11/08/2017

Foxboro Finishes Strong To Beat Canton And Advance

Foxboro boys soccer — Canton’s Jake Verille (11) defends Foxboro’s Ryan Kelley (8) in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

CANTON, Mass. – After both regular season meetings against Canton, the Foxboro boys soccer team felt like they had let a point get away.

The first time, the Warriors saw the Bulldogs erase a pair of one-goal deficits to earn a draw. The second meeting saw the Warriors come back from a goal down, but couldn’t add a second despite nearly a dozen scoring chances.

This time around, ninth-seeded Foxboro made sure history didn’t repeat itself. After eighth-seeded Canton cut the deficit to just one goal in the second half, the Warriors went on and finished the game strong with two more goals and registered a 4-1 over the Bulldogs.

“It was a great result,” said Foxboro head coach Joe Franchino. “We came in with confidence, the kid put the work in. Credit to the boys, I thought we were the better team. Now we have to focus on the next one.”

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Foxboro came out with its foot on the gas with two big chances inside the opening 10 minutes. Shane VandenBoom left a ball behind to Ryan Kelley in the third minute, but Kelley’s blast was over the bar.

Four minutes later, senior Hussein Kafel found VandenBoom in behind the defense, but Canton center back John Agnitti did well to recover, slide and get just enough of a block on the shot to make it a comfortable save for Bulldog keeper Abe Garber.

But after play evened out some, the Warriors capitalized on a free kick opportunity. In the 24th minute, sophomore Dylan Barreira whipped a service to the back pose and Kelley rose up above his mark and nodded in the opener.

Neither side hag a legitimate scoring chance in the first half until the final seconds when Canton’s Paolo Ruggeri sent in a left footed shot from distance but Foxboro goalie Bobby Harrison covered nicely.

While the first half was limited to just a handful of chances, the second half opened up with opportunity after opportunity.

The Bulldogs nearly leveled the match just two minutes into the second half when the Hockomock League’s regular season leading scorer Paul Corcorantracked down a loose ball and had his shot partially blocked, forcing Harrison to make a save while backtracking.

A minute later, VandenBoom had his back towards goal inside the area, releasing a shot while turning but Garber made the stop.

Foxboro broke through again in the 46th minute. Junior Matt Garcia played a ball wide for Kelley, and the senior drove a low cross the near post. VandenBoom made the run and got just enough of a touch to tap it in for a 2-0 lead.

The Warriors’ two-goal cushion didn’t last long. Three minutes later, the Bulldogs earned a free kick from just over 40 yards out on the left sideline. Junior Griffin Roach stepped up and ripped a curling shot into the upper corner at the near post, eluding Harrison’s diving effort, to bring Canton back within one.

But unlike the previous meetings, Foxboro made sure to put this game away.

Kafel came close to adding Foxboro’s third with a near post bid two minutes later, but Garber made the low save. Five minutes later, Kelley dribbled his way past two defenders and had a golden chance but Garber came sliding out for the huge stop.

Harrison was called upon to make a stop in the 50th minute, saving Corcoran’s hard shot from 30 yards out towards the post.

Foxboro added the big insurance goal midway through the second half when sophomore Joe Cusack helped turn defense into offense, quickly linking up with Kelley, who took little time depositing a through ball behind the defense that VandenBoom ran onto and calmly finished alone on goal.

“I think that’s one Bobby wants back,” Franchino said of Canton’s goal. “I think the boys felt like we didn’t give one up, we let one in. But everyone responded and we kept going. Once we got the third one, it was lights out. Everyone played great, I only made a couple of subs.”

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Canton continued its pressure, earning a free kick from 25 yards out that senior Jake Verille placed around the wall, but Harrison made a terrific diving save to get a hand to it and push it out for a corner.

Foxboro put the finishing touches on the match in the 78th minute when Cam Cass took possession along the right side, put in a centering pass that VandenBoom dummied to draw the defender, leaving Kafel open to finish alone on goal.

“I think a difference has been Ryan Kelley, he’s just an engine in there,” Franchino said of the offense clicking. “At the beginning of the year we had him so much deeper and then we pushed him above the other two center midfielders and he just finds that gap. He’s been the link between the forwards and the midfield, he was tremendous.”

Foxboro boys soccer (11-4-4) advances to the D2 South quarterfinals to take on #1 Nauset (17-1-1) on Thursday, November 9th at 6:00. Canton finishes the season 10-5-4.

10/25/2017

Foxboro, Canton Settle For Draw In Davenport Clash

FOXBORO, Mass. – With the wind at its back, Foxboro boys soccer had nearly a dozen legitimate scoring chances in the second half alone, but walked away from Sam Berns Community Field with a 1-1 draw against visiting Canton.

The strong wind helped dictate the play in both halves. Canton benefitted in the first half, while Foxboro took advantage in the second half.

“That was one of those games,” said Foxboro head coach Joe Franchino. “We were banging on the door, just not getting one of them in. [Soccer] can be a brutal game, and we ended up with just the point.”

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Canton came out strong despite being on the road. It took less than two minutes for the Bulldogs to register a scoring chance as Simon Cruz set Griffin Roach up for a chance just inside the area, but Roach’s shot went wide at the far post.

Four minutes later, the Bulldogs created another chance and this time, chased in. A deflected clearance fell right back into the area and Canton junior Paulo Ruggeri did well to use his body to shield some space, taking the ball down and placing it in from close range to make it 1-0.

Bulldogs senior keeper Abe Garber made one of his several stellar saves in the eighth minute, denying Foxboro sophomore Dylan Barreira at the near post after being sent in behind the defense by Shane VandenBoom.

Canton nearly doubled the lead in the 17th minute when junior Paul Corcoran found Cruz atop the area, but Foxboro goalie Bobby Harrison – who was well off his line — got just a touch to the shot and the ball was cleared away.

Foxboro found the equalizer in the 18th minute. After a throw from Matt Garcia found its way over the top of Canton’s defense, Foxboro senior Ryan Kelley barreled his way through traffic, eventually getting the last touch off the front of his head and in from close range to tie it 1-1.

“To give up a goal within the first 10 minutes and then to get it back in the first half is a lot of credit to the guys,” Franchino said. “They kept fighting and didn’t give in, even against the wind.

