Hornets Pound Waltham to Reach Division 2 State Title Game

The game was no contest. The only competition in Saturday's Division 2 football state semifinal at Lowell's Cawley Stadium was who played better - the Mansfield High School defense, or the team's offense.

Mansfield dominated Waltham from start to finish on both sides of the ball, and went on to a 41-0 victory after taking a 35-0 edge into halftime.

The Hornet offense put up points with ease, while the Mansfield defense allowed only one first down through about three quarters of play. In total, the Hawks only earned a handful of first downs, and the majority of them came against the second and third string Hornet defenders.

Mansfield's defense forced a three-and-out on Waltham's first possession of the game. After the Hornets received the punt, they put together a quick touchdown drive that ended with Michael Hershman in the end zone on a short touchdown reception.

Brendan Hill, who went over 100 yards receiving on the game, put the team up 14-0 late in the first quarter on a touchdown catch of his own. Alex Ruddy and Miguel Villar-Perez each found the end zone in the second quarter before Hill capped the half's scoring with a spectacular 30-yard catch and run score.

With the Hornets playing their back ups the entire second half, they capped the scoring on a Christopher Buchanan 16-yard touchdown run. Mansfield still managed to preserve the shut out, despite taking its foot off the gas pedal.

Thanks to the victory, the locals will return to play in the Division 2 championship game versus St. John's Shrewsbury. The title game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, at Gillette Stadium. The team will also play in Foxborough in its annual Thanksgiving Day game on Thursday at 10 a.m.