FOXBOROUGH — Graham Inzana couldn’t have asked for a better way to end his high school football career. The senior quarterback/safety guided Swampscott’s offense to a 21-0 win in Saturday’s Division 5 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Inzana, who also plays basketball and baseball, said. “It’s unbelievable. We’ve been working toward this for four years and we finally made it happen.”
Inzana, a two-time Item All-Star, completed 8-of-19 pass attempts for 102 yards. He helped Swampscott to a swift 7-0 lead on the game’s opening drive with a 22-yard touchdown strike to receiver Andrew Augustin (five catches, 50 yards).
“It was a screen,” Inzana said of the play. “I just wanted to get the ball to one of our athletes and let him do his work. (Andrew) went all the way like he always does.”
In the second quarter, Inzana and the Big Blue cashed in on a golden opportunity to stretch their lead. A short Amherst punt gave Swampscott possession on the Hurricanes’ 9-yard line and Inzana, seconds later, scampered his way into the end zone from four yards out.
Inzana’s ability to run the ball as effectively as he throws it was kept secret during the regular season. But it came alive during Swampscott’s championship run. Inzana rushed for 85 yards in the state semifinal, a 20-12 win over Holliston.
“Everyone asked why we didn’t run Graham all season,” Big Blue coach Bobby Serino said. “This is why we ran him now, because we knew he could do it. If we could get away with not having to do it during the regular season, now all of a sudden it’s there. You take chances when you play your quarterback at safety, but he’s one of the best safeties in (the Northeastern Conference), if not the best safety in (the Northeastern Conference).”
Inzana was more than ready to use his legs when the offense leaned on him to do so.
“Whatever they call, I play it,” Inzana said. “(Winning the Super Bowl) is just an unbelievable feeling.”
Saturday’s game was never in doubt. Offensively, Swampscott took advantage of its opportunities. The special teams units made things tough on Amherst with a pair of Cam O’Brien punts inside the Hurricanes’ 10. Defensively, Swampscott turned in one of its best performances of the season en route to the shutout.
Inzana took pride in contributing defensively. He came into Saturday’s game among the team leaders in tackles with 51.
“Everyone on this team plays both ways,” Inzana said. “I don’t treat myself any more special. Every single player plays both ways and it’s just a whole team effort.
“Coach (Peter) Bush is the best defensive coordinator in the whole state of Massachusetts,” Inzana said. “He puts in an extreme amount of hours in film. It’s unbelievable. He made that happen.”
Inzana graduates from the program with 10 of his teammates.
“I’m going to cry my eyes out with those guys,” Inzana said. “It’s unbelievable. These seniors have been my best friends my whole entire life. We’ve been playing sports since we were five years old. It’s a great way to end the football season. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”
