DRACUT MIDDIES: My Site News
Monday, November 29
Super Silva clinches playoffs for Dracut
November, 25, 2010 By Roger Brown METHUEN, Mass. -- No one contributed more to Dracut’s 19-12 triumph over Methuen on Thanksgiving Day than senior quarterback Matt Silva.
Silva threw two touchdown passes, ran for another, made an extra-point attempt and delivered a 71-yard punt late in the fourth quarter, when the Middies were protecting a seven-point lead.
The victory improved Dracut’s record to 8-3 and earned the Middies a Division 2 playoff berth. Dracut will face Reading, champion of the Middlesex League, on Tuesday night. Reading earned a Super Bowl berth by beating Dracut 20-6 in the playoffs last season.
“This feels great,” Silva said “Everyone was doubting us, saying we didn’t have a lot coming back and that Methuen was at the top of the league this year. We showed we have the players and the coaches. We’re going back to the playoffs.”
It was a 12-12 game until Silva scored on a 2-yard run with 8:22 to play. The TD was set up by a 47-yard pass from Silva to Keith Hamel down the left sideline and came two plays after Dracut’s Greg Brody intercepted a Cal Carroll pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage.
Dracut trailed 12-6 at halftime, but tied the game on a broken play on its first second-half possession. Silva picked up a bad snap and was nearly sacked before he tossed the ball to Chris Malonis near the right sideline. Malonis outran the Methuen defense for a 57-yard TD.
“We didn’t really expect it to go like that,” Malonis said. “I was supposed to get the ball a lot earlier. It worked out, so it’s all good.”
Malonis, who also caught a 60-yard TD pass in the first quarter, has 20 touchdown receptions this season.
Methuen, which was seeking its first Merrimack Valley Conference championship since 1992, completed its season with a 9-2 record.
“Obviously the kid Silva made some plays,” Methuen coach Pat Graham said. “We didn’t move the ball great offensively today and we ended up with three turnovers – that hurt us. Give them some credit too. They do some pretty good things on defense. “I thought we should have made a lot of plays earlier that we didn’t. We didn’t play well on special teams today and we had a couple breakdowns (defensively) that shouldn’t have happened.” “It’s a special group of kids and I feel bad for them that they didn’t get this win today. They had extremely good character, they played hard and they had a great season. It’s just a shame that we couldn’t get it done today and go to the playoffs.”
Methuen made it a 6-6 game when Ryan Savastano scored on a 47-yard run with 6:01 left in the second quarter.
The Rangers took a 12-6 lead when Carroll completed a 58-yard TD pass to Eric Lacroix with 1:12 left in the half. It was his 19th touchdown pass of the season.
“I felt OK at halftime,” Dracut coach Jason Houston said. “We just had to start playing Dracut football.”
Silva completed nine of 16 passes for 216 yards in the victory, which earned Dracut its third straight Merrimack Valley Conference title. He has thrown 24 touchdown passes and run for 12 more scores this season.
“He’s a playmaker, and he made some plays today,” Houston said. “Haven’t had a chance to see a lot of Reading this year, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Wednesday, November 17
Dracut stays focused, holds off Haverhill
By Rick Spencer, Sun CorrespondentUpdated: 11/13/2010 07:04:27 AM EST
HAVERHILL -- Credit Jason Houston and the Dracut High football coaching staff with knowing a "trap game" when they see one. Dracut 35 Harverhill 14 With a monumental Thanksgiving Day showdown at Methuen looming less than two weeks away, the first-year Middie coach knew his players could have easily looked past winless Haverhill and got caught napping last night. Such was not the case as Dracut kept its hopes for a return to the playoffs alive with an efficient, if not overwhelming, 35-14 victory over Haverhill at Veteran's Memorial Stadium last night. "We reminded them all week that this is one of toughest leagues to play in," Houston said. "We told them they can't be looking ahead, that first and foremost you gotta get a win over Haverhill. We warned them that this was a possible trap game and that they had to focus and execute." Focus and execute they did. Senior quarterback Matt Silva continued to stake his claim to being the top offensive player in the Merrimack Valley Conference, throwing two touchdown passes and running for two more. Senior wide receiver Chris Malonis caught two touchdown passes to run his season total to 18, and senior running back Keith Hamel had one of his best nights of the season, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown to pace the Middies. Dracut took advantage of several Haverhill miscues, jumping out to leads of 2-0 and 8-0 after Hilllie quarterback Tom Morgan fumbled a snap out of the back of his own end zone for a first quarter safety. Silva then connected with Malonis on a 41-yard pass that set up a 6-yard Silva touchdown run that made it 8-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Silva-to-Malonis connected worked again in the second quarter on a 28-yard scoring strike that made it 15-0. And after Haverhill cut the lead to 15-7, Silva and Malonis pretty much sealed the deal when Silva scrambled out of trouble on the final play of the first half and found Malonis open in the end zone. Malonis' spectacular leaping touchdown reception, which came with no time left on the clock, made it 21-7 at the half. And if the game wasn't out of reach then, it was when Dracut took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove 74 yards on 14 plays to make it 28-7. All 14 plays on the drive were rushes, with Hamel carrying seven times for 44 yards. Hamel capped his night by blowing through the Haverhill secondary on a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior running back finished with 116 yards on 19 carries. "Keith Hamel is the kind of guy you can lean on to be a workhorse and grind out the clock, and he showed that tonight," Houston said. "He's really starting to come into his own. He's not hesitating, he's getting north-south and really hitting the holes." Silva completed 7 of 11 passes for 118 yards and raised his touchdown passing total to 22 on the season, one shy of Billerica's Nick LaSpada, who threw three scores last night to raise his season total to 23. Malonis, on the other hand, has absolutely no competition in the race for most touchdown receptions in the area. With 18 on the year, Malonis pulls to within two touchdown catches of Dracut High's season and career records, both held by 2005 graduate John Lewellyn. Malonis needs to grab a pair of TD passes on Thanksgiving Day to join Lewellyn in the record books. "Coach (Bob) Rousso reminds me of (the record) every time I catch one," Malonis said. "But I'm just trying to stay focused on getting us back into the playoffs. Matt (Silva) and I have played together for a long time. He knows how I like to run my routes and I know where he likes to throw it, so it's worked out good. But we both just want to make it back into the playoffs. Everybody thought this was supposed to be a rebuilding year for us, and we want to prove them wrong." Likewise, Houston is thrilled with the fact that the 7-3 Middies (7-1 MVC) have a shot at going back to the playoffs if they can knock off MVC front-runner Methuen on Thanksgiving Day. "We've been working toward this since the kids started hitting the weight room back in February," Houston said. "I knew we had the potential, but the kids had to come out and put in the work and they had to be willing to learn, and they've done that." The Middies now have less than two weeks to prepare for what looms as the biggest game of the season in the MVC, and Houston likes his chances. "Methuen is big and physical, but we can play the power game and we can play the throw and finesse game," Houston said. "As long as we have a good week in practice, we've got a chance."
