PEABODY — The Bishop Fenwick football team seems to be a runaway train this year, as the Crusaders once again showed off their dominance with a 55-6 victory over Catholic Central League foe Cardinal Spellman Saturday afternoon at Donaldson Stadium.
Prior to the game, the Crusaders honored their group of 17 seniors — Jake Connolly, Stefano Fabiano, Aidan Dwyer, Chrys Wilson, Patrick Jacobs, Tucker Destino, Jeffrey Gordils, Angel Martinez, Bobby Farren, Jimmy Espinal, Andrew Wilson, Franklin Quintin, Mike Lee, Matt Juneau, Colby Browne, Dan Richard and Jordan Maurice — for their contributions to the program over the years.
“This group is unlike any other class I think we’ve ever had here,” said Fenwick coach Dave Woods. “It’s a special group of guys, and they’ve committed themselves to the weight room, the film room and to each other for the past four years. They’ve been through a lot together, and it’s going to be a tough group to replace.”
The day belonged to receiver Jake Connolly, who exploded for five touchdowns in the win. He had four receptions for 149 yards and four touchdowns, and he also returned a punt 97 yards for a touchdown.
“Jake is a perfect example of this senior class and how hard they’ve worked over the years,” said Woods. “His work is paying off big time now, and I don’t think anyone on the North Shore is playing as well as Jake Connolly right now.”
Quarterback Chrys Wilson completed 7-of-12 passes for 221 yards and five touchdowns, while running back Tucker Destino led the ground attack with 51 rushing yards and one touchdown. Steven Woods also rushed for a touchdown in the win, while Patrick Jacobs had one touchdown reception.
Just as they have all season, the Crusaders exploded from the start and jumped out to a big early lead. It started when Wilson connected with Connolly on a 20-yard touchdown, then on the next drive Wilson found Roberts for a 34-yard score.
Spellman had some fight early, responding in one play with a 63-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter to make it 14-6.
But it was all Fenwick from there.
After Connolly took the ensuing kickoff all the way back to the Spellman 35, it only took one play for him to catch a 35-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to make it 21-6.
Destino added a rushing touchdown late to give the Crusaders a 27-6 lead after the first quarter, and it was a rout from there. Connolly and Wilson hooked up again — this time for a 45-yard touchdown — to make it 34-6 at halftime. Woods added a rushing touchdown in the second half, while Connolly caught one more touchdown and then capped the scoring with a 97-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Fenwick (5-0) closes out the season with a home game against Arlington Catholic Friday night (7) back at Donaldson Stadium.
“We’re back to work this week and we’re trying to cap off this year the right way,” said Woods. “We’re going to work hard and try to send these seniors off on a high note.”
