Shippee, Wahconah Roll Over Northampton
DALTON, Mass. — The Wahconah football team wrapped up its regular season Friday with a 48-0 Route 9 Rivalry win over Northampton on Senior Night.
It was a big night for Wahconah (5-3) team as it celebrated its seniors in hopes to finish the regular season on a good note. And it didn’t take Wahconah long to get things going after forcing a three-and-out on its first defensive series. Four plays later it was Senior Payton Shippee who capped off a four play, 60-yard drive with a score from 9 yards out. Shippee had himself a Senior Night to remember, scoring three touchdowns, including a big 69-yard run late in the second quarter.
“Our seniors wanted to finish on a good note on home field and clearly we did,” Wahconah coach coach Gary Campbell Jr. said. “Northampton isn’t exactly where they want to be right now, but hopefully we can keep this going into the postseason.”
The Wahconah defense was on fire all game long, not only holding Northampton scoreless, but not even allowing a first down in the first half. The hosts forced multiple turnovers, including a fumble recovery giving the offense great field position. This time it was Noah Poirier who punched it, giving Wahconah a 14-0 lead.
That same defense stepped up again on the ensuing drive forcing a punt that was sent over the kickers head and into the end zone for a safety.
“It gave our defense the confidence to turn the ball back over to the offense and have the confidence to run some different plays and have some fun, but our defense did a heck of a job.” Campbell added.
Wahconah continued to dominate on the ground and get big chunks after big chunks, but right before the half Jacob Cooper caught a long 26-yard catch from quarterback Landon Corcoran, who threw for 75 yards
and one score through the air.
and one score through the air.
Wahconah took a 42-0 lead into the break and pretty much wrapped up the game allowing for some of the younger players to get real game experience.
The only score of the second half came from ninth-grader Jerry Beaubrun, who broke a few tackles on his way to a 28-yard score.
Wahconah was ranked 10th in Division 7 heading into this game so they will wait to see if they will secure a first round home field match or head on the road to start the 16-team tournament.
“It’ll be easy for our guys to stay focused because as we go into the playoffs we will be on the road so our kids have a challenge ahead and we are ready to meet it,” Campbell said.