Chieftains dominate while putting away Patriots

Nashoba Regional showed why it could make noise in the playoffs during yesterday’s clash with North Middlesex.

Sparked by the all-around excellence of senior Randy Patterson, a host of defensive standouts and senior quarterback Will Hurley’s three first-half touchdown passes, the Chieftains started fast and basically never let up, gaining a 47-0 victory before a large crowd at the Patriots’ John Young Memorial Field.

Nashoba, riding a seven-game winning streak, takes a 9-2 record into its Division 1 playoff game Tuesday as the second seed, against No. 7 seed Milford at a time and site to be announced today. The Chieftains finished 5-0 in Division 1B, which they clinched earlier this month.

North Middlesex finished 1-10, 0-5 in the division. Nashoba leads the holiday series, 13-3.

“I thought we played very well defensively and were able to execute on offense,” Nashoba coach Ken Tucker said. “We also wanted to continue to build our momentum going into the playoff game next week. North Middlesex gave us some problems early on, and they do deserve credit. But we made some adjustments and began to play very well.”

After a slightly sloppy start by both teams, the Chieftains caught fire, scoring two touchdowns in the game’s first 6:11.

Patterson accounted for the first score, finding the Patriots’ end zone on a 6-yard burst. Junior Brandon Steff then kicked the first of his five extra points. Moments later, Hurley unloaded a 19-yard scoring strike to senior Conor Wyand. Steff again kicked the extra point. Senior running back Kevin Buettner, returning after an injury, took center stage during Nashoba’s third score, scooting 38 yards for a TD. Steff’s kick increased Nashoba’s lead to 21-0.

Nashoba added three more TDs in the second quarter, expanding its lead to 41-0 by halftime.

Junior Ron Hamwey scored the fourth TD when he recovered a fumble in the North Middlesex end zone after a bad snap on a punt attempt. Steff delivered the extra point. After a Patriots’ punt, the Chieftains struck again, as Hurley hit Wyand with 6-yard TD toss. Steff kicked the extra point.

Sophomore running back John Ojkuwu’s 40-yard rush put the victors deep in NM territory. Hurley capped Nashoba’s first-half scoring with a 12-yard TD pass to senior Larry McGillicuddy.

“All of our seniors have been great, and they’ve definitely led the way for us,” Tucker said. “But what most impresses me is how this team plays together as a team. We’ve got some stars, but we’re a true team. Hopefully, we can continue to play well Tuesday and beyond.”

With the starters on the sidelines, junior quarterback Trevor Wyand uncorked a 17-yard TD pass to senior Connor Ruby in the third quarter to conclude the Chieftains’ scoring.

Jake Trickett won defensive MVP honors for the Patriots, who were unable to generate much offense. Brian Shannon captured offensive MVP honors. Hurley was offensive MVP for the Chieftains and Patterson defensive MVP.

NASHOBA (9-2, 5-0 D1B)

21 20 6 0—47

N. MIDDLE (1-10, 0-5 D1B)

0 0 0 0— 0

Randy Patterson 6 run (Brandon Steff kick)

Conor Wyand 19 pass from Will Hurley (Steff kick)

Kevin Buettner 38 run (Steff kick)

Ron Hamwey fumble recovery in end zone (Steff kick)

Wyand 6 pass from Hurley (Steff kick)

Larry McGillicuddy 12 pass from Hurley (kick failed)

Connor Ruby 17 pass from Trevor Wyand (kick failed)