The Tech football team won a nail-biter at Nashoba Valley, scoring in the final minutes to win 34-28 in a Commonwealth Athletic Conference tilt.
“We scored and pulled this one out with less than a minute left,” Tech coach James Runner said. “This was one of the best games of the year. It went back-and-forth, this was a conference championship for us.”
Haidar Bdaiwi ran for 117 yards on 19 carries while Gabriel Perez added another 109 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.
After struggling to find success on the ground in their opener, having two 100-yard rushers was a good sign for Runner and the Tigers.
The defense also shined with six interceptions and five sacks. Luis Pineiro and Victor Bellamah each had a pair of interceptions while Miguel Soto had one.
“It was a hard fought game,” Runner said. “I give a lot of credit to coach James Creed (Nashoba). We knew we were going to have a battle on our hands coming in here. I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of our defense. We gave up the points but never gave up on the game.”
Tech hosts Minuteman next Saturday (1).
Bedford 33, Saugus 30 (OT)
“It was one great football game and unfortunately we came out on the wrong side of it,” Saugus coach Steve Cummings said. “What hurt us was penalties and a few too many mistakes in crucial spots.”
Quarterback Mason Nickolas threw a pair of touchdowns to Christian Correia and Javier Martinez. Marvens Jean ran for two touchdowns.
Nickolas led a 65-yard drive in the final minutes to tie the game at 27-27 and force overtime. In overtime the Sachems got the ball first but a bad snap on 3rd-and-goal forced Saugus to settle for a field goal before Bedford scored to seal the game.
“We battled but there were just too many mistakes in big situations,” Cummings said. “Bedford is a solid football team. We have to dive into the film on this one and make sure we’re doing the little things right.”
Saugus travels to Winthrop next Friday (7).
BOYS SOCCER
St. John’s 2, Xaverian 2
Zach Davis and Evan Hannibal scored a goal each. Greg Pykett logged two assists.
Lynnfield 1, Fenwick 0
Playing well for Fenwick were Cormac Hinchey, Jameson Martinez and Liam Chricton.
GIRLS SOCCER
St. Mary’s 6, St. Joseph 3
Spartans coach Jim Foley logged his 250th career win. Emily Egan scored two goals. Kayla Demers, Susannah Cornell, Morgan Mackey and Julia Nickolau scored a goal each.
Classical 0, English 0
English goalie Elysse Newson made 15 saves in her second shutout of the season.
“We were snakebitten a bit,” Classical coach Mike Schena said. “The girls played a perfect game. It happens.
“I have nothing but respect for (English coach) Ed McNeil,” Schena said. “He was the first to call me when I got the Classical job. I tip my hat to him.”
Swampscott 7, Gloucester 0
Mackenzie Kearney and Anna Nazarenko scored two goals each. Emme Laundry, Grace Hudson, and Mia Schena each scored one goal.
Danvers 3, Marblehead 0
Arianna Bezanson scored two goals in the second half. Abby Cash scored one goal.
VOLLEYBALL
English 3, Saugus 0
The Bulldogs (2-1) won with set scores of 25-19, 25-18 and 25-18.
Danvers 3, Peabody 0
Sarah Broughton, Aaliyah Alleyne and Isabel Bettencourt played well for Peabody.
Marblehead 3, Wakefield 2
Set scores were 25-20, 13-25, 25-15, 16-25, 15-10. Marblehead’s 3-2.
FIELD HOCKEY
Saugus 1, Swampscott 0
The lone Swampscott (4-1) goal was scored by Scarlett Ciciotti on Olivia Passalacqua’s assist.