In a back-and-forth game with several lead changes, the KIPP football team earned its second win of the season with a 22-18 victory at South Boston. Kymani Morrison led the Panthers with two touchdowns, one on the ground and the other via the air.
“We practiced hard all week,” KIPP (2-6) coach Jim Rabbitt said. “We talked about finishing the season strong and not giving in. South Boston was a playoff team and we took on the challenge. They’re a tough team with weapons on offense. It was one of those games where we played tough for 44 minutes.”
Tomi Oladunjoye got things started with a 70-yard touchdown run (Morrison pass to Aris Luna on the conversion) to put KIPP ahead 8-2 at halftime. Morrison added a 70-yard touchdown run before South Boston took an 18-14 lead with three minutes to play.
The game-winner was a 65-yard pass from Morrison to Wallace Reed on 4th-and-15.
“Kymani threw that ball right on the nose,” Rabbitt said.
Morrison added the two-point conversion on a rush for the 22-18 win.
“Our kids really deserved that win,” Rabbitt said. “They worked really hard for it.”
FOOTBALL
Peabody 34, Haverhill 23
The Tanners improve to 5-4 on the season. Angel Paulino logged two touchdown runs while Noah Freedman caught a touchdown pass and ran for another. Colby Therrien tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Sam Mastromatteo. Jonell Espinal connected with Freedman on an 18-yard touchdown strike with three minutes left to cement the win.
Bishop Fenwick 26, Essex Tech 19
After falling behind 13-0 at the end of the first quarter, the Crusaders outscored Essex Tech 26-6 the rest of the way. David Cifuentes and Jake Miano scored touchdowns for the Crusaders in the first half, as Fenwick trailed 16-14 at recess.
In the second half, Miano and Derek DelVecchio each found the endzone to seal the win.
Salem 34, Ipswich 14
Vinnie Gaskins led the way for Salem, tallying 19 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Ruben Baez (seven yard touchdown run), Jeffrey Rodriguez (20 yard touchdown run) and Tyler Giles (three yard touchdown run) also found the endzone for the Witches. Salem’s Felix Cruz totalled 11 tackles on defense.
St. John’s Prep 28, Lowell 21
The Eagles bounced back with a win after falling to Everett last week. St. John’s Prep improves to 4-5 on the season.
Beverly 29, Revere 12
At Della Russo Stadium, the Panthers grab their first win since Week 2 of the season, when they rolled past Malden. Beverly improves to 2-7 on the season while Revere falls to 2-7.
