LYNN — It was Senior Night as the Lynn English Bulldogs welcomed the Medford Mustangs to Manning Field Friday evening. After starting the season 0-2, English (4-2) extended its winning streak to four games with a 32-12 victory.
The Bulldogs were led by the senior duo of Shane Knowlton-Simard and Xavier Beauchamp. Simard had more than 180 total yards, while Beauchamp finished with 157 yards rushing and 53 yards receiving.
Medford (1-5) scored first after quarterback Travers Moodie connected with Samuel Dieurestil in the back of the end zone (6-0).
However, on the following possession, English drove downfield and Beauchamp ran one in from 5 yards out to tie the game. Beauchamp accounted for 45 yards during the drive.
The Bulldogs doubled their lead with 2:55 remaining in the half when Knowlton-Simard connected with Kenneth Gomez Lopez for a 5-yard touchdown pass.
In the second half, Beauchamp took a screen pass (from Knowlton-Simard) 53 yards to the house to give Lynn English a 32-6 lead. It was Beauchamp’s third score.
Despite the win, Bulldogs’ coach Tyllor McDonald wasn’t thrilled with his team’s performance.
“Tonight wasn’t great at all – it wasn’t a good performance,” he said. “We scored 32 points, but it could have been more. We coughed the ball up four times. They were just stupid turnovers that you can’t have, especially going into a big game next week against Everett. We’ve got to get back to the drawing board, clean up some stuff, and get some guys a little healthier.”
McDonald pointed to the four fumbles, but credited his defense for stepping up in response. Knowlton-Simard and Keilan Smith each registered an interception, while Aaden Soto recorded two sacks.
“The defense played well. We challenged them all week, so they knew what they were up against. We knew Medford was going to try and run the ball, so we challenged them,” McDonald said. “We let up 30 (points) the last three weeks, so we wanted to hold them to a goose egg tonight. They scored twice, but it’s all right. The defense played well.”
The second-year coach spoke highly of his seniors.
“Our seniors played their butts off tonight. This senior group is like my kids. I’m with them 300 days out of the year – they’re legitimately my family,” McDonald said. “I can’t say anything else about those guys. I love them and am proud to be their coach. They had a great night tonight.”
English travels to face Everett next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
