MEDFORD – There’s a new program on prime of Massachusetts vocational soccer.
For the primary time in class historical past, Diman is the Vocational Massive champion, defeating Whittier Tech, 31-6, on a frigid evening at Hormel Stadium.
“We modified historical past with this win,” stated junior operating again Alexi Gonzalez (21 rushes, 167 yards, 2 TDs). “We put our hearts on the road and did this collectively.”
Whittier (9-4) returned to the vocational title sport for a second straight yr. Regardless of the lopsided closing rating, it was a good sport throughout the beginning of the fourth quarter.
After a scoreless first quarter, Diman (10-3) put factors on the board six seconds into the second with a 22-yard area aim from Logan Uon. That lead, nonetheless, was temporary. Whittier wanted solely two performs and 48 seconds to attain, as Wildcats quarterback Mark Nealon broke free for a 53-yard dashing rating.
Noah Allen’s two-point conversion rush was stopped quick, however after shedding a one-sided sport in final yr’s championship sport, Whittier seized early momentum with a 6-3 lead.
But that didn’t final lengthy. Because the temperature dipped to the 30-degree mark, Diman created magic within the chilly air. After stopping a Whittier drive by stripping the ball unfastened and recovering the fumble, the Bengals wanted solely 5 performs to march 41 yards, discovering the top zone courtesy of Gonzalez’s 13-yard landing run. Uon was computerized on the additional level, giving Diman a 10-6 lead.
The Diman protection then made a essential cease, forcing a fast three-and-out to regain possession. Bengals quarterback Logan McKenzie capitalized, engineering an 11-play drive in solely two minutes, hitting Peytonn Massey with 5 seconds left within the half to increase the result in 17-6.
“All sport lengthy, our line gave me on a regular basis I wanted,” stated McKenzie (8-17, 191, 2 TDs). “We knew what was at stake enjoying for the championship. It means so much to convey it house.”
Diman’s defensive tenacity was once more on show within the third quarter. Whittier pieced collectively a superb nine-minute, 18-play drive, nevertheless it was stopped 4 yards shy of the top zone when Jay Debrito recovered a fumble. Whittier’s three turnovers modified the complexion of the sport, significantly on this prolonged drive.
“A few performs didn’t go our manner, particularly within the third quarter once we had been transferring the ball,” stated Whittier coach Kevin Bradley. “However credit score to Diman, and I really like this group of youngsters. They labored onerous all season, and to go to back-to-back title video games is particular. I’m very happy with them.”
The following drive was fast and environment friendly for Diman. McKenzie threw a picture-perfect spiral to Uon, who scored a 69-yard landing reception to extend the result in 24-6 with solely 9:44 remaining.
Any doubt was eliminated when Diman added one final rating with 1:06 to play when Gonzalez powered his manner into the top zone. That put the sport out of attain at 31-6 in favor of the Bengals, and the countdown to a celebration was formally on.
“Our children had been sensible and disciplined all sport, and that’s been the case all season,” stated Diman coach Luke Bahry. “We had been capable of execute and get it performed. It means so much for the college, this system, and our alumni.”