“We had the chances in the second half, but it can be a brutal game sometimes.”

With the wind making it difficult for Canton to clear its own zone, Foxboro put the pressure on to try and score the go-ahead goal.

In the 38th minute, Hussein Kafel served a cross from the left side that VandenBoom ran onto at the near post, but his touch was over the bar.

Kelley nearly found a second tally when he got his head to Barreira’s corner in the 39th minute, but the senior couldn’t get all of it.

Just two minutes later, Garber robbed Kelley of his second goal. Kelley dribbled past a pair of Canton defenders and ripped a shot at the near post, but Garber did well to get down and make the stop.

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Nic Beigel had his chance just four minutes later when he weaved his way through the defense and had a go, but once again Garber was in great position to knock the shot away at the near post.

In the 69th minute, VandenBoom hooked up with Barreira once again, but the sophomore’s shot at the near post was just inches over the bar. VandenBoom had a chance himself a minute later when he tracked down a ball over the top, but he couldn’t get over his volley and his shot was just high.

Foxboro finally had Garber beat in the 77th minute when an errant header found Barreira, who placed his shot at the far post outside the reach of Garber. However, Canton defender Mike Mazzola was in the right spot and got a touch on it, with Garber smothering the rebound.

The Warriors had a final chance in the 78th minute when Garcia placed a perfect service into the area that VandenBoom got his head to, but Garber grabbed his final save to preserve the point.

“On the day, I didn’t think it was much of a contest in the second half,” admitted Canton head coach Danny Erickson. “They played very well, kudos to Foxboro. I thought they were the better side, we were unable to find any part of our game…we couldn’t connect passes, we weren’t winning challenges.

“Abe was the one positive I thought. He was very clean and bailed us out a couple of times. But kudos to Foxboro, that’s a hard working group. They changed the point of attack well and we didn’t open our mouths on defense. We have a lot to work on.”

Both sides came into Tuesday’s contest with a mathematical chance at the Davenport, but North Attleboro clinched the division with a win at Milford. Foxboro boys soccer (10-4-3 overall, 8-4-3 Hockomock) will host the Rocketeers on Thursday night to close the regular season.

“We want to make a deep run in the tournament,” Franchino said. “There was a lot of hype for that game, and even though it’s not for the title anymore, they can make a statement going into the playoffs. We fought to the end today, but it didn’t turn out in our way. We were so close though.”

Canton (8-4-4, 7-4-4) will entertain Stoughton on Friday before heading to Marshfield on Monday to conclude the regular season.

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09/29/2017

Foxboro, Canton Trade Late Goals in Draw

Canton boys soccer — Foxboro’s Dylan Barreira is defended by Canton’s John Agnitti in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

CANTON, Mass. — Canton took an early lead, only to see Foxboro find the equalizer just over 10 minutes later.

Foxboro took its turn with the lead, netting the go-ahead goal late in the second half, only for Canton to respond with the tying tally seven minutes later.

The result was a 2-2 tie at Veterans Memorial Field and a key point for both sides in a Davenport division clash.

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“I was proud that we bounced back,” said Canton head coach Danny Erickson after going down a goal inside the final 15 minutes. “I thought that we gave up two soft goals today. Foxboro played really hard and really tough had a had a great first half. They really challenged us and we had to change some things at halftime and I thought we did and got on our front foot. They took their chances though.”

The Bulldogs cashed in less than 10 minutes into the game, taking advantage of a long throw from junior Paul Corcoran. The service found its way into the area, and after a scrum in front of the goal, senior Jake Verille found the back of the net to go up 1-0.

“It definitely could have gone one of two ways,” admitted Foxboro head coach Joe Franchino after the early deficit. “We could have put our heads down but the guys fought back and got the goal back within about 15 minutes or so. The guys stuck together. Then they continued to fight all game. We didn’t get the result we wanted but we fought hard all game.”

Canton nearly doubled its lead in the 15th minute when a loose ball fell to Griffin Roach just inside the area. The junior connected his boot to the ball on the bounce, sending a shot destined to go right under the bar but Foxboro senior goalie Bobby Harrison made a last second class save, tipping the ball over for a corner.

That save proved beneficial for the Warriors, as they leveled the match just over five minutes later. After most of the play was in Foxboro’s defensive third, the Warriors broke out on the counter.

Foxboro senior Cam Cass sent a service to the far post, and an errant header from Canton put the ball right at the feet of sophomore Dylan Barreira and he buried his close-range bid to level the match.

The Warriors put another one in just minutes later on a training ground routine on a corner kick. The corner was played short and let through on a dummy, allowing Ryan Kelley to place his shot to the far post but Cantons senior goalie Abe Garber was quick to get down and make the stop.

Foxboro started the second half on the right foot, as Cass nearly set up another tally. This time, he sent a low service to the near post that found Shane VandenBoom but he was defended perfectly by Canton’s Chris Milne and he blocked the touch at the near post.

Canton had an immediate response and nearly re-took the lead in the 50th minute. Roach made a darting run with possession into the area and ripped a shot to the near post. Harrison made the initial save but it looked as though the Bulldogs had a chance to bury the rebound, but Foxboro’s Matt Rongione made the clearance.

It was the Warrior’s turn for a chance in the 54th minute when sophomore Joe Cusack laid a perfect ball over the top for Kelley, but his near side bid hit off the post and stayed out.

Ten minutes later, Foxboro was finally able to break through again. A Canton clearance was blocked down and the ball fell right to VandenBoom, who took a couple touches forward before lofting a perfectly weighted ball over Garber and just under the bar to make it 2-1.

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Foxboro nearly put the game away just moments later when Cusack sprang Kelley in, but Garber did nicely to stop the shot at the near post.

After a Canton free kick was cleared, Milne released a shot from distance that forced Harrison to tip the ball over the bar. On the ensuing corner kick, it looked as though the service was going to go over everyone and out for a throw.

But instead, Corcoran tracked it down, using an acrobatic bicycle kick to keep the ball in and keep possession with the Bulldogs. The ball ended up back with Roach at the top of the area but his shot was blocked. However, the ball fell right to the feet of Corcoran on the six-yard line and he made no mistake about his chance from close, making it 2-2.

