'The team is clicking': Northbridge answers challenge, turns back Leicester to improve to 2-1
NORTHBRIDGE — The resilient Northbridge football team, rounding into form after a tough season-opening setback against West Boylston, started fast and finished strong during Saturday's clash with visiting Leicester. And though the Wolverines battled, they suffered the consequences.
Sophomore quarterback Joel LaChapelle sparked a host of standouts for the Rams, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for a third in leading Northbridge to a 28-7 victory before a large, vocal Homecoming gathering.
Northbridge, which defeated St. Bernard's last week, improved to 2-1. Leicester slipped to 0-3.
"We're coming off one of our better games (last week), so we felt pretty good, especially after the West Boylston game," said 46th-year Northbridge coach Ken LaChapelle, who won his 390th game Saturday. "This week, we challenged the kids — which team are we? The first-week team or the second-week team.
"This game was sort of a mix," the coach added. "Last week, we won in overtime, and the O-line was outstanding. I think today they were challenged a little by Leicester. I thought their (Leicester's) offensive and defensive lines played very well. They challenged us. They controlled the ball at times, and that was frustrating. I thought their quarterback (Mason Griffiths) was outstanding and ran the ball well."
The Rams knew to force the Wolverines into throwing the ball.
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"We knew if we could put them into a passing situation, we felt we'd be at an advantage, and I think that showed," Ken LaChapelle said.
The game was special for senior wide receiver/cornerback Brady Nicholson, who was making his season debut after missing time due to a collarbone injury.
"August second, I broke my collarbone and ended up requiring surgery," Nicholson said. "I had the surgery and went through physical therapy. Now I'm back, and I'm really grateful to be out here. I feel great. It took me maybe one catch, and after that, it was all gears going. And the team is clicking, we're good to go."
With his senior season in front of him, Nicholson is glad to see the Rams back on track.
"This was a good game and a nice win, but I think we came out slow first half, they matched our energy coming out," Nicholson added. "We had a good talk in the locker room at halftime. Then we came out, ready to hit. We knew we had to set the tone early. Our defense was great and caused a lot of turnovers. Swarming on the ball, tackling hard, hitting hard.
"Also, our younger guys have really stepped it up and are letting people know that they're not playing around," Nicholson added.
Joel LaChapelle connected on 11 of 22 passes, good for 159 yards. Junior tight end Adam Flauto had four receptions for 36 yards. Flauto caught two TD passes. Junior running back Caden Mastroianni had two receptions for 47 yards.
The Rams played solidly at both ends throughout the game-breaking third quarter and also took advantage of several costly Wolverine turnovers. This combination enabled Northbridge to expand its 14-7 halftime advantage to 28-7.
Leicester turned over the ball on its first possession of the second half when the Rams' Brady Hubert intercepted a pass and scooted to the Northbridge 21-yard line. Two rushes by sophomore fullback Nate Falconer advanced the hosts to the Rams' 37.
LaChapelle then hooked up with Mastroianni for a 46-yard pickup, putting Northbridge on the Wolverines' 17. The QB finished the drive with a 9-yard TD toss to Flauto. Sophomore Jayden Wilson kicked the extra point.
Leicester fumbled on its ensuing possession, and the hosts capitalized and increased their lead to 28-7 after LaChapelle's 8-yard scoring pass to Flauto. Wilson finished the scoring with the extra point kick, his fourth.
Leicester got on the board in the second quarter when Griffiths crashed the line for a 1-yard TD. Griffiths kicked the extra point, tying the score at 7-7.
—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Northbridge answers challenge, turns back Leicester