Wednesday, November 17
Silva, Middies streak past Haverhill
By Kevin McDonald sports@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Sat Nov 13, 2010, 02:38 AM EST HAVERHILL — On a chilly senior night at Haverhill Stadium, the Hillies lost to the Dracut Middies 35-14 last night. The Hillies are struggling with an 0-10 record while Dracut improved to 7-3. Haverhill coach Tim O'Connor, though, was impressed that his club made Middies earn it."They were better," said O'Connor of his defense, which nearly held the visitors below their average. "There were still moments where we didn't tackle well or didn't contain well, but they at least came and they hit people tonight."Dracut senior quarterback Matt Silva ran 13 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns while passing for 116 yards with two touchdowns to Chris Malonis.Dracut scored a safety midway through the first quarter when the Hillies snapped the ball out the back of the end zone on a shotgun snap from the 2.It was 15-0 Dracut before Haverhill got on the board with a 5-yard touchdown run from Malcolm Novello. The senior continued his fine late-season play, rushing for 61 yards on 12 carries.O'Connor explained, "The linemen were coming together. They're all underclassmen and they are learning to communicate, and Malcolm has not been fully healthy until this week and it showed."Novello, who rushed for 115 yards last week, not only showed he was healthy in the running game but also in the return game. He returned three kicks for a total of 100 yards, slipping and juking past Dracut defenders.Dracut had possession of the ball to start the second half and scored on a 14-play, 74-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes to make the score 28-7.Dracut, on a fourth-and-five from the Hillies 20, was stopped when Aaron Moisan sacked Jimmy Ryan. With 8:30 left to play, Haverhill drove 75 yards, capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run from Chance Brady. The Hillies don't play again until Thanksgiving day when they square off against Lowell at 10 a.m. in Lowell.
Monday, November 8
Dracut gets it back on track
By Sam Weisberg, Sun CorrespondentUpdated: 11/06/2010 06:41:18 AM EDT
DRACUT -- Versatile Chris Malonis scored three more touchdowns -- two on passes from Matt Silva and another on a 74 yard run with a pitchout -- as the Dracut High football team bounced back from a pounding at the hands of Andover last week to thrash visiting Lawrence High, 34-6, last night at Beaudry Field.
Middies 34, Lancers 6
The win -- which keeps Dracut in the thick of the fight for MVC Division 2 honors and the playoff berth that comes with the championship -- was marred by a fourth-quarter melee that caused officials to halt the game with 4:16 left the play.
The game still goes in the books as a win for the Middies who improve to 6-3 overall and 6-1 in the conference as division runner-up to Methuen (8-1, 7-0).
The melee brought back memories of the deja vu 1983 Dracut-Lawrence game in Lawrence which also ended in a brawl-type situation that resulted in suspensions to several key DHS players.
Those players in 1983 sat out the next game against Andover -- which was the lone Dracut loss of the season and cost the Middies a Super Bowl berth.
Last night's disagreement did not result in any ejections or suspensions. Everyone is eligible this week.
Dracut completely dominated the first half, grabbing a 14-0 lead after posting a 9-0 edge in first downs, a 207-5 advantage in total net yardage and not allowing Lawrence to penetrate DHS territory at all in the two quarters.
Malonis gave the host team a lead with 3:04 left in the opening period of the annual Senior Night clash and the Middies' 2010 home finale -- as he cradled a pitchout from QB Silva and raced 74 yards for the first of his 3 TDs. Silva toed the first of his 4 conversions to make it 7-0.
Silva missed wide right with a 40 yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, but with 40 seconds left in the half Keith Hamel chalked up his 19th TD of the season on a 7 yard run set up by a 20 yard pass from Silva to Malonis.
Malonis would finish the night with 9 catches for 144 yards, while Silva hit 12 -of 19 aerials overall for 168 yards including his 18th and 20th TD tosses.
Dracut jumped the lead to 21-0 with 6:28 left in the third as Malonis out-leapt several Lancer defenders in the end zone to complete an acrobatic 28 yard pass play.
Lawrence got on the board with 7 minutes to go in the game on a 59 yard pass play from QB Nathaniel Baez to wide receiver Daniel Ramos.
Dracut would counter-punch twice more in the next three minutes on a 44 yard Silva to Malonis pass play -- Malonis' area-high 16th TD reception -- and a 3 yard plunge by Silva for his 9th touchdown.
Rory Fuller set up the final tally with his second interception of the night, which he returned to the Lawrence 17, and then Silva finished off the mini-trek with 12, 2 and 3 yard runs.
After Silva booted his 33rd PAT of the season to make it 34-6 with 4:16 left -- a Lawrence player struck the Dracut QB after the play which led to both benches clearing and players swarming the field.
Silva's latest big night hiked his personal point total to 90 and Malonis now has 108 points.