“That was great hard word by Pauly to get us that goal,” Erickson said. “I thought overall it was pretty good performance. We had some tired legs, we played yesterday. It’s not an excuse, but you could tell. We weren’t very clean in the final third. Foxboro was good on the day, it was a good game and I think the result was fair.”

“We can learn from today, we’ve seen them now too so that helps,” Franchino added. “I think the only thing they were dangerous on was the log throw and they have some big guys up front. But for the most part, I thought we were the better team.

“Bobby made some big saves. And then we had some few chances ourselves. So it was back and forth, so 2-2 is a fair result.”

Rongione had one final chance just before the final whistle, ripping a shot from distance but it just sailed over the crossbar.

Canton boys soccer (4-2-2 overall, 3-2-2 Hockomock) finishes up its first trip through the Davenport schedule with a trip to Stoughton on Monday. Foxboro (4-2-2, 3-2-2) also wraps its first trip through the division schedule with a trip to unbeaten North Attleboro.

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09/04/201709/05/2017

Boys Soccer: 2017 Davenport Division Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2017 Davenport Boys Soccer Preview

Canton

2016 Record: 8-7-5
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round
Coach: Danny Erickson

After playing a good handful of juniors and sophomores during the 2016 season, the Bulldogs look to be an experienced group heading into this year. Leading the way will be senior and two-time captain Jake Verille, who leads the Bulldogs from the middle of the pitch. Fellow captain Abe Garber is back for another year in net and senior captain John Agnitti with anchor the defensive line.

Verille, a HockomockSports.com Best XI selection last season, has been one of the top playmakers the past two years. On top of Verille’s offensive ability, Canton also returns junior Paul Corcoran – the team’s leading scorer (nine goals) and the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. Alongside Corcoran, the Bulldogs have a slew of juniors with varsity experience including Griffin Roach, Simon Cruz, Paulo Ruggeri and Avery Minkin that will all factor into the attack.

“We are confident that we will be able to keep the ball and attack this year,” said Canton head coach Danny Erickson. “The chances should be created, but we will need to finish. We will also need to defend as a group of 11 MUCH better than we did last season.”

Foxboro

2016 Record: 6-9-4
2016 Finish: Reached D3 South First Round
Coach: Joe Franchino

After graduating just five seniors last season, head coach Joe Franchino brings back the majority of squad that had just one loss in its last eight regular season games in 2016. However, two of those five players – Anthony Barreira (two-time Best XI selection) & AJ Bubencik (now playing at Mass. Maritime) – were four year players and will be tough to replace.

The good news is that while the Warriors were young a year ago, a good portion of the team has at least a season of varsity experience under its belt. Senior captain Shawn McNamara, now in his fourth year starting for the Warriors, will lead the way along with fellow captains Matt Rongione and Ryan Kelley. Senior Cam Cass also has plenty of experience and will be relied upon as a playmaker. Junior Shane Vandenboom had a strong sophomore season and will be an important piece in the midfield along classmate Nic Beigel and senior Hussiein Kafel.

Seniors Bobby Harrison will be the starting goalie for the Warriors.

“Coming into my third year, I am confident the team has bought into the system and I’m really looking forward to see how they compete,” Franchino said. “We have experienced senior and junior classes with a couple of sophomores to watch out for. We may not have a target on our back but when it’s all said and done, I believe we have the team to win! I believe in this group and really excited to see what they accomplish.”

Milford

2016 Record: 4-10-4
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Brian Edwards

The Scarlet Hawks are looking to take the next step in year two with Brian Edwards at the helm. After just four wins a season ago, Edwards is hoping that the experience gained by his younger players will translate into more success this time around.

Midfielder Andre Oliveira will be a key piece for Edwards and the Scarlet Hawks, helping both the offense and defense. Oliveira’s ability to transition from defense to offense will be key for the Scarlet Hawks this season. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Jacob Balzarini is back in the center of the defense. After getting plenty of time in that spot last season, Balzarini will be the anchor of the backline this year. On top of Oliveira and Balzaini, Edwards is looking for new players to step up and make an impact.

“I’m looking for us to be a team that stresses balance,” Edwards said. “I am hopeful that the experience many of these guys gained last year translates into more success in the standings. I am also excited to see what the new guys bring to the squad. There are a bunch of hungry young players that want to make their mark on this team and in this league.”

North Attleboro

2016 Record: 2-10-6
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Geoff Burgess

North Attleboro boasts over a dozen seniors on the 2017 version of the Red Rocketeers and head coach Geoff Burgess is hoping that experience will translate into success on the field.

Leading the way will be senior and 2016 HockomockSports.com Second XI selection Gabe Pinhancos, who has been Big Red’s field general for the past couple of seasons. Josh Rodriguez and Ryan Pasquel are also back this season to help bolster the midfield. Junior Joe Hilf and senior Jeff Gale will be relied upon to pace North Attleboro’s offense.

Big Red’s biggest strength could be in the back, having a defensive unit with plenty of experience. Noah Barney and Zach Matracia both saw significant time and will be joined by classmates Andrew Fontaine and Kevin Aguilar. That defensive unit will be in front of senior goalie Brendan Matracia.

“I am hoping that we are going to be a team on the rise this year,” said Burgess. “I have a strong senior class and we’ve had a good summer and an even better preseason.”

Sharon

2016 Record: 11-4-4 (Davenport Division Champions)
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round
Coach: Bryan Kelly

The defending Davenport division champs will boast a large senior class (14) but will also rely on some younger players as they look to win back-to-back Hock titles.

The Eagles’ tri-captains will provide leadership in each part of the pitch, with senior center back Shubo Roy-Chowdury on the back line, senior Tyler Hippler leading the midfield and senior Spencer Hall up front. Sharon’s attack will bolstered by seniors Marques Benton and Andy Reyes-Jones, who both saw plenty of time up top a year ago. Meanwhile, sophomore Michael Baur is back after a standout freshman season and classmates Isaiah Stessman, Brian Higgins and freshman Brice Nathan will all play a role in helping the Eagles go forward.

