Sessoms lights it up for St. John’s Prep

DANVERS – Entering the Saturday clash between St. John’s Prep and Malden Catholic, many eyes were on the Lancers’ Quinn McDonough, who entered as the second-leading scorer in Div. 1 this season, with 100 points.But it was Prep’s George Sessoms who stole the show.The senior running back rushed for four touchdowns and caught another in St. John’s Prep’s 42-12 rout of visiting Malden Catholic Saturday.Sessoms carried 21 times for 155 yards and caught three passes for 50 yards for Prep (4-4, 2-0 in the Catholic Conference). He also intercepted a pass on defense.”The offensive line just kept opening holes, and they made it easy” Sessoms said. “This was an offensive explosion, and that’s what we’ve been waiting on all year.”McDonough, meanwhile, had a rushing and a receiving touchdown for the Lancers (3-6, 1-3 in the CC).Prep got on the board first on Chris Coady’s 33-yard strike to Sessoms midway through the opening period. But the Lancers scored on the first snap of their ensuing drive, on Tyler McVicar’s 48-yard pass to McDonough.Sessoms helped Prep build a comfortable lead by reeling off scores on its next three drives. His touchdown runs of 14, 34, and four yards made it 28-6, Eagles. Prep coach Jim O’Leary said the Eagles were looking to run the ball coming into the contest.”They (MC) had seven or eight in the box, but we said we’re going to run the ball” O’Leary said. “We just were determined, and showed some determination and grit on the offensive line.”The Lancers made it 28-12 before halftime on a 64-yard romp by McDonough (12-95).But after halftime, it was all Prep. Tyler Coppola got on the board with his touchdown in the third from a yard out, and Sessoms ended his spectacular day with a six-yard rush on the second play of the final quarter.At that point, with the score 42-12, both teams pulled their starters and allowed their subs to finish the game.Prep’s win kept it in contention for the league title. The Eagles play defending Super Bowl champion BC High next week, and host the state’s top-ranked team, Xaverian, on Thanksgiving.”That’s what they come to St. John’s Prep for – to play in those kinds of games, and in those kinds of situations,” O’Leary said. “It’s going to take a monumental effort on our part to compete with both of those teams.”