Senior linebacker Brian Lamontagen contributed a key fumble recovery to set up a touchdown.
Dracut plays at winless Haverhill next Friday night and has a huge Thanksgiving Day showdown at Methuen.
Thursday, October 28
Establishing a connection ~ Dracut QB has favorite target
By Doug Saffir October 28, 2010
All-Scholastic quarterback Matt Silva was back under center, and the Merrimack Valley Small MVP is certainly a nice starting point, but he was just one of two returning offensive starters at Dracut High this season.And while Silva was stellar in last year’s 9-3 season, his first as a starter — passing for 1,745 yards and 23 touchdowns (and rushing for 951 yards and 14 more TDs) — first-year head coach Jason Houston envisioned his senior quarterback’s role would change a bit this year.
“Last year, he was new to the role,’’ said Houston, a six-year assistant at Dracut who was named coach after Jeff Moore moved over to Lowell High. “He was trying to fill some big shoes from Matt Grimard,’’ a former Division 1A Player of the Year.“But he had a lot of pieces around him last year. He was more of a distributor to the playmakers who had already established themselves in the offense.’’
Early on, there were concerns, when the Middies lost their first two games to Marshfield (33-20) and Westford (27-13).But over the past five weeks, Dracut made a dramatic turnaround, reeling off five straight wins, including a 60-point eruption against Nick LaSpada and Billerica.
As the smoke from the 60-42 shootout cleared, the connection between Silva and senior wide receiver Chris Malonis stood tall.That connection — one that has been developing since the two first played Pop Warner together six year ago — has developed into the most prolific pass ’n’ catch combo in Eastern Massachusetts.
The Middies are averaging 35 points per game, and Silva leads Division 2 with 17 passing touchdowns, 12 of which have found Malonis on the receiving end.
The two longtime friends have torn apart the toughest of defenses, a fact that has surprised Houston, considering Malonis did not play on offense until last season. And even then, the Middies featured so many weapons, he was often shut out of the game plan.
“Chris didn’t play a big role for us last year because he was behind some talented receivers. He didn’t really get on the field a lot offensively, but he played cornerback for us,’’ Houston said.“He only played defense sophomore year,’‘ Silva said. “And with so many playmakers last year, he didn’t get a lot of looks. He didn’t want his senior year to be the same.’’
Determined to change his future in the program, Malonis did not play basketball last winter, running indoor track instead. He wanted to improve his quickness on the football field.“Last year, I was disappointed how the season ended,’’ Malonis said. “I didn’t think I had met my potential. So I took a year off of basketball and did indoor track to try and get my speed, agility, and acceleration better.’’
All-Scholastic quarterback Matt Silva was back under center, and the Merrimack Valley Small MVP is certainly a nice starting point, but he was just one of two returning offensive starters at Dracut High this season.And while Silva was stellar in last year’s 9-3 season, his first as a starter — passing for 1,745 yards and 23 touchdowns (and rushing for 951 yards and 14 more TDs) — first-year head coach Jason Houston envisioned his senior quarterback’s role would change a bit this year.“
Last year, he was new to the role,’’ said Houston, a six-year assistant at Dracut who was named coach after Jeff Moore moved over to Lowell High. “He was trying to fill some big shoes from Matt Grimard,’’ a former Division 1A Player of the Year.“But he had a lot of pieces around him last year. He was more of a distributor to the playmakers who had already established themselves in the offense.’’
Early on, there were concerns, when the Middies lost their first two games to Marshfield (33-20) and Westford (27-13).But over the past five weeks, Dracut made a dramatic turnaround, reeling off five straight wins, including a 60-point eruption against Nick LaSpada and Billerica.
As the smoke from the 60-42 shootout cleared, the connection between Silva and senior wide receiver Chris Malonis stood tall.That connection — one that has been developing since the two first played Pop Warner together six year ago — has developed into the most prolific pass ’n’ catch combo in Eastern Massachusetts.
The Middies are averaging 35 points per game, and Silva leads Division 2 with 17 passing touchdowns, 12 of which have found Malonis on the receiving end.
The two longtime friends have torn apart the toughest of defenses, a fact that has surprised Houston, considering Malonis did not play on offense until last season. And even then, the Middies featured so many weapons, he was often shut out of the game plan.
“Chris didn’t play a big role for us last year because he was behind some talented receivers. He didn’t really get on the field a lot offensively, but he played cornerback for us,’’ Houston said.
“He only played defense sophomore year,’‘ Silva said. “And with so many playmakers last year, he didn’t get a lot of looks. He didn’t want his senior year to be the same.’’
Determined to change his future in the program, Malonis did not play basketball last winter, running indoor track instead. He wanted to improve his quickness on the football field.“Last year, I was disappointed how the season ended,’’
Malonis said. “I didn’t think I had met my potential. So I took a year off of basketball and did indoor track to try and get my speed, agility, and acceleration better.’’
Still not satisfied, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound wide receiver spent his summer working in a running program with Dracut’s Keith Hamel, a running back. “Over summer, we did a lot of sprints and work with rubber bands and harness pulls. And I worked with Keith, who has to be one of the fastest kids on our team. I still can’t beat him in a race, but he’s helped me to become a better athlete,’’ Malonis continued. “It’s really paid off, and I think it’s really showing.’’
The Chelmsford secondary might agree.Silva and Malonis teamed up for three touchdown passes in last week’s 42-21 win in their Merrimack Valley Conference showdown.
The scoring included one play in which Malonis put on a vicious double move, releasing for an 86-yard score in the third quarter.“Chris worked really hard in the offseason on improving his speed,’’ said Houston, a former standout at Lowell High who went on to play defensive tackle at Richmond.
“He’s always had some good football knowledge and understanding to go with his athletic ability. But he never had the breakaway speed he has now,’’ Houston said.“He’s much faster and quicker off the ball. His running form has improved and allowed him to be a dynamic player.’’