Maybe the biggest advantage the Eagles have is returning keeper Ethan Kantor. The junior had a terrific season in net a year ago and will be the backbone of the team’s defense.

“With a solid defense that is smart and has speed, we should be able to keep up with fast offenses while not losing the capability to support a potent offense,” said SHS head coach Bryan Kelly. “Overall, we are solid from goal to forwards, it just depends on if we can put the ball in the back of the net.”

Stoughton

2016 Record: 8-9-2
2016 Finish: Reached D2 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Chris Suchorski

Stoughton will be looking to make it back again to the postseason, this time under first-year head coach Chris Suchorski. The Black Knights just made it in a season ago but it marked the third straight year for the program.

Suchorski is tasked with replacing 12 seniors that graduated from last year’s team. However, all of the players he is returning all saw varsity time last season and that should soften the blow dealt by graduation. Senior Tyler Melo (six points) is back and will likely be a vital part of the Black Knights’ midfield and attack. Junior Fabio Ponce de Leon (six points) begins his third season on varsity and will once again be one the Black Knights’ top offensive options. Brian Peoples also returns as one of the team’s top playmakers.

The biggest question could come with the back four, as the Black Knights must find a replacement for 2016 Best XI selection Goddy Fombe, who anchored the back line the past two season the sweeper position.

10/22/2016

Eagles Win at Canton to Clinch State Tournament Berth

Sharon boys soccer — Andrew Reyes-Jones celebrates the game-winning goal against Canton on Saturday afternoon that sealed a state tournament berth for the Eagles. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

CANTON, Mass. – Two days of rain forced the game to be moved from its home field, but Sharon did not seem bothered by having to play at Canton for a second time or to be without two of its starting midfielders.

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The Eagles locked down defensively, with keeper Ethan Kantor largely untroubled by the Canton attack, and got second half goals from Andrew Reyes-Jones and Ben Stamm to walk away with a 2-0 victory that clinched a spot in the state tournament and extended Sharon’s lead in the Davenport division to four points over the Bulldogs.

“We’ve been talking about the importance of getting these two points,” said Sharon coach Bryan Kelly. “This puts us in. That’s great; now we’re playing for seeding.”

The weather forced the game to be played on Canton’s turf pitch rather than the grass at Sharon and that decision looked prescient when the skies opened up during warmups and the pitch was deluged by rain through almost the entire first half.

The downpour had its effect on the opening 40 minutes with the ball skidding around and both teams struggling to create any scoring chances from open play. Both teams relied on set pieces to get the ball into the attacking third with Sharon’s TTyler Hippler sending in a number of long free kicks and long throws into the box.

Canton’s best chances fell to Jake Verille in the 19th minute and to Sam Papakonstantino a minute later but the first effort sliced wide and the second was easily held by Kantor. That would be the lone save that the Sharon keeper was forced to make.

“We had no attack today,” admitted Canton coach Danny Erickson. “They pressured very well and we didn’t handle it. Tackles were all Sharon, everything in both boxes were Sharon and they clearly deserved to win today.”

The best chance of the opening half came on a Hippler throw that fell to Jeffrey Gao, who managed to flick a shot to the far corner where Canton keeper Abe Garber was able to tip it around the post. On the ensuing corner Shalin Patel headed over.

The sun came out just before halftime and the Eagles seemed to gain energy from the changing weather. The second half saw Sharon push forward and look far more dangerous in the attacking third.

“We’ve been looking for the diagonal ball and we haven’t been hitting it, so we just need to continue to do that and win the ball,” said Kelly about the second half surge. “We weren’t doing much in the first half and once we started to do that in the second half the game really changed.”

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That change in momentum created the opening goal nine minutes after the break. Hippler squared a pass from the right into Stamm on the edge of the box and he turned his defender before laying the ball into the path of Reyes-Jones. The junior took a touch past his marker before firing a shot inside the far post for what turned out to be the game-winner.

“Ben Stamm was the difference tonight,” Kelly explained. “Getting that solid touch, the first-time ball, nice turn on it to Andy and Andy put it home. Without Ben in the middle there, it’s a different game.”

Six minutes after the goal, Reyes-Jones nearly played provider with a through ball to Spencer Hall but his shot was saved by Garber. Canton had only one clear chance from the run of play in the second half when Griffin Roach turned on the edge of the box after a Paul Corcoran throw but his shot slid wide of the post.

The only chances that Canton was able to manage came on free kicks and corners with Matas Leveckis having a couple of headers in the box that he was not able to put on target.

Erickson said, “Our only chances were on set pieces and we never really got any test on them. It was a tough one for us today.”

With the game winding down, Canton was caught with everyone up field and a quick ball played over the top sprung Stamm, who was onside because he started the run in his own half. Stamm beat Garber to the ball, touched it past the keeper and then walked it in for the goal that settled the game.

When asked if he felt a little better after the second goal, Kelly laughed and responded, “Absolutely, that second one was, thank you…thank you.”

Sharon qualified for the postseason for the third straight season. The past two years have seen the Eagles get knocked out on the road in the opening round and Kelly said that the team is intent on changing that this fall.

He said, “The important thing is my boys aren’t focused on that first game. We want to get through that first game, we don’t want it to end in the first game this year.”

Sharon (8-3-3, 7-3-3) will step outside the league on Monday to face Norwood, before getting back into Hockomock play against Stoughton the following day. A win against the Black Knights would clinch at least a share of the Davenport crown for the Eagles, the program’s first league title since back-to-back championships in 1993 and 1994.

Canton (6-5-4, 5-5-3) needs two points to clinch a spot in the postseason and will next face Foxboro on Tuesday night.

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09/25/2016

Ruggeri Goal, Garber Save Lift Canton to Win

goal

CANTON, Mass. – In a game that featured aggressive pressing in the midfield and disciplined back lines that maintained their shapes and proved hard to break down, scoring chances were always going to be at a premium.

Canton took advantage of a set piece opportunity to take the lead in the first half, as Paolo Ruggeri flicked home a free kick for the lead, and the Bulldogs got a full stretch save from Abe Garber with eight minutes remaining to pull out a 1-0 victory on Saturday evening against Milford at World War II Veterans Memorial Field.

