DEDHAM – Jeff Moore is back where he belongs, coaching NEPSAC Football. He made his debut as the Head Football Coach at Tabor Academy this afternoon against Nobles & Greenough in Dedham. Moore’s team made sure it a memorable one as the Seawolves emerged victorious 34-21.

Tabor got on the board first with a safety and followed that up with a Tim Bengston to
Liam Hubacz touchdown. Tabor failed to convert the two point conversion however but led 8-0 early.

Nobles responded on their ensuing possession mounting a drive that resulted on a two yard touchdown run by senior Jonathan Grinion. The two point attempt was no good and the Seawolves led 8-6 after one quarter.

Tabor would add to that lead right before the half when freshmen Kaiden Drinkwater made a spectacular catch on a 24 yard touchdown pass that put the Seawolves up 14-6 with a 1:47 left in the half. Tabor would go into the break leading by that score.

The Seawolves would come out of the half flying and padded their lead thanks to Hugo Djeumeni who took a first-down handoff and sprinted down the right sideline for a 69-yard touchdown run to give Tabor a 20-6 lead with 7:20 remaining in the third quarter.

The Tabor offensive line is massive and they started taking the game over. Moore talked about just how good this group is after the game.

“We have a really good offensive line, especially in the second half we leaned on those guys, and all five do an incredible job,”Moore continued:  “We got lucky Hugo broke one. He’s got to do a better job taking care of the football (lost two fumbles), but he’s going to be really special when he figures that out.”

Nobles would respond however thanks to a 3 yard touchdown run by running back Chris Capone that made the score 20-12. Djeumeni would strike again later in the quarter scoring from 9 yards out. With the two point conversion, the Seawolves led 28-12.

It seemed like the Seawolves were going to blow the game open but Nobles running back Jonathan Grinion had other plans. The 6-2 215  pound running back scored on a 49-yard touchdown, his second of the game. Nobles converted the two point conversion thanks to a terrific play by quarterback Colin Kenney to pull the Bulldogs within 28-21 with 7:48 remaining in the game.

Tabor senior quarterback Tim Bengston decided to take matters into his own hands. On the next possession, he put the game away for all intents and purposes when he broke free down the right sideline on a 68-yard touchdown run.

Moore praised his quarterback after the game.

“There’s a big advantage for having a quarterback who has been a three-year starter (and) has been a two-time captain,” Moore said. “When it matters, he makes good decisions and goes with his gut.”

Tabor visits St. George’s next Friday night. Nobles travels to St. Sebastian’s next Saturday.