By Oliver Fox
NEFJ Correspondent
DUXBURY – In the rematch of last year’s Division 4 state championship game, the Scituate Sailors continued a run of dominance over South Shore rival Duxbury with a 27-15 win Friday night.
It’s worth noting the competitive history between the two teams, who combined for three personal fouls in the first quarter alone. As usual, it was clear that both teams were looking to make a statement early.
“It is early in the season, but it’s a key victory for us,” said Scituate head coach Herb Devine. “We’re kind of trying to figure out who we are in September. We talked to the kids today all week…you don’t win a league title, you don’t win anything in the month of September. We’ve got to keep improving. We had guys out, other guys stepped up this week, some guys playing positions even tonight that they’ve never played before and did a great job.
“It’s a big win. Any time you…I can’t remember the last time somebody’s beaten Duxbury at home in a September. Trust me, those guys will be back. They’ll figure it out. They’ve got some guys out, they’re banged up, but they’ll be there in November like we all know, Coach Landolfi does a great job. But, this is a great win. I’m proud of my guys, proud of the way we played and came out fighting.”
Sciutate’s James Trombly capitalized with a pick six early, making it 6-0 with 7:22 left in the first quarter after a failed point after try. Trombly has had a stellar start to his senior season with two interceptions in as many games to start the campaign.
Duxbury struggled to move the ball most of the night, being shut out in the first half with Scituate’s front seven causing all sorts of issues.
Senior quarterback Jonny Donovan got on the board with a rushing touchdown with 4:02 remaining in the first half to extend the Sailor’s lead to 12-0 after a failed two-point try.
The halftime break gave Duxbury a chance to recalibrate, leading to its first score of the night. A rushing touchdown by quarterback Brady Rhinesmith made the score 12-7 with 6:56 remaining in the third quarter.
On the following drive, Scituate’s Grayson Foley had the ball knocked loose with a fumble, but Duxbury wasn’t able to capitalize on the turnover and failed to convert on a fourth down attempt, leading to a turnover on downs of its own.
From there, Scituate’s offense found its groove and Foley was able to redeem himself with two rushing touchdowns and a two point conversion in the final 14 minutes of action. Through old school ground-and-pound football, the Sailors were able to extend the lead to 27-7 with just 5:22 remaining in the game.
Duxbury continued to fight with a final touchdown pass from quarterback Rhinesmith to senior wide receiver Jack Camey, followed by a successful two point conversion catch by Camey.
“It’s a good team win,” said Foley. “Obviously, coming here, beating Duxbury, that’s a great program. I feel like it just gives us a lot more motivation for the rest of the year.”