 22-8 heading into the break.

In the second half, the Crusaders marched down the field once again and this time Balzarini connected with Nathan Hems to make it a on- score game.

Things went from bad to worse for the Lions on the ensuing possession as Dominick Renzoni fumbled the ball that ended up in the hands of Carver.

Renzoni more than made up for the fumble on the next series as he picked off Balzarini. After the interception running back Tommy Wyatt broke loose for a 44 yard touchdown run to push the lead to 29-14.

“He fumbled that ball. I had some concerns,” said Ross. “Our kids never quit, they just kept putting up points.”

“We were energized, kept running outside, kept our assignments, everything was working,” added Wyatt.

From then on, the Lions’ defense took full control, forcing a three-and-out followed by a diving interception from Aidan Hamilton. Renzoni put the game away with a touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to make it a three score game, sending the West Boylston faithful into a frenzy.

“You never get sick of going to Gillette,” said Ross.

This game looked similar to last year’s Super Bowl matchup between the two teams where the Lions controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage against Carver.

They now look to win their third straight state championship under coach Ross. It’ll be a tough test against the top seed though.

If you like old school, power running football, this one will be for you.

“We got a tough Randolph team,” Ross added. “We know they’re good, they run double wing, we run double wing, it should be a good game.”