Amesbury kick return too much for Saugus to overcome

SAUGUS – One play can change an entire game. For Amesbury, a kick return in the first quarter fueled its 29-19 win over Saugus at Stackpole Field Saturday.After the Indians (7-2) moved downfield in six plays on their opening drive, the Sachems (4-5) responded with a 14-play drive that ate up almost eight minutes and culminated in a C.J. Randolph touchdown run from four yards out. That made it 7-7 and seemed to give Saugus some momentum.But Benjamin Cullen returned the ensuing kick 85 yards for a touchdown, and not only did it give Amesbury a 15-7 lead, but it also deflated Saugus.Before the Sachems could steady themselves, Amesbury tacked on another score for a 22-7 lead.Saugus tried to fight its way back into the game, but could only score once more by the half (another Randolph TD) and trailed, 22-13, after two quarters.”We had our opportunities,” said Saugus coach Mike Broderick. “We had some untimely penalties and we ended up getting behind the clock a little.”A Saugus drive early in the third quarter stalled, but the Sachems got life when Dante DelTorto jumped the quick route on a quick pass, picking it off, and returning the ball to midfield.But again, the drive stalled. And this time, Amesbury methodically moved downfield to score and take a 29-13 lead.But Saugus hung tough. Down 16 with a little over three minutes left, the offense took seven plays – including a big 22-yard gain where Randolph found Dan Cacciola on a screen – to score. Once again, it was Randolph, from two yards out.However, Saugus could not recover its onside kick attempt and Amesbury took to the field to kneel and run out the clock.”We fell short,” said Broderick. “We had a couple of breakdowns on special teams and it cost us. But (Amesbury) is still a very good football team with a lot of athletes.”