By Dakota Antelman, Managing Editor
HUDSON – The Hudson Hawks football team made a long-awaited return to playoff action, Nov. 6, beating Austin Prep in the opening round of this year’s MIAA tournament.
Jumping out to an early lead, the 11th ranked Hawks then stymied the sixth ranked Cougars’ comeback attempts in the second half to solidify a 27-6 win.
“It’s a great feeling for our kids,” McAnespie said. “We’re excited. Hudson is excited right now….It’s really a good program win for us.”
Hudson’s football fireworks started part-way through the first quarter when Nick Tinglof came down with an acrobatic interception in the endzone.
The offense took things from there, marching down the field to score on a 1-yard touchdown run by Will Jackson.
The Hawks added to their lead in the second quarter when quarterback Jake Attaway hit Marcus Bass for a touchdown pass.
Quinn O’Brien also scored before halftime, blazing past defenders on his way to a 66-yard touchdown run.
“He’s a fast kid,” McAnespie said of O’Brien. “He runs hard all the time.”
Kyle Areias scored for Hudson in the second half on a catch in the back of the endzone, setting up a successful two-point conversion attempt for the Hawks.
Ty Mullahy added an interception on defense.
“That’s what it’s all about,” McAnespie said. “The defense will set the tone if the offense can score the points.”
The day was not without hiccups.
The Hawks missed a pair of extra point attempts in the first half. Austin Prep then did break through the Hudson defense, notching the first touchdown for either team in the second half.
But players and coaches were excited following their win. And the season is continuing.
Hudson will head to Bishop Fenwick in Peabody on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7pm.
They’ll face a Crusader squad that went 6-2 in the regular season. Bishop Fenwick most recently roared past Maynard by a 49-14 margin in their first playoff game.
“I don’t know anything about them,” McAnespie said. “So, we’ll swap some films. [We’ll take it] one day at a time.”
For Quinn O’Brien, there’s no time to revel in this most recent win at Austin Prep.
Bishop Fenwick awaits.
“I’m just looking to next week,” he said following a postgame huddle. “I’m past this already. Time to move, let’s go!”
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