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Wachusett wins round one 49-14 over rival Shrewsbury
Wachusett opened the postseason in impressive fashion, earning a dominant 49-14 victory over rival Shrewsbury in the first round of the playoffs! The Mountaineers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Jack Smith broke loose for a 27-yard touchdown run to give Wachusett a 7-0 lead. Thomas Anderson then connected with Luke Vecchione for a 14-yard touchdown, extending the advantage to 14-0. After Shrewsbury found the end zone late in the first half, Wachusett answered in a big way, marching down the field in just 20 seconds and scoring with only nine seconds remaining before halftime. Anderson found Max Brown for an 18-yard touchdown reception to send the Mountaineers into the locker room with a 21-6 lead. Wachusett carried that momentum into the second half, delivering one of the biggest plays of the night on fourth-and-22, when Anderson connected with Ty Mosley for a spectacular 41-yard touchdown to make it 28-6. The Mountaineers added another score when Tanner Gaffney capped off an electric punt return with a 3-yard touchdown run. After Shrewsbury scored its final touchdown, Smith delivered another explosive play, breaking free for a 53-yard touchdown run. Reuben Neiray put the finishing touches on the victory with a 33-yard touchdown run, sealing the 49-14 win and sending Wachusett into the next round! Defensively, Logan Tessier, Riley Dugan, Mike McGurn, Ben Floyd, Quinn Powers, Jack Geloso, and Jeff Hatin helped lead the way for the Mountaineers. Anderson finished the night 10-of-17 passing for 183 yards and three touchdowns, while Smith powered the ground game with 138 yards on just nine carries and two touchdowns. It was a complete team performance against a rival, and the Mountaineers are moving on!