In a bout between CAC Small leader Chelsea and CAC Large power Whittier, it was Whittier that left the field perfect after a 34-13 win. Whittier improved to 8-0 overall while Chelsea fell to 6-1. The game was a nonleague affair so it didn’t help Whittier or hurt Chelsea. Both remain unbeaten in their respective divisions of the Commonwealth.

The Red Devils had given up more than 20 points just once this season, but on its home field Whittier was able to solve Chelsea’s stingy defense.

“We practice every practice on creating turnovers,’’ said Whittier coach Kevin Bradley, who praised his linebackers and defensive line for their role in the victory.

Whittier’s defense forced four fumbles, and converted two of them into 14 points. Whenever Chelsea made even the smallest mistake, Whittier countered and with a few adjustments made the Red Devils pay.

Whittier’s offense started quickly in the first quarter, marching downfield on six plays, capped by a 2-yard touchdown pass from senior Dillon Ryan to senior Steve Surette. The conversion run failed, and Whittier led, 6-0, less than three minutes into the game. Tough defense held Chelsea to a three-and-out opening drive, ending in a punt, and putting Whittier back on the attack.

On their second possession, the Wildcats moved downfield again on an 11-play drive. Nate Allen’s 5-yard burst up the middle and the two-point conversion run by Nick Ferreira gave Whittier a 14-0 lead at the end of one quarter.

The first of Chelsea’s scores came on its first drive of the second quarter. Chelsea used five plays to move quickly, ending with a 2-yard quarterback keeper by Nelson Molina for the touchdown. The team’s traded fumbles after the score, with the Chelsea miscue leading to more Whittier points.

After the fumble recovery, Whittier went 20 yards on two plays, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown rush by Paul Buccos. Ferreira again ran the conversion in, extending the lead to 22-7 with just over five minutes to play in the half. Chelsea closed out the first half with a 10-play drive, resulting in a 3-yard scoring run by David Cortez. Whittier was up, 22-13, at halftime but Chelsea was still in the game.

In the second half, Whittier slowly took control and showcased why the Wildcats are a threat to continue their season into December and the MIAA playoffs. Whittier’s defense held Chelsea scoreless and the Red Devils combined turnovers with missed opportunities to stall numeous drives.

After a scoreless third quarter, Whittier finished the game the way it started, putting up 12 points on two scores in the final quarter. Both touchdowns came on the ground, the first by Allen (7 yards) and the last by Donald Leighton (20 yards), giving Whittier its 34-13 lead and the victory.