Smith Voc Gets By McCann Tech
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The McCann Tech football team Friday fell short against Smith Vocational with a 26-12 loss.
It was another hard fought effort from the Hornets (0-4) as they went up against an undefeated Smith Voc.
McCann started the game out well looking to cap off a decent first drive on the ground but after an unfortunate interception it was up to the defense to make a stand of their own. After a quick drive McCann forced a turnover on downs picking up a big sack on fourth. The Hornets looked to go right back to the ground game and grind out a 12-play drive, all on the ground, for the first score of the game. Quarterback Connor Packard got the score and gave McCann a 6-0 lead.
“I have to compliment the boys and girls, we had a substitute with Connor Packard at quarterback who took over on Wednesday and he came out and did phenomenal," McCann Tech coach John LeClair said. “Everyone motivated right behind him with Walter [Mazza], Aiden Ford and what a game Parker Hart had, everyone had a day and I can’t compliment them enough, I’m just proud of how they put it together so quickly.”
It wasn’t until late in the second half when Smith Voc finally broke down the McCann defense for their first score of the game on a 6-yard pass to make it 6-6. McCann would have a little bit of a mental lapse losing the ensuing kickoff but the defense stepped up once again and were able to get into the break with a tied 6-6 game.
Smith Voc came out firing in the second half with a two-play drive that went for 70 yards to give them the 14-6 lead. The next possession just when McCann started moving down the field they fumbled and gave the ball back to Smith Voc. The Vikings found more success through the air connecting on a 25-yard pass to widen the gap to 20-6.
Smith Voc built on that momentum, forcing McCann into a long down and distance that resulted in a fumble that was picked up and returned for a touchdown. This made it 26-6 putting the final nail in the coffin.
McCann never gave up and finally, just before the end of the game, Walter Mazza was rewarded with a nice 20-yard touchdown run. Mazza had just under 150 yards rushing on the night.
“Our offensive line played great, at 4 o’clock Jacob Choquette took the playbook along with our senior leadership and went play by play with him. It was a team effort and that is all about the kids and teaching moments on the field on the fly.” LeClair added. “Our hitting was great today, our kids were fired up to play and no heads were down when mistakes were made. We’re building and we’re happy.”
McCann will continue to build on the season in hopes to turn it around as it takes on Springfield International Charter School next Saturday.