Hornets Clinch Share of Kelley-Rex Football Title

Sometimes all it takes is a couple of big plays to put a football game away.

The Franklin Panthers had the ball to start the second half and could of easily cut a 13-0 lead in half. One play later the Hornets had the ball back on an interception and expanded the lead by seven four plays later on their way to a

“We played hard on both sides," said Mansfield head coach Mike Redding. "Defense was great.” 

Big plays on defense were the key to victory as the Hornets beat the Panthers, 27-0, Friday night in Franklin.

An on and off offense led to a slow start for the Hornets. A three-yard touchdown run from Dylan Finerty put the Hornets up 7-0 early on.

“Offense today was a little hit or miss. We’re on, we’re pounding people then we have a little breakdown,” said Redding.

touchdown run by Finerty put the Hornets up 13-0 after a missed extra point.Midway through the second quarter, the Hornets marched down the field with big runs from Greg Donahue to get to the Panthers’ 3-yard line. A second

The Hornets took the lead into the half and come back stronger. Dan Gilmore picked off Franklin quarterback Nick Zucco at the Panthers’ 30-yard line on the first play of the second half. The interception was returned to the Panthers’ 5-yard line.

Although the Panthers kept the Hornets out of the end zone for the first three downs, the Hornets scored on a fourth and goal from the 3-yard line off of a Paul Renzi run to make it a 20-0 game early in the third quarter.

That quarter that the Hornets put away the Panthers with two big scores. The Hornets continued to dominate the third quarter after QB George Busharis found an open Michael Blackman for a 40 -yard reception and a touchdown. The score capped off a big third

“We said at the half we gotta dominate the third," said Redding. "They’re gonna have the ball but we have to win for other minutes. We took advantage and scored a couple and kinda put it away.”

The Panthers tried to gain momentum towards the end of the third quarter, but once again the Hornets came up with a big play to start the fourth quarter.

Starting the quarter at the Hornets 37-yard line, Zucco threw to the Mansfield secondary as Nick Leonard killed the drive with an interception.

With the win the Hornets are now 8-1 and 3-0 inside the Kelley-Rex Division. The Hornets are now guaranteed a share of the division title, but need a win to clinch a playoff birth.

They can clinch a playoff sport when they play rival North Attleboro Friday on Senior Night at home. A win sends the Hornets to the playoffs, while a loss sets up a three-way tie for first place between the Mansfield, North Attleboro and King Philip. Kickoff is scheduled with a special 6:30 p.m. start time.