Red Raiders dominate
By Dean Glanzman
Article Launched: 09/08/2007 10:10:19 AM EDT

FITCHBURG -- Gardner might as well have been playing against a brick
wall.

The Fitchburg football team's defense put together a dominating
performance in what was the season opener for both teams at Crocker
Field, Friday night, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of roughly
1,800.

The Red Raiders' defense was able to force five turnovers in the 35-0
shutout of the Wildcats, including two forced fumbles and three
interceptions.

"We played well," said Fitchburg head coach Ray Cosenza. "It took us a
while to get going, but Gardner played really well. The first half was
a battle. We had our hands full."

For much of the contest, however, the only team that had its hands
full was Gardner. The Wildcats had to deal with not only a ferocious
defense, but also the tandem of Red Raiders quarterback Jeremy Kimber
and running back Jon Gomez.

"I think Johnny made us look good," said Cosenza. "I think he made the
plays when there weren't holes. He had a great game."

Gomez was able to find space in the Gardner secondary all game
long. He started the Fitchburg scoring in the beginning of the second
quarter, taking a handoff from Kimber at 9:34 straight through the
Wildcats' line. Gomez practically walked over the goal line for the
game's first score.

Later in the half, it was a Gomez 50-yard run from Fitchburg's own end
into Gardner territory that set the Red Raiders up for their second
score of the quarter. With 2:10 remaining in the half, Kimber found

Matt Fraticelli in the back-right corner of the end zone for
Fitchburg's second score.  The tag-team duo of Kimber and Gomez kept
the Fitchburg offensive wheels rolling with an early touchdown in the
second half. The two single-handedly dismantled the Wildcats'
defense. Gomez rushed for a 20-yard gain, then Kimber threw complete
to Fraticelli for a 12-yard gain. After that, Gomez rushed for 2 yards
and Kimber rushed for 5. Then Gomez ran for another 12 and finished
the drive with an easy 15-yard touchdown run at 7:16.

"I think Johnny was the key," said Cosenza. "We did OK and we will
look at the film, but I think Johnny made us look real good. He made
some plays when I don't think there (was) a lot there."

Just when it looked like Gomez was finished, he kept pouring it
on. After a drive put together by a combination of a couple of passes
by Kimber and some short runs by Fraticelli, Gomez bedazzled the
Gardner defense on his third score of the game with a slew of nifty
maneuvers for the 23-yard touchdown run.

Gomez finished the game with 205 yards on 15 carries and three
touchdowns.

"I'm happy for him and I'm happy for our team," said Cosenza. "This is
a good first night. Gardner played very well."

It wasn't well enough to even put a dent in the Fitchburg defense. The
Red Raiders never stopped playing hard. Fitchburg continually kept the
Wildcats' offense from moving the chains and was able to prevent any
scoring opportunities in the red zone.

"Our kids did some better things in the second half," said Cosenza,
"but our defense coming out with a shutout, we are really excited."

Kimber's first half was a rough one compared to his second
half. Although he passed 4-of-9 attempts for 66 yards, including a
10-yard touchdown pass to Fraticelli at 2:10. He completed all three
of his passing attempts for 73 yards in the second half.

Chris Cormier got himself a touchdown with 4:07 left in the game after
taking Gomez's place on offense. He scored a 5-yard touchdown run
thanks to several small rushes of his own which had gotten him within
striking distance.

Fitchburg kicker Luke Arno was successful in all five of his extra
point attempts.

Fraticelli left the game with a leg cramp after the opening play of
the fourth quarter.

Said Cosenza of his teams' blowout of Gardner: "It's been awhile since
we started with a win."


Fitchburg High School Athletics and Competition Home Page