Jablonski's block gets bus stop

In the waning seconds of a 14-13 victory over Seekonk Friday night, Nick Jablonski blocked a field goal attempt to preserve Apponequet's perfect record. Some people will do anything for a spot on the bus.

The Lakers are 4-0 for the first time since 2001, the last season they made the playoffs. As a result, Apponequet gets a seat on the Globe's undefeated bus, which debuted in 1934 and makes its 2008 debut today.

Even after defeating Seekonk, considered its chief competition for the South Coast Conference title, coach Bob Lomp knows the Lakeville school has a tough road ahead.

"Our goal is to win the league," said Lomp. "We are always close to the top of the league; it's the way it has been. We are only 2-0 in the league and we still have to play Wareham, which is always a battle."

Relying on a balanced offense that has averaged 22.8 points per game, the Lakers have defeated Carver, Middleboro, and conference rivals Fairhaven and Seekonk.

Running backs Jack Gaynor, Ben Bullock, and Daryll Levesque have combined for nine touchdowns and are responsible for Apponequet's nearly 2-to-1 ratio advantage in plays per game.

The Lakers' interior defense has been dominant, the team allowing an average of just 94.5 yards per game on the ground. Tate Doehler anchors the line and Ethan Barach is the field leader at middle linebacker.

Apponequet's record is perfect but its coach sees room for improvement.

"I would like our team to get a little more of a pass rush and we need more big plays on offense," said Lomp.

The desire for more big plays puts the spotlight on quarterback Mike Wojtkonski. The senior took over as the starter last season after Bullock injured his knee. Wojtkonski finished last season as a South Coast Conference All-Star.

"Mike does the little things right," said Lomp. "He manages the team and turns plays that should be nothing into positive plays."

Apponequet plays six of its last seven games against league opponents, including meetings with Wareham (Oct. 24) and Old Rochester (Thanksgiving).

According to Milton coach Steve Traister, running back Paul Connor suffered a possible medial collateral ligament injury Friday night against Weymouth and will undergo an MRI on his knee today. Connor, injured with six minutes remaining in Milton's 14-6 loss, has five touchdowns this season and was the state champion in the 400 last spring in outdoor track . . . Matignon tailback Cam Ortiz suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the remainder of the season, as well as the hockey season. The injury occurred Sept. 20 against Dorchester. Ortiz led Division 4 in scoring his sophomore year and was sixth last year.