“I thought we played really, really well,” said Canton coach Danny Erickson. “Milford played a lot of guys at the back…they were very disciplined and were hard to break down…I thought goals were going to be hard to come by after 10-15 minutes and we were right.”

The Bulldogs had the game’s first chance in the opening two minutes but Jake Verille‘s shot from distance was deflected and easily held by Milford keeper Danny Zwonik. Five minutes later, Milford had its first shot on goal when Marcello Panno’s header from a corner was tipped over the bar by a back pedaling Garber.

In the ninth minute came the break through. Canton had started the game well and pushed the Hawks back, which led to a foul on the left side of the box. Griffin Roach served the ball into the box and it was side footed towards goal by Ruggeri. The ball hit the underside of the bar, landed and then was headed home by Ben Waterhouse, but the official said that the initial shot had crossed the line.

“We worked on restarts yesterday, so we’re really happy about that,” said Erickson.

The game settled into a midfield stalemate for the majority of the first 40 minutes. Milford absorbed the Canton pressure and kept the Bulldogs from getting the ball into dangerous areas. In the 25th minute, Verille sent in a corner that was met at the far post by Dillon Anderson but his shot was saved by Zwonik. Two minutes later Zwonik got down well to his left to keep a long free kick attempt by Verille from sneaking inside the post.

Milford had one great chance with three minutes to halftime. Garber’s mis-hit goal kick surprised his defender Matas Leveckis and allowed Mike Webber to cut in and intercept. The Milford forward pulled his shot just wide of the post.

The Hawks started to find more space in the second half with Pedro Sampaio, Tiago Carvalho, and Panno getting on the ball more often and being able to create. Milford also started to find success with diagonal balls towards the fullbacks that got its playmakers in one-on-one situations rather than the crowded midfield.

A long throw by Joey Madden in the 47th minute was headed on by Panno but Carvalho nodded his shot wide from the middle of the box. In the 69th minute, Panno again rose above the defense but his headed chance from Sampaio’s corner was easily held by Garber.

Canton’s two best chances to that point in the second half had both fallen to Roach but he had sent his shots narrowly past the post with Milford keeper Luke Capobianco at full stretch both times. In the 71st minute, the Bulldogs had another opportunity when left back John Agnitti’s long diagonal found Paul Corcoran on the edge of the box. After a touch to create room, Corcoran’s shot was saved by Capobianco.

According to first-year head coach Brian Edwards, Milford’s defensive effort was the perfect response to the six goals that the Hawks gave up to Stoughton on Tuesday.

“I have no complaints defensively,” Edwards said. “After the performance we had on Tuesday, this was a completely different team. I’m happy with the performance if not the result…These guys have great character, so I wasn’t surprised by the reaction.”

Milford would create its best chance of the game in the 72nd minute. A throw-in on the near sideline (at a spot that was disputed by the Canton bench) found Sampaio, who turned his defender and found room on his left foot at the edge of the box. He unleashed a shot that looked destined for the bottom corner until Garber dove to his left and got a strong hand to turn it around the post.

“Great, great save by the keeper,” said Edwards.

Erickson added, “They certainly could have had a goal at the end but Abe came up with a big save. Abe didn’t have to do anything until he needed to and that’s what you need from a goalkeeper.”

Canton was able to run out the clock and take home the two points, but the losing coach was pleased with what he saw from his team, particularly in the second half.

“I actually thought we played really well,” Edwards said. “We weren’t able to get the ball in the net but I thought we created a good number of chances. At first we had a hard time dealing with the physicality they brought but I thought we adjusted…we just weren’t able to finish today.”

Canton (2-2) will host Sharon on Monday night, while Milford (1-4) will try to get back on track with the visit of Foxboro.

09/20/2016

Corcoran’s Brace Lifts Bulldogs To First Win

CANTON, Mass – After two straight away games to open the 2016 season, the Canton Bulldogs were ripe for some home cooking.

Canton was on the front foot from the opening whistle in its home opener at World War II Veterans Memorial Field on Tuesday night and walked away with its first win of the season, a 2-0 decision over North Attleboro.

“This team is filled with a lot of veterans from last year’s team and I think we played pretty well on our first two games on the road and didn’t get any results,” Canton head coach Danny Erickson said. “I think our guys were just very excited to get out on our home field today and get into the Davenport and see what we could do.”

The Bulldogs were in control for the first 10 minutes of the match, putting constant pressure on North’s midfield and backline but couldn’t test North goalie Shawn Watters. North had the first shot on goal in the 12th minute off a shot from Leo Charlebois but Canton goalie Abe Garber made a comfortable save.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

In the 16th minute, Canton kept its pressure up and it paid off. John Agnitti launched a service into the area after a short throw and his cross was met by a charging header from Griffin Roach but Watters was up to the task, pushing it down. North’s defense was unable to get a clean clearance and the loose ball fell to the center of the area where junior Jake Verille uncorked a shot but once again Watters made a terrific save.

The loose ball fell to the feet of an open Paul Corcoran and the sophomore was able to tuck his shot inside the near post for opening goal of the season and the Bulldogs’ first of the season.

“It was 15 minutes into the game but I thought we could have scored five before that,” Erickson said. “I thought we were really on the front foot. The thing about soccer, if we don’t score there, you really don’t know what’s going to happen in that game. It really sets the rest of the game up for us. North Attleboro played very steady so kudos to them but I thought we had the better of the play tonight.”

North’s best chance of the half came in the 28th minute after a deflected throw in fell to the center of the area but Gabe Pinhancos’ strike fired right over the bar.

Canton took a 1-0 lead into halftime but it didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to double to advantage when the second half started.

Inside the first minute, Garber’s punt was flicked on at midfield by Simon Cruz but Watters came off his line and covered before Canton could pounce. But a minute later, Verille took possession at midfield and sent a through ball that found Corcoran in behind the defense. The sophomore calmly slid his shot into the net for his second goal and to make it 2-0.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

“That’s part of our motto here, part of our key moments. We preach the first and last five minutes of each half. If you can’t play well in the first five minutes of each half or the last five, you’re not going to win your games,” Erickson said. “We went to KP last week, played a great first half 0-0 and then came out gave them a goal two minutes into the second half and that was it. We came out tonight, up 1-0, and we want that goal badly and we got it and I thought that put us in control of the game.”

