LYNN — Heading into Saturday evening’s game at Manning Field, St. Mary’s football coach Sean Driscoll said his team prepared – big-time – for the offensive scheme of Bishop Stang.
“I’ll tell you what – coming into the game, you always get nervous on Stang with what they do offensively,” he said. “They run a system offense of the triple-option and during the week, it’s very hard to prepare for. You have to be very disciplined and they do a nice job running it.”
Well, in a 33-7 win, call it a mission accomplished. The Spartans upped their record to 5-0.
“So far, it’s been a very positive year,” said Driscoll, whose team finished 6-5 last fall. “At this point, to be where we’re at and to be playing in the big games every week, it’s a good thing.”
The triple-option was contained, for the most part. Among other defenders, Driscoll credited Nate Cutone and Rowan Merryman for being “relentless in getting to the football.
“We have some really, really good guys on defense who have gotten better each week,” Driscoll said. “It’s been very good stuff from our defense. … And up front, we’re getting some good play out of our offensive line. Andrew Richman and Adrian Lule have been playing really well for us on both sides.”
Offensively, the three-headed backfield monster did its thing. Dimitri Koutsouflakis (92 yards rushing, TD), Merryman (54 yards rushing, TD), and Maxwell Parent (68 yards rushing, 2 TD) all found the endzone.
“It’s coming together. You’re really starting to see it,” Driscoll said. “Maxwell Parent had a great game on both sides of the football with two touchdowns. Dimitri Koutsouflakis had a touchdown, a great game running the ball, and an interception on defense.”
Tyler Guy – after a three-score performance against Cathedral last week – added to his numbers with another touchdown. Quarterback Yaniel Belliard (7-for-12, 79 yards, TD) completed a 26-yard pass, and Sam Phelps caught two balls for 24 yards.
Twenty-two Spartans went home with tackles.
“I think you’re starting to see the effects of younger guys,” Driscoll said. “It’s been great.”
Now, a short week. St. Mary’s visits Archbishop Williams at the Ted Healy Complex on Friday (6 p.m.). From there, the Spartans collide with Cardinal Spellman, Bishop Feehan, and Bishop Fenwick to round out the season.
“We’re traveling down to Braintree and they’re coming off a win last week against Arlington Catholic,” Driscoll said. “They’ve got a new coaching staff and a lot of new kids in the program, so we’ve got to have a solid week in practice and look to keep the train rolling.”
