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Haverhill rolls over Andover, takes control of MVC D1

Friday, October, 14 By David Willis
Staff writer

HAVERHILL — One week ago, following the program’s biggest victory in modern history, Haverhill celebrated as if it had won the Super Bowl.

Seven days later, the Hillies were all business after locking down a second straight victory over the Merrimack Valley Conference’s two premiere powers.

“Yeah, we can believe we did it,” said Haverhill center Mason Wilkins, smiling from ear-to-ear following the victory. “I mean, it is crazy what we have been able to accomplish, but we are legit team.”

Haverhill jumped out to a fast two-touchdown lead, and after the Andover rallied the Hillies turned to their smothering running game to close out a 56-34 victory over the Golden Warriors on Friday night.

The win marked the first for Haverhill over Andover since 2002. The teams had not played since 2011.
“There is no better feeling in the world,” said Hillie QB Broghean McGovern. “Andover is a great team, but our defense stepped up and our offense finished it off. I think we showed people that this team is for real.”
With the victory, combined with last week’s win over Central Catholic, Haverhill is now firmly entrenched as the front-runner for the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 1 crown. The Hillies (5-1) need only defeat winless Lawrence next week to sweep league competition.
“I never thought I would be in this situation to win games like this,” said senior Jacob Dion. “It really is a dream come true. We knew we had to bounce right back from last week’s win with a big game against another great team. Coach (Tim O’Connor) told us not to be the team that wins a big game then loses a big win. That lit a fire under us and we played like our best.”
With Boston College-bound QB E.J. Perry IV standing on the other sideline, Haverhill QB McGovern delivered the game of his career. The Hillie senior completed 11 of 13 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns to speedster Jukka Morales.
“It feels great to throw the ball,” said McGovern. “Any time you go against a great QB like E.J. Perry you want to play your best. I felt like we had a nice night (through the air). But when it got close we went with our bread-and-butter.”
McGovern’s arm gave Haverhill the lead, but after Perry IV threw touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to cut the lead to six points midway through he fourth, the Hillies turned to their rushing attack.
Employing the double-wing formation, known as the “rhino” to the team, Haverhill gritted out a drive of over five minutes that star J.C. Laguerre finished with a 3-yard score. Then, one possession later Dion scored from 9-yards out.
It was another huge week for Laguerre, who ran for 192 yards on 24 carries. Dion added all 68 of his yards and both touchdowns in the second half.
“I think we showed what we are as a contender,” said Wilkins. “Andover is a very good team, but we will do anything it takes to win. We scored 21 points last week and scored 56 this week. We threw the ball then were able to moved them around on the line late. It’s an amazing feeling and we can’t wait for next week.”