North Attleboro got its offense in gear over the final 20 minutes of the game. Josh Rodriguez beat a pair of defenders but his cross went unanswered as it skipped through the area. In the 72nd minute, Pinhancos played Rodriguez along the wing and his cross was met by a touch from Charlebois, but Garber dove to his right and palmed the shot out.

“It’s the Canton formula, they win every ball in the air and then boom it over the top of the defense and wait until the backline falls asleep and it kills us every time,” North Attleboro head coach Geoff Burgess said. “Once they got the second goal and sat back a little bit, we actually found ourselves on the ball and we looked fantastic. The last 20 minutes , that’s the time I was hoping would have showed up in the first half but at that point, the game was already over. We’ll figure them out though and we will get a chance to see them again.”

Canton boys soccer improves to 1-2 on the season, both overall and in league play. The Bulldogs are back in action on Saturday as they host Milford in the opener of a doubleheader with the girls to follow. North Attleboro (1-2-1, 1-2-1) will try to bounce back on Thursday in a non-league affair with KP before hosting Sharon on Friday.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

09/10/2016

Treichler’s Late Goal Gives Attleboro First Win

Attleboro boys soccer — Canton’s Paul Corcoran holds off a challenge from Attleboro’s Ahijah Joseph in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com

ATTLEBORO, Mass. – As the final minutes of Saturday evening’s game between Attleboro and Canton ticked down, it looked as though the teams were destined for a scoreless draw.

But with just under six minutes to play, Attleboro senior Tyler Treichler got on the end of a set piece service and used his head to tuck the ball on the inside of the post and give the Bombardiers a 1-0 win in both team’s first game of the season.

Senior Harry Lancaster and Treichler teamed up throughout the game to stifle the Bulldogs’ offense while Canton center backs Danny Hartnett and Matas Leveckis limited Attleboro’s chances.

As the game ticked into the 75th minute, the Bombardiers earned a free kick near the corner flag. Junior Zach White played it short, only to get it back immediately. He drove a cross to the back post and Treichler was able to jump up in a sea of players and get his head to the ball, putting it just inside the post, making it nearly impossible to stop.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

“We’ve been sending the two guys from the back up for corners and set pieces because they can head the ball, so that paid off,” Attleboro head coach Peter Pereira said. “We have a good team and the kids are working hard, that’s what we we are. We’re young but we work hard.

“The freshmen are giving everything they have and that sets the tone for the other kids. We have a while to go though, this is most of the kids’ first ever game playing together because of the ages are so different. I was happy with the performance and of course the points are even more important.”

Each team had just once serious chance in the first half. Lancaster’s low free kick to the near post was deflected to freshman Michael Russo in the 8th minute, but his shot on frame went right at Canton goalie Abe Garber.

Canton nearly took the lead just seconds later off when Paul Corcoran took off down the right flank, centering a pass for Ben Waterhouse but Attleboro goalie Nick Hasenfus came off his line and just got in front.

The Bulldogs started off on the front foot in the second half, finding a chance in the 47th minute, Corcoran sent in a low cross to the near post, where Cole Duserick got a touch on but the ball spun just out of the reach for Waterhouse to get a clean shot and it slipped wide.

Attleboro had a chance midway through the second half when Devin Andre combined with Ahijah Joseph at the top of the area but Andre’s shot went over the bar.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Canton’s Jake Verille made a nice run in the 65th minute into the final third but his shot was saved by Hasenfus. Two minutes later, White played Connor Dunn wide and his cross was met at the far post by Nick Lawrence, bit his bid back across goal went wide. Lawrence’s shot three minutes later was stopped by Garber as well.

That led to Andre going for a 50/50 ball on the right sideline, earning a free kick just by the corner. That led to White’s service and Treichler’s winner.

“Attleboro played great, I thought they they had the territory in the first half. We actually had the possession in the first half but we kept the ball in our end so it didn’t do anything for us,” Canton head coach Danny Erickson said, also praising Attleboro’s defensive effort. “They were really dangerous, keeping the ball that first half. I thought we turned it around and had the ball down their end the whole second half, they had a couple glimpses and then they took advantage of a set piece and scored a really nice goal. I don’t think he was completely open, I thought we were on him but he scored a great goal. I thought we gave them a great fight in the second half though but it’s onto the next one.”

Attleboro’s defense was bolstered by Lancaster, who has made the switch from an attacking option to a center back for his senior year. It seemed anytime that Canton had something going in the final third, Lancaster was there to cause a problem.

“Harry is doing well for us. He was playing midfield but I felt like I needed someone back there,” Pereira said. “He’s got the speed, he’s got the experience. He’s covering for everyone back there. With Treichler next to him, he’s learning with Harry too. Then we rotate four sophomores in the wings and we’re hoping they’ll do the job.”

Attleboro boys soccer (1-0-0) will look to make it two in a row with a trip to Stoughton (0-1-0) on Tuesday. Canton (0-1-0) will be back in action on Friday when they travel to King Philip (1-0-0).

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

09/05/2016

Boys Soccer: 2016 Davenport Division Preview

2016 Davenport Boys Soccer Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2016 Davenport Boys Soccer Preview

Canton

2015 Record: 3-10-4
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Danny Erickson

For the first time in a decade, the Bulldogs missed out on the postseason last year but with a large group of experienced players returning, the 2016 team is looking to start a new playoff streak. Canton graduated just two starters from last year’s team and looks to be in the mix for the Davenport division title this season.

Canton will look to its four captains for guidance with the quartet spread out nicely on the field. Junior Jake Verille and senior Ben Waterhouse will bring skills and versatility to the midfield. Senior Danny Hartnett is experienced and will anchor the back line while classmate Sammy Papakonstantino will be relied upon to be a catalyst up top for the Bulldogs.

“We think we have the technical ability this fall to play some good soccer,” head coach Danny Erickson said. “We were competitive last Fall but couldn’t figure out how to get the ball in the back of the net and get a result. I’m confident that we are ready to take the next step and see the positive results come this Fall.”

