Framingham Youth Football D Team Falls to Wellesley in the Baystate Conference Semi-Finals, Ending Their Season

After coming inches away from a crucial win against longtime rival Natick, the fasted-paced Flyer D Team had only one obstacle ahead of them on their road to the Bay state Conference Super Bowl- The 8-0 Wellesley Raiders. Dethroning the top of the league Raider team would be no easy feat for the Flyers, but they would return home to the comfort of Framingham State for this playoff semi-final contest.

            The Flyers were able to receive the ball to open the game, but couldn’t jump ahead to an early lead. Wellesley gladly took the ball after a Framingham punt, and leaped ahead of the flyers with a touchdown and extra point. Despite the Flyers’ pressure to contain Wellesley, the raider quarterback took it to the air and launched a 68 yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-0. Running backs Akye Boston and Waldeney Snatos Jr. weren’t able to salvage many yards while facing a menacing Wellesley defense, and the Raiders further widened the gap between the Flyers by scoring a third touchdown despite tackles by Waldeney Santos Jr. and Akye and Richard Boston Jr. The first half came to a close with a 21-0 score, in favor of Wellesley.

             After recouping during halftime, Framingham looked to forget about their erroneous first half and completely turn the table of the game, much like the Patriots did after their horrendous first half against Miami. Wellesley was to receive that ball after the half, but a clever onside kick gave the Flyers the ball to begin the half. Unfortunately, the Raider defense was too much for the offense to handle, quickly giving their offense the ball back. Even on the next Flyer drive, when they looked like they had something going after a 15 yard run by Akye Boston, they gave up the ball to Wellesley. Later in the game, Heriberto Lopez had a touchdown saving tackle that would’ve helped Wellesley completely blow the game apart if it weren’t saved, but Framingham’s glory was short lived, with Wellesley making the score 28-0  several plays after this. Framingham’s defense showed bright spots during the second half, as this was all Wellesley would score for the rest of the game, but the Flyers would ultimately be shut out 28-0, ending their season.

The road sadly ends here for the Flyer D Team. They played tremendously well through the season, with mind blowing touchdown runs, many forced fumbles by ruthless pursuit and desire for the ball, and even a stretch of 15 quarters without a single point allowed. The players played their hearts out to earn a spot in the playoffs- a spot that can only be earned by the top four out of twelve teams in the league. They gained so much skill and experience since I saw them last year at the E1 level, and had an amazing season this year. Thank you to the coaches of the D team for being so helpful when I interviewed you, and good luck to everyone for next year.

            Only one Framingham team remains standing, and it is the B (7th Grade) Team, who will take their undefeated record to the field next weekend to fight for the title of Baystate Conference Super Bowl Champion. Watch for game highlights by Justin Brockway.