And when they are not tearing up the field, they just hang out.“Every weekend we get together for the games, watch college football on Saturdays, the professional games on Sundays,’’ Malonis said.“We’ve had good chemistry as far back as I can remember.
We’re always together, watching football, going over game plans, and just hanging out. We’re always on the same page,’’ Silva added. “He’s my friend and my playmaker. We know we can trust each other, so I’m always going to him whenever I can. We just have that chemistry. I don’t really know how to explain it.’’
Friday, October 22
ESPNBoston.com - Week 7 Picks
October, 22, 2010 –By ESPNBoston.comLet's get straight to this week’s action with picks from ESPN Boston's Scott Barboza and Brendan Hall. NO. 22 DRACUT (4-2) AT NO. 13 CHELMSFORD (5-1), 7 p.m.
The skinny: In a Merrimack Valley Conference that seems to generate upsets on a weekly basis, this one feels like round six. The Middies are clicking after an 0-2 start, averaging xx points in their four wins thanks to the play of quarterback Matt Silva (14 passing touchdowns, five rushing touchdowns) and Chris Malonis (nine receiving touchdowns). Chelmsford and its staunch defense, spearheaded by one of the state's best linebacking corps, has been hampered by injuries in recent weeks, but is still dangerous with its clock-eating drives, as Andover found out in a 35-7 loss to the Lions last week.
Hall: We've taken a little heat for throwing the Middies back in the Top 25 a few weeks ago. But just trust me here, when Matt Silva and Chris Malonis are on the same wavelength, the Dracut offense is one of the most difficult to slow down in Eastern Mass. Defending the zone read sounds easy in theory, but is a huge pain in the butt if you defense isn't well-disciplined (just ask any of Oregon's opponents this year). How far they've come since that 0-2 start will show through against one of the state's better defenses. Dracut, 28-21
Barboza: Whether or not Lions running back Joe Gennaro is ready to go could have a big say in how this one is decided. I still like the way the Middies offense has come together, however. Dracut, 27-20
Friday, October 22
Mike and Mike's Week 7 marquee matchups
Posted by Mike Grossi, Globe Correspondent October 22, 2010 09:20 AM
Editor's Note: The Globe's Michael Grossi and Mike Carraggi predict the outcomes of the week's biggest games. Think you can do better? Drop your thoughts into our comment box.
Dracut at Chelmsford
Grossi - Dracut is on a roll right now. Matt Silva is playing like he did last year and looks unstoppable. Chelmsford has a good defense but with a banged up Joe Gennaro, the Lions could falter. Pick: Dracut
Carraggi - Dracut needs this win to keep within striking distance of a Methuen team on a mission. Chelmsford throttled Andover to bounce back from a whipping at the hands of Methuen. This is going to be a tight one, but the unheralded A.J. Rotella at quarterback will need to match Dracut’s Matt Silva play for play to pull it out. Fortunately for the Lions, he will. Pick: Chelmsford
Sunday, October 10
Middies win another slugfest
By Carmine Frongillo, cfrongillo@lowellsun.comLowell High running back Angel Escalera is brought down by Dracut's Greg Brody (top) and Chris Malonis (bottom) on a carry in last night's MVC matchup in Dracut. The Middies won another shootout, 45-35. SUN/JULIA MALAKIE
DRACUT -- Dracut High's football team could have gotten caught up in the hoopla surrounding the return of their former head coach, Jeff Moore. Dracut 45, Lowell 35 But the Middies are a club on the rise that pays attention to detail, relying on the little things on the field that add up to big point totals, and even bigger wins. Dracut spoiled coach Moore's return to Beaudry Field as the man in charge of Lowell High's program, outlasting the Red Raiders, 45-35, in a high-scoring Merrimack Valley Conference game last night. After dropping a pair of non-league games to open the season, the Middies (3-2, 3-0 MVC) have taken flight ripping off three straight MVC wins while continuing to gain altitude. They scored 60 points against Billerica last week. Lowell dropped its second straight game and is now 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the MVC. "It was a little weird being out here, but once the bullets started flying it was another game," said Moore, who guided the Middies to a Super Bowl title in 2008 and a playoff berth in 2009. "Dracut is a good team. They have some really good players. They work hard year round. They're tough. We just have to play smarter down-to-down physical football to beat a team like that. But we're close. And the thing is when it comes around, look out everybody." The victory was especially sweet for first-year Middie head coach Jason Houston, who was an assistant on Moore's Dracut staff and is a former Lowell High standout. "The biggest thing for me is it's my first win as a head coach against my alma mater," said Houston. "It wasn't pretty. I wasn't happy with how we finished the game. We kind of let them back in the game. I'm very happy with the first three quarters. We have to play better than we did in the last quarter if we want to win more games the rest of the year." Dracut got another super effort from senior quarterback Matt Silva, who passed for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns, rushed for 188 yards and a score, kicked a 24-yard field goal and was 6-for-6 on PATs. "Matt is tough as nails," said Houston. "He's a gamer. Any situation he wants the ball in his hands. It's my belief that there isn't another quarterback in the league better than him. He's one of the top five quarterbacks in the state, I'd say." Chris Malonis was on the receiving end of both of Silva's touchdown passes. Keith Hamel also had a big night running the football for Dracut, finishing with 120 yards and 2 TDs. Dracut was up 38-6 with just under 6 minutes left to play in the game. But Lowell refused to fold, pushing the Middies to the end. The Red Raiders got a dazzling 84-yard kickoff return from Anthony Courtois that cut the deficit to 38-14. Lowell's Josh McGlauflin then caught a 11-yard pass from Kyle Edwards that made it 38-20. Hamel scored Dracut's final TD on a 6-yard run with 3:27 remaining, upping the Middies lead to 45-20. McGlauflin caught a 25-yard scoring pass from R.J. Noel, and John Crowe grabbed an 8-yard TD pass from Edwards to complete the scoring for Lowell. Edwards scored on a 10-yard run with the 51 seconds left to play in the first quarter, staking Lowell to a 6-0 lead. In the second quarter, Silva scored on a 15-yard run. Jon Vance intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a TD for the Middies second score of the game. With 2:20 left to play in the second quarter, Malonis hauled in a 26-yard TD pass from Silva that put Dracut in front, 21-6, at halftime. "We played hard," said Moore. "We played to the end. And we fought. We have something to build on. But we just have to be able to do it every down and eliminate some of the mental and physical mistakes we made in the first half, especially against a good team like Dracut."