Erickson added there is a battle for the starting goalie spot right now between senior Sean Mitchell and junior Abe Garber.

Foxboro

2015 Record: 15-2-3
2015 Finish: Reached D3 South Semifinal
Coach: Joe Franchino

It will be far from easy for Foxboro to replace the 2015 HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Devante Teixeira (20 goals, 16 assists), who graduated, and two-time league all star Joe Morrison (eight goals, 15 assists), now playing full-time with his academy team. But senior Anthony Barreira (18 goals, 12 assists) is back for his fourth year on varsity and the Warriors get former league all star Jeff Melo back to bolster the back line, which will make the transition easier.

Barreira is set to be a top striker in the league and Melo showed during his sophomore year that he can be one of the best defenders in the area. AJ Bubencik’s conversion from a defender to a midfielder will be key for the Warriors this season as well. Sophomore Nic Beigel had a great rookie campaign and will be a key piece for Foxboro this season along with juniors Shawn McNamara and Ryan Kelley. Aaron Wentling and Bobby Harrison will fight for the starting spot in net this season.

“We are not the same team as last year but the quality is still here and my expectations are to win games,” head coach Joe Franchino said.

Milford

2015 Record: 4-13-1
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Brian Edwards

Milford had a strong debut when it joined the Hockomock League in 2013 but were able to capture just seven league wins over the past two years. Brian Edwards has taken over at the helm of the Scarlet Hawks and is looking for a bounce back season in his first year.

The Scarlet Hawks will be relying upon its three captains to make the turnaround. Senior Marcello Panno is one of the most versatile players in the league with Edwards referring to him as a ‘swiss army knife.’ Edwards expects Panno to play roles both offensively and defensively. Defensively, senior Danny Mendoza is going to be tasked with handling top strikers from around the league. Edwards credited Mendoza’s work rate and his ability to make those around him better. Junior Andre Oliveira will be a major part of Milford’s attack this season. Oliveira will be one to watch, especially on the counter attack.

“We expect to see a focus on technical skill and ball movement as opposed to direct play,” Edwards said. “This is an attack which will be geared towards moving the ball in tight spaces against high pressure.”

Edwards also noted the team will focus on a team defensive effort, with an effort to deny opponents space in the final third.

North Attleboro

2015 Record: 1-14-3
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Geoff Burgess

After a rough couple of years, the North Attleboro Rocketeers are hoping a switch to the Davenport Division could be the perfect platform to launch a turnaround. With a good amount of players that saw either starting minutes or valuable time off of the bench back, the Rocketeers will look to ramp up their play, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Juniors Noah Barney and Zach Matracia saw a lot of minutes as outside backs last year and will look to bring that experience back this year. Senior John Brennan will try to anchor the back line from the center of the pitch while the Rocketeers look to find the right fit in the middle to complete the defense. Junior Brendan Matracia will occupy the goalkeeper spot with a good amount of minutes played from his sophomore year under his belt.

“We have gone from being young and green to being a group of seasoned varsity players,” head coach Geoff Burgess said. “It should be a resurgence for the program.”

Offensively, senior captains Leo Charlebois and Conor Danahey will be two of the main options up top. Burgess noted that junior Josh Rodriguez had a strong summer and will be a playmaker this year. In the middle of the pitch, junior Gabe Pinhancos will be complemented by classmate Ryan Pasquel and sophomore Marcus Costa.

Sharon

2015 Record: 10-7-1
2015 Finish: Reached D2 South Second Round
Coach: Bryan Kelly

Even though Sharon lost a strong group to graduation, the Eagles are relying on a new crop of seniors to lead them in 2016. The Eagles also expect to get contributions from juniors, sophomores and freshmen in different areas of the field.

Senior captains Ian Camilli and Shali Patel will lead from the heart of the field at center midfield while fellow captain Benjamin Stamm will be a viable attacking option. Sophomore Ethan Kantor will take over the starting job for Andrew Filipkowski, a 2015 HockomockSports.com Best XI selection that graduated. Shubojit Roy-Chowdhury will be the anchor of the back line as a center defender. Head coach Bryan Kelly is looking for breakout seasons from Oliver Hu, Jacob Tevin, Jeremy Cabral, Marques Benton Jr., Spencer Hall, Andrew Reyes-Jones and Michael Baur.

“[On top of our seniors and juniors] there will be several sophomores and freshman called up throughout the season who will only add to the strength of the team,” Kelly said.

Stoughton

2015 Record: 9-8-3
2015 Finish: Reached D2 South Second Round
Coach: Aaron Salter

After another successful campaign, the Black Knights are hoping to push their postseason streak to three straight years. Stoughton will face the challenge of graduating seven seniors, including some key pieces from each part of the field, but there the group of returning players should give the Black Knights plenty of optimism.

Stoughton has scored over 30 goals in back to back seasons (38 in 2014, 31 in 2015) and will look to make their offense a strong suit again this year. The Black Knights are returning three of their top four scorers, including sophomore Fabio Ponce De Leon (eight goals, two assists), Jordan Asnes (five goals, five assists) and Loubensky Lucas (five goals, one assist). Lucas has been finding the back of the net for three years and head coach Aaron Salter notes he’s had a strong preseason thus far.

“I felt last year we didn’t kill off enough games and left teams with life still in them,” Salter said. “This year we will be hoping to close out games much easier.”

Defensively, the Black Knights are hoping experience will help anchor the back line. Tyler Melo will be a factor in the midfield while Goddy Fombe and Noah Schulze both emerged as strong options on defense last season. Salter admitted there were players in new spots last year but now with a year under their belts, they have developed the awareness and look strong in the preseason.

10/12/2015

Tuesday's Schedule & Scoreboard – 10/13/15

Today’s games are listed below.
Boys Soccer
Attleboro, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – OA senior Keegan Nutt scored a pair of goals in the first half and sophomore Nathaniel Cardoza added the team’s third in the second half.

Taunton, 0 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Pat Hession converted a penalty kick in the final minutes to lift the Bulldogs. Sophomore Abe Garber recorded the shutout in for Canton.

King Philip, 1 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final – Foxboro senior Devante Teixeira scored a pair of goals, one coming in each half. The teams were tied 1-1 at half. King Philip’s Joe Kellett scored a first half goal.

