Orlando stars in soggy win

The 25-yard spiral that Pat Orlando threaded through Pope John's defense to find Doug Kenneson in the end zone in the fourth quarter yesterday is a lot more impressive when you consider Orlando may as well have been throwing a sponge.

Although the Hornets' substitute home field at Endicott College was soaking wet, Manchester Essex coach Mike Athanas wasn't afraid to let his star quarterback take over the game.

"He definitely throws a good ball," Athanas said. "And even if the conditions are against us, we're going to let him throw it."

Orlando was the star of the Hornets' 44-14 win. Along with the touchdown pass, Orlando ran for three TDs, from 2, 8, and 50 yards out.

Plymouth South 28, St. John the Baptist (N.Y.) 21 - Stefan Gustafson scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner.

Needham 28, Dedham 0 - Kevin Cray caught a 25-yard touchdown pass and Allen Bailey kicked four PATs.

Norwood 18, Braintree 0 - Jorges Antoine (128 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Chris Colantonio (85 yards) combined for 213 rushing yards in the win.

Milton 18, Brookline 15 - Zach Breslin's 35-yard haul from Doug Graham was the difference.

Hull 33, Pembroke 20 - Tyler Pari ran for a third-quarter touchdown and threw a second-quarter TD pass to Triant Xypteras.

North Reading 8, Pentucket 6 - Kevin Brook hit Dino Rizzo for a TD and the conversion.

Shawsheen 13, Tri-County 7 - Cory Foss ran for 182 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.

Old Colony 22, Trinity Catholic 16 - Tyler Steek caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Cotey Perry with one second left.