Friday, October 8
Division 2 and 2A: The weekend ahead
Posted by Mike Grossi, Globe Correspondent October 8, 2010 08:57 AM GAMES TO WATCHLowell at Dracut, Saturday at 6 p.m. – Lowell coach Jeff Moore makes his first visit to Dracut since leaving the school after last season. Unfortunately for Moore, Dracut has brushed off two losses to open the season and found its offensive stride. Last week the Middies hung 60 points on Billerica in a victory. PLAYERS TO WATCHMatt Silva, Dracut – How will Silva top his performance from last week? The quarterback totaled over 300 yards in the Middies’ thrashing of Billerica. Now he has motivation staring at him from the other sideline. There is no doubt Silva wants to have his way with his former coach’s squad.The top 3 leaders in touchdown passes in Division 2 are on teams in the Merrimack Valley Small. Dracut’s Matt Silva leads with 9, then Methuen’s Cal Carroll with 8 and then Tewksbury’s Sean Connolly with 7.
Friday, October 8
Mike & Mike's Week 5 marquee matchups
Lowell at Dracut
Grossi -- This game marks the return of Jeff Moore to Dracut, and I don’t think it is going to be a rosy one. Dracut has hit its stride under new coach Jason Houston, as evidenced by last week’s 60 point outburst. Pick: Dracut
Carraggi -- Every shred of logic tells me to pick Dracut in Jeff Moore’s long-awaited return. Why start listening to logic now? Lowell has shown an increase in talent and heart over last year’s squad and is itching for an upset to get on the map. Pick: Lowell
Thursday, October 7
Dracut wins shootout - Globe North Football Thursday
Dracut is back even at 2-2 after winning its second straight, a wild 60-42 victory over host Billerica in a matchup featuring two of the state’s tops quarterbacks, Matt Silva and Nick LaSpada. “Our kids were starting to come together offensively,’’ said Dracut head coach Jason Houston, who said the Middies ran 55 offensive plays. “Billerica didn’t make adjustments to what we were doing. It let us pick our spots and exploit the defense.’’Out of the spread, Dracut often lined up three wide receivers on one side of the field. That left a Billerica linebacker defending a receiver, but staying close to the box in the event of a run. The mismatch let Silva find openings all night.In the end, the difference came down to turnovers. “Our defense came to life in the third quarter and got a few turnovers that kept us up,’’ Houston continued. “Those stops won us the game in the end.’’
Thursday, October 7
The end zone - Globe North High School Football
High Five
Nick LaSpada, Billerica: The Indians suffered their second straight defeat, an astonishing 60-42 shootout against Dracut, but the junior signal-career was brilliant, firing five touchdown passes and rushing for another.
Matt Silva, Dracut: In a explosive all-around effort, the Middies senior quarterback went to the air for four touchdowns, ran in another, booted four extra points, and tossed a two-point conversion pass in a wild 60-42 comeback win over Billerica.
Monday, October 4
What We Learned: Week 4
By ESPNBoston.com
Better hold on to your hats. That was the theme of Week 4 of the local high school football schedule from the perspective of weather and its results. Driving rains and howling winds across Southern New England had many of Friday’s games washed out and moved to Saturday. For those who remained steadfast in their Friday schedules or kicked off on Saturday, there were plenty of upsets to be had and much on the line. Here’s what we learned from this weekend’s action: ...One things's for certain: the Merrimack Valley Conference isn't In Jason Houston's first year as an assistant at Dracut back in 2004, he watched as the Middies lost a 63-46 shootout to Division 1A Super Bowl runner-up Chelmsford. Now six years later, Houston won his second career game as head coach -- and his second in as many weeks over a previously-ranked opponent -- by flipping the switch, his team rolling to a 60-42 win over Billerica behind big nights from quarterback Matt Silva (8 of 12 passing, 262 yards, four touchdowns; 17 carries, 110 yards, touchdown), wide receiver Chris Malonis (seven catches, 252 yards, four touchdowns; 95-yard kickoff return touchdown) and running back Keith Hamel (20 carries, 121 yards, three touchdowns). Dracut, by the way, wasn't even the favorite in the MVC Small headed into the season. Heck, they could very well end up 7-4 or 6-5 in this kind of daunting league schedule. "In my opinion, top to bottom, this is the toughest league in the state," said Houston, who himself won an MVC title quarterbacking Lowell in the late 90s. Looking ahead to next weekend…, HEAD OF THE CLASS VALVOLINE CO-PEAK PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK: MATT SILVA, SR. QB, AND CHRIS MALONIS, SR. WR, DRACUT
Talk about an offensive explosion. Silva accounted for 372 yards of offense (262 passing, 110 rushing) and five total touchdowns, linking up with Malonis (seven catches, 252 yards) for all four of his touchdown passes, as the Middies survived a Wild West 60-42 shootout with Billerica. Since losing to Westford 27-13 in Week 2, the Middies have exploded, averaging 43.5 points per game and knocking off previously-ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks. Think things are clicking up on Route 38?
Monday, October 4
Peak Performers: Dracut's talented duo
By ESPNBoston.com
How can you separate one from the other? It's impossible.
So we decided for the first time to award two Peak Performer of the Week Awards, presented by Valvoline, this week to honor both Dracut quarterback Matt Silva and receiver Chris Malonis.
