Boxers get monkey off their back
By Kevin O'Malley
FITCHBURG -- The monkey is off the Boxer's back.

After losing three straight games to the Red Raiders,
Brockton finally beat Fitchburg, 16-12.  Friday nitht at
Crocker Field.

"This is the guttiest game Brockton High has played since I
can't remember when," said Brockton coach Armond Columbo.
"I can't say enough right now, this was a huge game for us.
I'm just very very proud.  Every single kid that was on the
field today played above and beyond.  No question about it."

"Every single kid.. on the field", for Brockton included one
player coach Columbo wasn't expecting to play a major role:
senior backup quarterback James Thompson.  Thompson replaced
the Boxer's starter, Eric Boatwright, in the second half and
led Brockton to one score.  The touchdown came on the first
play of the fourth quarter, as Thompson connected with
Patrick Emmanuel on fourth and five from the five, capping
an 11 play, 80 yard drive.  Eric Ampuja added the exptra
point to give Brockton a 16-6 lead.

"We told them at the half, 'Eric is out, we have to step it
up.  Everybody has got to step it up, we have to play
defense and we have to move people up front on offense' and
we did it," added Columbo.  "Thompson really did a great job
filling in for Eric."

Fitchburg added a late touchdown on a one yard run by Jason
Quinn with just less than two minutes to play in the game.
Quarterback Jason Twomley had the key play on the drive,
converting on fourth and seven from the Boxer 13 one play
prior to Quinn's score.

"Our kids gave a great effort, they did exatly what we
asked.  Talent-wise I think that is, if not the best,
definitely one of the best teams we'll face," explained
Fitchburg coach Ray Cosenza.  "Our kids did a terrific job.
I'm very proud of them.  You're never satisfied with a loss
but I'm definitely satisfied with our kids effort and how
they hung in there with people out.  It was just a great
effort and i'm really proud of our kids.  Today we played
the way I think we're capable of."

Brockton jumped out to an early lead, scoring on its first
possesion of the game.  James Jackson was the workhorse on
the drive, carrying the ball on five of the Boxer's eight
plays and gaining 33 of the 53 yards.  Jackson finished with
161 yards on 28 carries.  Boatwright connected with Ellis
McMurtry on a 16 yard pass to hit paydirt just six minutes
into the game.  Ampuja's PAT sailed wide, leaving Brockton
with six-point lead.

Fitchburg answered, capitalizing on a Brockton fumble to tie
the game.  Anthony Fanelli covered a fumble at the Boxer's
nine, setting Fitchburg up for an easy score.  Saul Sicard
got the score, going in from the one on third and goal.

Ampuja added a 25 yard field goal with just over a minute to
play in the second quarter, giving Brockton a 9-6 lead at
half time.  Ampuja had missed a 35 yarder on the Boxer's
previous possesion.

Brockton is now 3-2, while Fitchburg falls to 1-4.  Next
week the Red Raiders entertain Westfield at 7 p.m. at
Crocker Field.



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