Chelmsford 28, Acton-Boxborough 21

The script was familiar to Chelmsford. But this time, the ending was different. After 10 straight losses to Acton-Boxboro, often in wild and heartbreaking fashion, the Lions finally broke through last night at Leary Field in Acton, winning an overtime thriller, 28-21. A 22-yard field-goal attempt with just under a minute remaining for Chelmsford hit the right post and bounced back onto the field, effectively sending the game into overtime. The Lions, after years of disappointment against A-B, scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass on their first overtime drive. With the lead in hand, the Lions defense forced a fumble on the Colonials' first run of overtime and recovered for the victory. "It was looking like it was going to be another one of those games," said Chelmsford coach Bruce Rich. "But the kids stepped up." Chelmsford led near the end of the first half, 14-0, but Acton-Boxborough scored on a Dana Duquette pass with about 36 seconds remaining in the half to make it 14-7. Jake Summer led Acton-Boxborough's ground game, going for 78 yards and a score. The teams traded blows in the second half, with the Colonials pulling even, 21-21, with seven minutes remaining when Duquette found Kevin Hughes in the end zone for a second time. That's when Chelmsford, utilizing junior running back Joe Gennaro as they had throughout the game, marched down the field into field-goal range. Kicker Doug Calenda, who made four extra points from about the same distance, could not convert, however. With the first crack in overtime, the Lions had a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line. Quarterback Sean Harrington, whose father played for Acton-Boxboro, rolled right and found tight end Andy Basler just inside the end zone for the score. "We ran that play-action, and we hit it," said Harrington. "This is the best feeling I've ever had, my family's here, my dad played here." Junior defensive back Aaron Witkus sealed the game with the fumble recovery. Chelmsford's lines dominated the game, stifling many A-B drives and allowing Gennaro to rack up 145 yards and three touchdowns. "Their line just kind of took it to us, that made the difference," said Acton-Boxborough coach Bill Maver. Harrington completed 12 of 17 passes for 141 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He gave credit to the defense. "They've won both of these games this year," he said.