ABINGTON — The No. 7 Bishop Fenwick football team is off to the Division 6 semifinals after upsetting No. 2 Abington 24-14 in enemy territory Friday night.
Fenwick’s Tyler Connolly got things started with a rushing touchdown midway through the opening quarter. Dylan Patturelli doubled the advantage during the second quarter by taking a toss to the promised land. Both of Ian Guarino’s extra-point kicks were good as the Crusaders enjoyed a 14-0 cushion.
Then, the big one.
On the final play of the first half, Fenwick’s Andrew Kiricoples threw the ball from the 43-yard line for a Hail Mary try. The ball was tipped, then caught by Tristan Giles for a touchdown (21-7).
Fenwick coach Dave Woods, in his 28th season, knew Abington was going to be tough.
“We played them in 2013 and 2014 — both in the state semifinal game. In 2013, we won and went on to win the Super Bowl. In 2014, they beat us to end our 29-game winning streak,” Woods said. “He (coach Ed Reilly) does a phenomenal job and they run a great, great program. The kids are always so tough and well-coached, so I think there’s a lot of respect. They’re definitely a very physical team up front. They’re extremely aggressive on both sides of the ball.”
Next up for Fenwick is this Friday’s semifinal game against No. 3 Fairhaven. Kickoff is slated for Assabet Valley Regional High at 7 p.m.
