GRAFTON – It came down to the final moments in the fourth quarter.
The Grafton Gators and Shrewsbury Colonials went head-to-head at Grafton High School Friday night. After battling neck and neck, the Gators beat the Colonials 13-12.
Grafton Head Coach Chris McMahon called it the “best game I’ve ever been a part of on so many levels.”
“You talk about a team win. Everything we talk about all the time – in our off season program, during the season at practice – guys got to step up, guys need to make plays, you stay the course,” he said.
McMahon noted that the team was down players, including Cooper Berube and Tyson Thomas.
“Guys stepped up and made plays,” McMahon said.”Liam Donagher – who to me is the best player in Central Mass. It’s not even close – when he’s called upon, he makes the plays.”
He continued, “In the end, that’s what it was – it was perseverance and our playmakers stepping up and making plays.”
With this win, Grafton is continuing its undefeated streak. Shrewsbury stands 3-3 on the season.
“It’s a great high school football game. Hats off to Shrewsbury. It was a great game. Great battle, but I couldn’t be more proud [of our team]. It was an amazing will to win. That’s what it was,” said McMahon.
Shrewsbury Coach John Aloisi said the game was a credit to Grafton, who he said made the plays when they had to.
“It was a hard-fought game. I was really proud of my kids’ effort. We just came up a little short,” Aloisi said.
Next Friday, Shrewsbury is scheduled to face off against Shepherd Hill while Grafton will play Tantasqua.
