OXFORD – A week removed from from a loss that knocked them out of playoff contention for the first time in years, Unionville didn’t have much to play for when they traveled to Oxford on Friday night. But a program as successful as Unionville has been the last few years isn’t going to allow itself to go out with a whimper.
The Indians broke open a close game with a big defensive play by Michael Weber, then turned up the offense and surged to a 56-18 Ches-Mont League American Division win over the Hornets.
“We had a stretch where we played some tough teams, and made it worse by making mistakes against good teams that hurt us,’ said Unionville coach Pat Clark. “But the thing with this program is that you are always going to get maximum effort, and I’m really happy that the seniors on this team got to go out with a win.
After the Indians staked themselves to a 14-0 lead on runs from Austin Hofmann-Reardon and Alex Pechin, Oxford answered back with a 33-yard jaunt from Zach Deasey, and were driving deep into Indians territory after getting the ball back on a fumble recovery.
Oxford quarterback Dan Green threw a pass towards Ryan Hubley in the end zone, but Weber stepped in front of it for the interception and raced back 100 yards for the backbreaking touchdown.
“The ball was right in my hands,’ said Weber. “Then the defensive line just gave me all sorts of blocks. I was running down the sideline and saw everyone on our sideline jumping and screaming. I was getting out of breath, so I was just glad to get in. I can’t tell you how much it means to me as a senior to go out with a win.’
Unionville ran the ball well, with the trio of Brendan Boyle (14 carries, 82 yards), Hofmann-Reardon and Brandon Boon leading a ground game to 260 yards for the day. Boon also caught a pair of touchdown passes from Pechin.
Pechin fulfilled a career wish by getting a chance to be on the receiving end. Late in the thrid, Pechin lined up at wide receiver, and hauled in a 20-yard pass from Jason Hagen for a score.
“I’ve been begging the coaches all through high school to let me play just one play at receiver,’ said Pechin. “I’m glad I got to get it in my last game here. I came in here as a freshman, and got to play with my brother, and all sorts of great people. It’s been an amazing four years.’
The Hornets once again saw solid production from their offense, but just couldn’t come up with the stops to stay in it. Deasey crossed the 1,000-yard threshold for the season with 94 yards on 18 carries. Dan Green threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns, and Ryan Hubley added to his gaudy season stat totals with 7 catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.
“It’s been a strange year for us,’ said Oxford coach Mike Pietlock. “Ryan is just a special player, I say that every week. But once again, we make the plays and move the ball well to stay competitive, but then we hurt ourselves with mistakes, and just not making stops.’
