Mmm, mmm good

Still got those Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge? We don't, because we and our college roommates gobbled them up days ago. In lieu of that, here's some leftover tidbits from last night's Division 2A playoff semifinal, which for the Fishermen, tasted as good as can be after a 39-0 trouncing of Masconomet.

Moments in the sun

It's hard to find anything bad to say about a triumph that clinched a Super Bowl berth. From start to finish, Gloucester's thrashing of Masconomet was sweet on many levels.

Had Bill Belichick donned a ragged, maroon-and-white sweatshirt last night, he likely would have mentioned how the Fishermen couldn't convert their first four extra points. They missed a kick and were stopped by Masco on three rushes.

But even Belichick might have cracked a smile after their fifth attempt.

Quarterback Rich Gallant tried to sneak in after Andrew Fulford's touchdown made it 30-0, but the ball popped loose and into the hands of Adam Quinn. The senior lineman barreled across the line and was mobbed by his teammates.

"Last week we made fun of him, because he picked off a pass and got brought down from behind at the 4-yard line," said Fulford. "It was priceless to see his face when he got in the end zone."

Also smiling was Adam Desmond, a reserve linebacker who got his moment near the end of the third quarter. Masco tried a halfback option pass, but the senior wrestled the ball away from Masconomet quarterback-turned-temporary-receiver Chris Splinter for the interception.

"He's been here for four years, and we're all close," said an elated Fulford. "We're a family."

A great showing

They didn’t air it out like the Rams of 1999, but Gloucester benefited otherwise from the turf at Cawley Stadium in Lowell. Fulford, Brian Harnish, and Taylor Burbine sliced through the red shirts in front of them, and an already-quick Gloucester line was lethal.

Quinn (5-9, 190), Mario Peritore (6-1, 230), Robbie Lowe (5-10, 185), Sal Taormina (6-1, 240) and Dylan Morrissey (6-1, 210) were going up against a larger Chieftain front anchored by 6-foot-4, 255-pound senior Teddy Reed, but their speed and toughness were no match for the Chieftains. On defense, ends Cam Marston and Anthony Enderle and linebacker John Celata tore into the Masco backfield for three quarters.

"I think this is as good an offensive and defensive line as I've coached, and I've been doing this a while," said Ingram. "These kids are quick, and they block."

As we mentioned in our game story, the Fishermen spent the week on Endicott College's turf. Their practice field at Newell Stadium is grass (and, on occasion, mud). During the summer, the team gathered for early-morning runs on a Gloucester beach. Once put on the fast track, they were unleashed.

"Getting the feel of the turf at Endicott, knowing how fast we can run, how fast we can move, how quick we could get every little hit, that helped us so much for this game," said Peritore.

Splinter, the sophomore gunslinger who won the starting job early in the season, had impressed with his scrambling ability. But the Fishermen didn't allow Splinter any time or space to make plays.

"The kid was doing a great job on film. But I think we did a great job of getting to him," said Ingram.

Nowhere was the dominance of the Fishermen more evident than on the last drive of the first quarter, when they sacked Splinter on three consecutive plays. Masco had totaled minus-1 yard rushing by halftime.

"We just did what we did all season," said Peritore. "Every time, our defensive ends and our linebackers kept containing him, so he would run up the middle instead of out."

"All week we were focused on keeping him inside the pocket. The scoreboard speaks for itself, how well our defense played," said Fulford.

Quotables

"They busted a couple of them, but Andrew finds the end zone. He has that knack for it." - Ingram, when asked about the holes the offensive line opened for Fulford.

"One of the linemen could have been running through those holes. It was unreal. They don't get enough credit, but, without those holes, I wouldn't be running anywhere." - Fulford

"It was unreal. We played so hard, we went all-out the entire game. There was no way they'd be able to stop us today." - Peritore, on the line's play.

"Whoever plays us, plays us. We'll be there." - Fulford, when asked about a potential Super Bowl foe.

"I'm really excited for the kids. I get more of enjoyment out of seeing them get enjoyment. They work so hard, they do everything you've ever asked them to do. I'm just really happy for them, and for the city of Gloucester." - Ingram.