In the Middies' 60-42 win over Billerica, Silva threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Malonis was on the receiving end of each of those scores and hauled in seven catches for 252 of those yards.
Silva, who racked up 372 yards of offense, also ran for 110 yards with a rushing touchdown. Malonis also pulled double duty with his 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Tuesday, October 5
Dracut-Billerica a dizzying event
Not that you asked, but I'm going to tell you anyway:
Word out of Billerica has Indians' scoreboard operator Bob Walsh recovering nicely from a traumatic Saturday night that nearly saw him hospitalized for dehydration and exhaustion. OK, I'm kidding. Walsh was never in danger of anything other getting electrocuted with the way the Indians and Dracut Middies lit up the scoreboard in their Merrimack Valley Conference matchup in which Dracut prevailed, 60-42. Still, it's a night Walsh and area gridiron fans won't soon forget. There are some NBA games that barely reach 102 combined points, never mind high school football. The scoreboard action might not be as intense on Lakeview Avenue in Dracut this week, but the drama off the field certainly will be as Jeff Moore returns to the town he owned while coaching Dracut to a pair of playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title. Only this time, he does so on the opposite sideline as coach of the Lowell High Red Raiders. It'll be interesting to see the reception Moore gets at Beaudry Field. I'd like to think he'll be welcomed back warmly, at least until opening kickoff. However, there were more than a few ruffled feathers in Middies Nation when Lowell once again came calling for a Dracut coach, especially as late in the process as that call came last spring. Toss in the fact the game will be played Saturday night, with no other MVC games scheduled for the same time, and it's safe to say the eyes of Merrimack Valley high school football will be focused squarely on that patch of turf in Dracut.
Tuesday, October 5
Monday Morning Recap
Danny Ventura
Let’s take another look at the week gone by in our Monday Morning Recap.
If you have an interesting tidbit from your game, please don’t hesitate to let us know at dventura@bostonherald.com.
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR’S NIGHTMARE: That was clearly the case Saturday night in Billerica as Dracut and Billerica combined for 926 yards and 102 points.
Unfortunately for the hosts, Dracut amassed 60 of the points and walked away with its second win of the season.
Matt Silva completed 8-of-12 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 96 more on the ground. For Billerica, Nick LaSpada threw for 253 yards and five scores, while rushing for 147 yards.
Sunday, October 3
Dracut stuns Billerica
Dracut stuns Billerica By Mike Carraggi
Globe Correspondent / October 3, 2010
In a battle between two of the state’s top quarterbacks, what else could be expected? Billerica’s Nick LaSpada contributed 430 yards of offense and six touchdowns (five passing), but was outgunned by visiting Dracut last night, 60-42.
It was the No. 11 Indians’ second straight Merrimack Valley Conference loss, while the Middies, led by quarterback Matt Silva, improved to 2-2 after a two-game skid to start the season.LaSpada lit the fireworks with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Donahoe, but Dracut answered with four straight touchdowns, the final two on passes from Silva to Chris Malonis.Brandon Coelho snagged a touchdown pass from LaSpada to break up the Dracut scoring streak, but Silva found Malonis in the end zone again before hooking up with Jordan Kennedy to give Dracut a 40-21 halftime lead.Coming out of intermission, Malonis scored for the fourth time with an 88-yard kickoff return. LaSpada went by air, connecting with Coelho, and on the ground to give the Indians a chance to creep back into the game, but Keith Hamel scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to cap an explosive night for Dracut.
Friday, October 1
Division 2 and 2A storylines and games to watch
Division 2 and 2A storylines and games to watchPosted by Mike Grossi, Globe Correspondent October 1, 2010 08:57 AM
GAMES TO WATCH
BC High at Falmouth, Friday at 7 p.m. – Falmouth beat BC High last season and will look to do so again Friday. The Clippers will have to play tough defensively to prevail in this game.
Marshfield at Dennis-Yarmouth, Friday at 7 p.m. - Dennis-Yarmouth can take that leap forward to ACL supremacy with a win Friday over Marshfield. However, the Rams are hoping to do to Dennis-Yarmouth what it did to Falmouth last season; squash an upstart with its clock controlling run game.
Dracut at Billerica, Friday at 7 p.m. – Dracut got its first win last week while Billerica took its first loss. The Middies offense should have no problem scoring as the Billerica defense is porous. The question is can Dracut’s defense stop Nick LaSpada a couple times?
Monday, September 27
Houston takes first win over No. 21 CC
DRACUT, Mass. -- It was a special victory for head coach Jason Houston of the Dracut Middies on Friday night.
Dracut not only beat league-rival No. 21 Central Catholic, 27-14, but the team also garnered its first win of the season, and in doing so -- earned Houston the first win of his career.
The Middies cruised in the victory, going up 27-0 until the Raiders tacked on 14 points to end the game.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Houston about his inaugural victory at the helm for the Middies. “It’s Central Catholic -- a league opponent -- and this is the second time we’ve beat them in 22 years. It’s nice to know we can come in and beat a team that has really had our number over the years.”
Houston did a solid job coaching a young defense that is missing three linebackers due to injury. The defense set the tone on the first drive when junior A.J. Proia intercepted Central Catholic’s Matt McDermott, and the Dracut offense capitalized and never looked back.
“It feels a lot better than I thought it would,” Houston said. “This is a lot better than I really thought it would be. The guys gave me the game ball for my first career victory, and it doesn’t get any better than to win your first game against a league opponent.”
Dracut’s Matt Silva was impressive managing the game. The quarterback completed 12 of 17 passes for 126 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
“The seniors couldn’t start off 0-3,” Silva said about the group’s determination. “We’re too good of a program…we had to get it done tonight and we were determined that we were going to win.”
Silva’s 27-yard touchdown strike was to his favorite target, Chris Malonis. Malonis finished the game with six catches for 59 yards and one touchdown.
