Mansfield clamps down on Foxboro

MANSFIELD - A fumble on the opening kickoff was the only mistake Shawn Doherty and Mansfield made in its 28-0 win over Foxboro yesterday at Alumni Field.

In the 78th meeting between the teams, Doherty rushed for 143 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns while the Mansfield defense recorded the school's 23d shutout in the series.

Doherty opened the scoring for the Hornets (10-1) in the first quarter on a 59-yard dash, making four defenders miss on his way to the end zone. Donny Washburn connected on the extra point, giving Mansfield the only points it needed.

"We have been great all year [on defense]," said Mansfield coach Mike Redding. "We had only given up 60 points all year. It has been our bread and butter."

In the second quarter, Foxboro (3-8) was dealt a blow when Devin Cruz sacked Warriors quarterback Brian Swanton for a 6-yard loss.

Swanton did not return, making it easier for Mansfield to focus on stopping the run.

"You hate to see it, a kid get hurt as a senior in his final game," said Redding. "I hope he is all right."

With Swanton sidelined, the Warriors adapted their offense, going to the Miami Dolphins' "Wildcat" formation.

Luke Soccorso led the Warriors in rushing out of the Wildcat with 71 yards.

"The Wildcat was a good changeup, and they caught us off-guard with it," said Redding.

Doherty notched his second score with 2:03 left in the half on a 20-yard scamper.

Daniel Galvin forced a fumble on Foxboro's ensuing drive, and Kevin Rogers recovered on the Warrior's 35-yard line, setting up Mansfield's third score before the end of the half.

With 34 seconds remaining, quarterback Jeff Mallett lofted a perfect pass over a defender to tight end Andrew Kelley for a 27-yard hookup.

Defensively, Mansfield held the Warriors to 59 total yards (all rushing) and three first downs in the first half.

Matt Zonghetti recovered a fumble in the end zone for the Hornets in the third quarter, as Chris Walker coughed up the ball just before he crossed the plane.

With the win, Redding is looking forward to a playoff matchup against Bishop Feehan.

"It's going to be a great matchup between two elite teams," said Redding. "We lost a heartbreaker last year and our kids are anxious for a second chance."

Redding feels the key to success against the Shamrocks will be stopping their offense. In last year's semifinals, Bishop Feehan stunned then No. 2-ranked Mansfield, 23-21, and went on to win the Division 2 Super Bowl.

"Once they get in a rhythm, they are hard to stop," said Redding. "The defense needs to stop their drives as soon as possible."