Defense Helps Hornets Overcome Early Turnovers

In the Division 2 Super Bowl the Mansfield Hornets defeated the St. John’s Pioneers of Shrewsbury 28-14. The first half of play for both teams was ugly to say the least.

“That was probably the sloppiest half we have played all year,” said senior captain Michael Hershman.

For both Mansfield and St. John’s, the first half had a combined seven turnovers; five of which Mansfield uncharacteristically committed. Because of these turnovers Mansfield’s defense had to step up in a way it hadn’t all season.

“All season it has been the offense carrying us (the defense) and we would just do our part,” explained Michael Barresi. “But today, the defense really stepped up.” 

Despite the five turnovers that gave St. John’s great field position time and time again, the score at halftime was only 14-7 in favor of St. John’s.  

“To have five turnovers and only be down seven,” proclaimed head coach Michael Redding. ”We really felt good about things at half time.”

At the start of the second half Mansfield hit the ground running. An interception by Barresi, the third turnover for the Pioneers, helped Mansfield go up 21-14 in the third quarter. Throughout the rest of the contest Mansfield’s defense shut down and shutout St. John’s. 

Mansfield’s secondary was tasked with stopping star quarterback Drew Smiley, and the streaky St. John’s receiving core. On a drive late in game, great and gutsy pass coverage by  Barresi helped seal the game for the Hornets – Barresi diving at the ball and the extended St. John’s receiver caused Smiley to throw the pass incomplete and sealed the game for Mansfield.

 “Hey it’s the Super Bowl,” Barresi concluded. “You have to take chances sometimes.”

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