Izzo, Walpole pour it on
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WALPOLE - After an uninspired win against Newton North last week, Walpole took care of business yesterday, dominating Bay State Herget rival Wellesley, 34-0.
"Last week there was no intensity and no killer instinct," said Walpole coach Danny Villa. "We finally got those hits we were looking for. This week we had a killer instinct."
Walpole (4-0) took control in the final four minutes of the first half. After Wellesley (1-3) failed to convert on fourth down in the red zone, Walpole went to work. The Rebels scored four touchdowns on four consecutive offensive plays in a span of four minutes in the second quarter, pushing a 7-0 lead to 34-0.
During that span, the Rebel defense was impenetrable (Wellesley had minus-8 yards), intercepting Brendan Brooks once and forcing two three-and-outs.
Quarterback Sonny Mastromatteo and running back Ryan Izzo sparked the Rebels. Mastromatteo completed 4 of 5 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Izzo ran for 237 yards, including TD runs of 61, 49, and 50 yards, behind tremendous blocking from Walpole's offensive line and receivers.
"The offensive line was outstanding today," said Izzo. "They were fighting all the time."
"We got after [the offensive line]," said Villa. "It wasn't acceptable the way they played last week. This week, they took care of the line of scrimmage."
The Rebels scored their first touchdown late in the first quarter. They got the ball at their 21 and let Izzo carry them all the way to the end zone. He accounted for all of the yards on the drive, including the 61-yard touchdown scamper.
The next score for Walpole came through the air, Mastromatteo heaving the ball to a wide open Troy Salvatore for a 41-yard touchdown.
After the interception, Walpole had the ball on the Wellesley 39. A holding penalty pushed the ball back to the 49 before Izzo broke outside and outran the Wellesley defense for a 20-0 lead.
With 1:54 left in the half, Walpole got the ball back at midfield. On the same play that worked the last time they had possession, Izzo blew by the defense for a 27-0 lead.
On the first play of its next possession, Mastromatteo hit Steve Shevory down the seam for a 49-yard score.