“Silva always gives it his all,” Malonis said . “He’s the one who carries us every single game and this one goes to him and the line.”
Keith Hamel and Kevin Bishop were especially efficient with the ball for Dracut. Hamel had two touchdowns of fewer than three yards and Bishop had a 1-yard score to begin the game.
As the team has done all-season, Central Catholic substituted quarterbacks each series. McDermott started the game for the Raiders, but Ben Onett rotated in.
McDermott hit Xavier Peralta over the middle in the fourth quarter to give Central Catholic its second touchdown. Running back Trae Musumarra scored the first touchdown for the Raiders on a 6-yard run.
DRACUT 27, CENTRAL CATHOLIC 14
D - 7 7 7 6 -- 27
CC - 0 0 0 14 -- 14
1st quarter:
D - Kevin Bishop 1 run (Matt Silva kick)
2nd quarter:
D - Keith Hamel 3 run (Silva kick)
3rd quater:
D - Keith Hamel 3 run (Silva kick)
4th quarter:
D - Chris Malonis 27 catch from Silva (kick failed)
C - Trae Musumarra 6 run (Cam Walsh kick)
C - Xavier Peralta 27 catch from Matt McDermott (Walsh kick)
Sunday, September 26
Dracut clamps defense on Central
Dracut clamps defense on Central
By Steve Kendall
Saturday, September 25, 2010
DRACUT - After struggling defensively in losses to Mansfield and Westford, Dracut saw first-year coach Jason Houston simplify the defensive scheme, hoping for better results.He got them.Keyed by a dominating defensive performance, allowing just three first downs through three quarters, the Middies rolled to a 27-14 win over Merrimack Valley Conference foe Central Catholic last night.It was just the second win for Dracut (1-2) over Central Catholic in 22 years.“It feels great to get the monkey off our back,” Houston said. “We did not play well defensively the first two games. We missed tackles and made some mistakes. This week, the guys were flying all over the field, making plays. They were the difference.”It was the first career win as head coach for Houston, who was an assistant with Dracut the past six years. The team presented him with a game ball to commemorate the milestone and, more importantly, the Middies’ first MVC win this season.“I’ve been a part of a lot of big wins over my six years here,” Houston said, “but this feels better than I ever thought it would. It feels great to get my first win in the league against a team that has had our number over the years.”Though he was impressed with Silva and the Middies offense, Central Catholic coach Chuck Adamopoulos credited Dracut’s defense.“The defense is why (Dracut) won,” he said. “They have a great offense, but it was the defense that won this game for them.”The defense came up big early, creating its first turnover this season when Zach Bassett picked off Matt McDermott near midfield. Middies quarterback Matt Silva then engineered an impressive nine-play, 59-yard opening drive, which was capped by Kevin Bishop’s 1-yard run.The defense came up big again after Fortuna Kalala picked off Silva and returned it to the Dracut 18. Central (1-2) got no closer, gaining zero yards before a 36-yard field goal sailed wide right.Silva finished with 78 yards rushing while completing 11-of-17 passes for 93 yards.
Saturday, September 25
Middies get on the board vs. Central
Middies get on the board vs. Central
By Sam Weisberg, Sun Correspondent
Updated: 09/25/2010 06:42:15 AM EDT
DRACUT -- Senior running back Keith Hamel scored a pair of touchdowns as the Dracut High football team dominated most of the game on the way to a 27-14 minor-upset win over visiting Central Catholic in MVC action before a large crowd last night at Beaudry Field.
In a clash that featured a rarity -- no penalty flags against either team -- the Middies (1-2) pounded out to a 27-0 lead before surrendering a pair of harmless late touchdowns to Central (1-2).
Dracut finished with statistical edges in first downs (15-6) , total offense (276-155 yards) and scrimmage plays (66-46), as the winners' rock-solid defense limited the Raiders to a mere 33 net yards and no points in the first half.
"With no penalties we pretty much played a mistake-free game," said first-year DHS head coach Jason Houston, who picked up his first win as a top man. "The defense was outstanding -- and we did it without three of our linebackers including defensive captain Seth Monbleau (staph infection). Two others were out injured.
"We also put together a nice running attack that was spread out among all our backs," added Houston.
This marks only the second Dracut win over jinx-team Central in the past 12 years.
Senior back Kevin Bishop opened the scoring with his first TD of the season on a 1 yard plunge with 6:28 left in the opening quarter.
Sophomore linebacker Zach Bassett set up the touchdown with an interception, which was quickly followed by a 23 yard pass completion from QB Matt Silva to favorite target Chris Malonis.
Hamel scored his first touchdown with 28 seconds left in the half to give the Middies some breathing room. He slammed across from the three.
The third period was more of the same as junior linebacker Matt Ferrazzini blocked a punt at the Central 37 and 8 plays later Hamel knifed over from the 1.
The Middies completed their scoring on the second play of the fourth quarter, Silva hitting Malonis in stride in the end zone with a 27 yard TD pass. It was Silva's 5th TD toss this fall.
Central got on the board twice in the final six minutes on a 16-yard run by top back Trae Musamarra with 5:21 left and a 26 yard pass from QB Matt McDermott to Xavier Peralta with one minute remaining.
Silva finished the game 8 for 15 in the air for 92 yards and a TD, while he added 76 yards rushing on 20 carries. Kevin Bishop contributed 73 yards on 11 carries and Malonis had 6 receptions for 72 yards and a TD.
Musamarra was the top Central rusher with 30 yards on 5 carries.
Read more:
http://www.lowellsun.com/highschool/ci_16172386#ixzz10YOqM8Pz
Friday, September 24
Editor's note: The Globe's Mike Grossi gives a look into what to watch for in Division 2 and 2A football this weekend.
