NASHUA, N.H. – Another season of high school football has descended upon the Granite State and with it, the Manchester Central Little Green begin the season on a high note with a 33-16 road victory over the Bishop Guertin Cardinals on Saturday night.
Central dominated the first half, beginning with a four-yard touchdown by Alex Hawkom near the middle of the first quarter. Hawkom’s screen to Nick Olbrice just outside the red zone turned into Central’s second score of the game early in the second quarter, and while the Little Green would not convert the extra point attempt there, Cooper Verano added another six points just before the half.
Verano’s goal line rush gave the Little Green a 19-point edge at the half. The Cardinals eventually gained some momentum in the second half, but only after another Hawkorn touchdown throw to Olbrice, a seven-yard strike with 8:22 left in the third quarter.
That Bishop Guertin momentum came in the form of Joey DaSilva, replacing Hayden Moses at quarterback after that fourth score. DaSilva did play one drive earlier in the contest without luck, but in his second appearance he led Bishop Guertin to a ten-play, 69-yard drive down the field, culminating in his nine-yard pass to Joey Lupo
DaSilva dashed in for a two-point conversion, but the Little Green answered on the next drive, with Hawkorn connecting with Olbrice a third time just three plays later, this time on a 27-yard strike.
DaSilva added eight consolation points, finishing off a 5-yard touchdown run with 4:04 to play and providing another two-point conversion for good measure on a keeper sweep to the left that crossed the plane.
For first-year Bishop Guertin head coach John Trisciani, this game acted as an extension of pre-season training, which was truncated due to intense heat limiting practice.
Trisciani praised Hawkorn’s performance and also vowed to use the game as a learning experience for his squad as they slowly create an identity.
“Going into this as a coach, when things aren’t going well as you think, the film doesn’t look as bad as you think it will and when you have a big win, it doesn’t look as good as you think it will,” he said. “We’re just trying to build something here. I told the kids that if at the end day, if you can look yourself in the eye and say you did the best you could, that’s all that matters.”
Manchester Central head coach Ryan Ray also praised DaSilva and was happy with getting the win, although he shared Trisciani’s viewpoint on the fact that the season is still fresh and work still needs to be done.
“We need to work on everything,” said Ray. “(But) I loved our effort, and I love to be 1-0. Love to get the W under our belt.”
Next week Central returns to Gill Stadium for a matchup with the Keene Blackbirds while Bishop Guertin will face Nashua South.
