Homecoming Win for Hornets

Mansfield varsity football took down Oliver Ames on Friday 34-14. After a strong showing in the first half, Mansfield figured out the Tigers’ defense and brought home the win.

Mansfield struck first with a touchdown from Dylan Finerty, but the lead was short lived. The Tigers struck back early with a pass from Jared Schneider to Brian Rezendes to tie the game at 7-7 after the extra point.

The second quarter saw much of the same from both teams. Mansfield’s offense was stuck, and could not get a hold on the OA defense.

“We played so well early and did all the things right,” said OA head coach Jim Artz. “That quick, you can see how it turns. I think we’re much better than the score shows.”

 Mansfield quarterback George Busharis tried multiple passes to Greg Donahue and Mike Blackman, and had to punt to OA. The Tigers brought their A game, and scored on a long pass bringing the score to 14-7. 

“They throw the ball well and keep you honest,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Redding.

OA had another push after an interception, but fumbled it later.  Busharis passed to Donahue for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.

Mansfield couldn’t push farther in the half, but that all changed during the third quarter.

“We woke up at halftime,” Redding said. “I told them [at halftime] that ‘it wasn’t the Stoughton game. We had one wakeup call this season do we need another one?’”

Dylan Finerty recovered a fumble after OA’s Ryan Saint Claire intercepted a pass from Busharis. Finerty went on to run the ball for 43 yards to score and bring the Hornets into the lead 21-14 after a successful extra point from Mike Hershman. Greg Donahue ran in another touchdown, followed later by a running touchdown from Busharis. Mansfield kept OA at bay and went on to win 34-14.

Mansfield improves their overall record to 6-1 and will play Barnstable next week. Oliver Ames goes down to 4-2 and plays North Attleboro next Friday.