As the MX 11 headed into the midpoint of the season, the up-coming game against Groton took on more significance than just the hype of beating Groton.  The win was necessary to even our record and set the tone for a second half run. This game always seems to be a trap game, coming just before a needed three-day school break. Fortunately, the 2021 team has demonstrated a focus that consistently builds all week as we head for game day.  This week not only built on that poised focus but readied all our efforts to battle Groton.

Groton won the opening coin toss and deferred, so MX would get the ball first.  After some early jitters, the MX 11 gained their composure and started to drive the ball.  A couple of plays after we crossed into Groton territory, Coach Bond was eager to try a special play we had worked on. The play worked to perfection but took an extraordinary catch by running back Chester Boynton '23 to complete the 29-yard touchdown pass from QB Cam Fries '22. Liam Connor added the PAT for an early MX lead of 7-0. 

On Groton's first offensive possession, the defense set the tone for the entire afternoon by shutting down their offense. This effort would be led all game by our D-Line (Charlie Haight '23, Nick DeBruin '22, Kevin Ma '22, Peter Sleeper '22, and Hunter Kuftinec '23) backed up by our linebacker corps (Nate Crozier '22, Bo Bensley '23, Fletcher McMurray '23, and Chester Boynton '23).  Immediately after getting the ball back, QB Cam Fries would connect with wide receiver Mark Conde '22 on a nifty 51- yard strike to increase the MX lead to 14-0.  The defense also added to the scoring at the end of the first quarter when defensive end Charlie Haight stripped the ball from a Groton running back and linebacker Chester Boynton scooped up the ball and returned the fumble 31 yards for our third score and a 21-0 lead.  The offense would score two more times before the half. The first being a beautiful 67-yard pass again from Fries to Conde and Connor would add a 44-yard field goal (giving him 8 points, with the field goal and five PATs).  Liam also sailed all six of his kickoffs into the end zone. 

In the second half, the defense continued to control the Groton offense and the offensive line (Peter Sleeper, Nick DeBruin, Pranav Natarajian '22, Kevin Ma '22, Charlie Haight, and Nate Crozier) continued to handle all the pressure Groton was throwing at them, driving the ball into Groton territory where running back Bo Bensley ran it in from the 16-yard line. 

Groton would get a touchdown in the fourth quarter to end the day, a 38-7 MX victory. On defense, Nate Crozier registered a big sack and Eoin Morrissey '22 came down with a key interception. On offense, Cam Fries ended the day with three passing TDs and 221 yards.  Mark Conde finished his day with two TD receptions and 139 receiving yards, while Chester Boynton tallied a TD on both the offensive as well as the defensive side of the ball.

The next game for the MX 11 will be this coming Saturday, October 23rd at 4:00 pm at Brooks.