GAMES TO WATCH
Lexington at Wakefield, Friday at 7 pm – This game has major implications for both teams. Wakefield lost a tough game to a physical Lynn Classical squad last week and is looking to get on the right foot this week. The Warriors want to show why people had such high expectations of them. Lexington wants to show the rest of the Middlesex League that it can hang with the top dogs.
Arlington at Wilmington, Friday at 7 pm – This game has some juicy storylines. Wilmington is coming off a strong performance against Austin Prep and wants to keep momentum for a possible playoff push. Also, next year, both of these teams will be Middlesex League rivals and this provides a kick start for the ensuing rivalry.
Central Catholic at Dracut, Friday at 7 pm – Dracut needs a victory in this one. Although the Middies played two tough opponents in Marshfield and Westford, 0-3 isn’t a good way to build confidence and momentum going into league play. Also, a victory over Central Catholic would put the rest of the Merrimack Valley Conference on notice that the Middies are a force to be reckoned with.
Hingham at Dennis-Yarmouth, Friday at 7 pm – Dennis-Yarmouth cracked the Globe Top 20 for the first time last week after holding off Barnstable in a shootout. The Dolphins have to guard against a letdown this week. Hingham is an explosive team and could have a chance to upset the Dolphins.
Methuen at Billerica, Friday at 7 pm – I am going to go out on a limb and say that there will be a lot of offense and scoring in this game. Methuen crushed Malden last week thanks to 6 touchdowns (5 passing) from quarterback Cal Carroll. Billerica’s Nick LaSpada has shown no ill effects from his knee injury. This match-up between gunslingers promises to be a must see.
Tewksbury at Andover, Friday at 7 pm – Tewksbury has put on a show in its first two games. The Redmen beat a tough Lincoln-Sudbury team as well as beat Lawrence. The Redmen have a huge test in Andover on Friday and the way they play could decide whether or not they will make a playoff push this season. A win over a talented Andover team will instill confidence.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Glen Duffy, Natick – The question is can Duffy keep it up. He has scored seven touchdowns the first two weeks and is the Red and Blue’s go to guy close to the goal line and to get tough yards.
CJ Logan, Watertown – The Red Raiders have dominated their opponents the first two weeks. Logan is the triggerman of an offense that averages 49 points per game. He has four rushing touchdowns and one passing.
Jordan Aronson, Sharon – Aronson has four touchdowns this season. He is the most dangerous player on Sharon and with him, the Eagles have a chance to play spoiler in the Hockomock League.
Sean Connolly, Tewksbury – Connolly has led the Redmen to a 2-0 mark and with him under center, will have a chance to make noise in the Merrimack Valley (Small).
Peter Hennigan, Nauset - Thought to be a rebuilding year, Nauset has started the 2010 campaign 2-0. Hennigan has been a big part of that, rushing for six touchdowns.
Matt Montalto, Dennis-Yarmouth - Montalto has been a big contributor to the Dolphins' success. He has five touchdown passes and two rushing scores.
Thursday, September 23
HS Friday Preview with Dracut High Senior Captains
HS Friday Preview with Dracut High Senior Captains
Chris Malonis, Josh Porter, Matt Silva and Seth Monbleau
Click Here to Watch the Interview
Monday, September 13
Massachusetts High School Football - Marshfield defeats Dracut
(September 11, 2010: Marshfield, MA 02050) In Saturday's non-league match, the host Marshfield Rams football squad scored a good 33-20 victory over the Dracut Middies.
In their next game, the Rams clash with the Lincoln-Sudbury Warriors (Sudbury, MA) in a non-league match, on Thursday, September 16. Marshfield will attempt to move on its 1-0 season record. The Warriors enter the match with a 0-1 record after their 28-17 non-league loss to Tewksbury Memorial (Tewksbury, MA).
The Middies (0-1) will now prepare for their match against Westford Academy (Westford, MA). The Grey Ghosts enter the non-league match with a 1-0 record. In their last match, Westford Academy ran past Lexington (Lexington, MA), 19-13, in a non-league match.
Friday, September 10
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Parent Meeting held by: Coach Houston
Notes provided by Donna Brody:
Week of August 30th: practice schedule is: Monday & Tuesday 8-12pm Wednesday 2-5-5:30pm. Beginning Thursday practice will be held after school.
-They have a scrimage on Friday 9/3 at Wachusett 6pm.
If a player has a grade below a C, he will be put on Academic Watch.
Coach would like the players to give back to the community. He will be asking the boys to go to a Pop Warner practice and support the younger players and also to attend some of the games.
Coach is also looking for parents to help out by volunteering at the Spaghetti Suppers, the Snack Shack and the 50/50 raffle at the home games. Also if you have any fund raising ideas we would love to explore them.
Remember this is just a small recap of the meeting. I hope it helps. If you know of anyone who is not getting these emails, please have them email me so that I can add their email to the list.
Have a great weekend.
Donna
dbrody9@comcast.net
Coach’s Code of Conduct
Missed workout - 1pt
Missed meeting - 1pt
Missed practice - 2pts
Missed classes - 2pts
Trouble with the law - 4pts
Drug related incident - 5pts
If the athlete gains 3 points-he will meet with a council and Coach Houston, and they will decide repercussions.
If an athlete gains 4pts-he will meet with Coach and he will decide the course of punishment. And 5pts- you will be dismissed from the team.
Spaghetti Supper
Beginning Thursday September 9, 2010, and every Thursday throughout the season after practice, there will be a Spaghetti Supper for the players. The High School will be providing the spaghetti and sauce and the "Ye Good Ole Yum Yum Shop" will be providing the bread for garlic toast. All players are asked to donate $15 cash to help with the cost of supplies.
Parents are asked to donate a desert each Thursday, which can be dropped off at the High School Cafeteria after 5pm. Finally we need volunteers anytime after 4:30 p.m. to help in the kitchen with the prep work, serving, and cleaning up. You do not have to commit to every Thursday, but if you just do one or two that would be great.
Let the Games Begin!