Franklin, 2 @ Stoughton, 4 – Final – With the game tied 1-1 at halftime, Stoughton found the back of the net three times in the second half to score the win. Loubensky Lucas put the Black Knights up 2-1 on a header off a long throw from Josh Mitchell and then Mitchell made it 3-1 with a shot from 25 yards out. Lucas capped Stoughton’s scoring with a long range shot to make it 4-1. Noah Schulze scored Stoughton’s first half goal off another long throw from Mitchell. Nick Parent and Brian Czuba scored for Franklin.

Mansfield, 0 @ Sharon, 2 – Final – James Dunlea gave the Eagles the lead in the 38th minute off an assist by Ben Stamm. Sharon was able to add an insurance goal in the final minutes when Dunlea set up Jake Goloboy to make it 2-0.

North Attleboro, 2 @ Milford, 4 – Final – Milford erased a deficit on two occasions as Justin Borges recorded a hat trick for the Scarlet Hawks. Marcello Panno had a pair of assists for Milford. Leo Charlebois and Matt Cosacarella scored goals for the Rocketeers and Gabe Pinhancos had a pair of assists.
Girls Soccer
Oliver Ames, 7 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Francesca Calabraro scored a hat trick for the Tigers and Kiana Lozzi chipped in with two goals and two assists. Lauren Wright and Abby Reardon also scored for OA.

Canton, 1 @ Taunton, 0 – Final – Tessa Cudmore scored the lone goal of the game for the Bulldogs.

Foxboro, 5 @ King Philip, 3 – Final
Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 9 – Final – Alexis Stowell had a hat trick and an assist for the Panthers, while sister Victoria scored one goal and had three assists. Emily Spath scored a pair of goals and Meghan Doherty, Jessica Kroushl, and Emily Mastaj all added goals.
Sharon, 0 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final
Milford, 0 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final
Volleyball
Attleboro, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

Taunton, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final – Taunton picked up a win in the first set before Canton notched two wins. Taunton fought back to force a fifth set but the Bulldogs were able to hold on for a 21-25, 25-19, 25-18, 22-25, 15-9 win. Elizabeth Hamilton paced Canton with 17 kills and 21 digs while head coach Pat Cawley said Olivia Devoe played “outstanding” on defense with 35 digs. Sarah Reissfelder and Rye Verille each added 13 kills while Nicole Poole had 43 assist and 15 digs. Cawley called it a great team effort from the Bulldogs. Tatum Speicher had 34 assists for the Tigers, Molly Sullivan added 20 digs and Meghan Navarro had 24 digs and three aces.

King Philip, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final – King Philip notched a 25-12, 25-12, 29-27 sweep on the road. Josie Rowean led KP with 15 kills, Amelia Murphy and Emma Lopez each added three kills, Micaela Murray had 10 digs and head coach Kristen Geuss said Angela Vellante had a good game defensively.

Franklin, 3 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – Dayna McCue had 19 service points, 17 digs and 10 aces to pace Franklin to a 25-15, 25-10, 25-18 sweep on the road. Beth Neal had 12 assists, seven kills, a pair of blocks and an ace and Caroline Maguire added six service points, four kills and three blocks. Stoughton’s Bianca DeSousa had 13 assists, seven digs and five service points.
North Attleboro, 3 @ Milford, 0 – Final
Field Hockey
Attleboro, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 6 – Final – Oliver Ames scored four unanswered goals in the second half, turning a one goal lead at the break into a big win. Kendall Clifford, Dimitra Efremidis, Carly Cidado, Missy Krim, Hannah Friend and Ali Nolan scored for Oliver Ames.

Taunton, 1 @ Canton, 4 – Final
King Philip, 2 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final
Franklin, 0 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final – The Panthers had a 12-2 edge in shots but neither side was able to break through. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said Seniors Taylor Reutlinger and Kenzi Pleshaw played well in the midfield for the Panthers. Stoughton head coach Dan Mark praised goalie Kara Ploss, saying she played outstanding in goal.

Mansfield, 6 @ Sharon, 1 – Final
North Attleboro, 1 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Nicole Fokas scored Milford’s lone goal of the game. Jessica Palmer, who head coach Emily Abbondanza-Luuri said had a strong game for the Scarlet Hawks, had the assist.
Cross Country
Boys
Taunton, 29 @ Attleboro, 27 – Final
Canton, 23 @ Foxboro, 26 – Final – Foxboro’s Jason Reed won the race, finishing the league schedule undefeated.
North Attleboro @ Franklin, 3:30
King Philip, 48 @ Mansfield, 15 – Final

Sharon, 18 @ Milford, 45 – Final

Stoughton, 50 @ Oliver Ames, 15 – Final
Girls
Taunton @ Attleboro, 3:45
Canton, 38 @ Foxboro, 20 – Final

North Attleboro, 34 @ Franklin, 22 – Final – Franklin clinched the Kelley-Rex division title.

King Philip, 20 @ Mansfield, 41 – Final – Mansfield’s Julie Romano finished first in 20:19 but the Warriors got the next five finishers in Nina Sitarski (21:41), Erin Quinn (21:41), Leia Quinn (22:01), Brianna Aubin (22:34) and Erika Layne (22:54).

Sharon, 19 @ Milford, 44 – Final

Stoughton, 40 @ Oliver Ames, 19 – Final
Golf
Milford, 179 @ Sharon, 181 – Final
Oliver Ames, 144 @ North Attleboro, 154 – Final – Steven Tasho carded a match-low 35 to pace the Tigers while Nick Lombardi shot 36 and Eric LeBlanc shot 38. North Attleboro’s David Colsanti shot a 36.
Mansfield, 165 @ Attleboro, 174 – Final – The Hornets clinched their second straight Kelley-Rex division title and eighth since 2006. David Craig shot a 40 for the Hornets, Matt Chirichiello shot 41 and David Norris and Devon Barbero each shot 42.

Foxboro, 175 @ Stoughton, 189 – Final
King Philip, 170 @ Taunton, 166 – Final
Franklin, 162 vs. Medway, 170 – Final – David Hardin shot a 39 while Ryan Morse shot a 40 for the Panthers.