Hollis Brookline football picks up key home win over Souhegan

HOLLIS - The Hollis Brookline High School football team defended its home turf Saturday afternoon, as the Cavaliers handled the visiting Souhegan Sabers by the score of 27-7.

The Cavs (5-2) brought and maintained a strong defensive game plan that suffocated the Sabers (4-3) running game and contained them through the air as well. The first quarter, as well as much of the second, was marked with excellent defense for both teams.

The Sabers and Cavs seemed to trade punt for punt and had difficulties getting their offensive game plans rolling. HB, led by senior captain Sander Wimmer, made the first move in the game that sparked a series of great plays.

Souhegan was on the move towards the HB red zone when Wimmer picked off Souhegan quarterback Austin Jain at the 5-yard line. Wimmer would also make a splash on offense, when he connected with receiver Colin Robinson for the touchdown. The score was the game’s first and gave the Cavaliers the 6-0 lead after a failed two-point conversion.

The Wimmer-Robinson connection would strike again later in the quarter, which set the Cavaliers up on the Souhegan 1-yard line. Wimmer would keep and score on the next play for the touchdown to boost the Cavs lead to 13-0.

Just before halftime, the Cavs defense would strike again. Jain received the snap, turned, and threw a pass to his receiver out of the backfield in a seemingly routine play. Cavs defensive back Blake Bergeson read the play, jumped in front of the pass, and returned it for a touchdown 60 yards. The score capped an incredible half off by the Cavs and gave them a 20-0 lead heading into the break.

The third quarter started with a huge play on special teams for the Sabers. Returner Nick Zampella took the opening kick deep into Cavalier territory setting up his offense in striking distance.

On the next play, Luke Manning split the defense and carried in untouched for the Sabers touchdown to cut the lead to 20-7. Unfortunately for the Sabers, the Cavs would end up responding almost instantly with a score of their own.

On the following possession, HB rode the back of its powerful running back Marc-Andre Thermitus for the score. Throughout the game, Thermitus used his tough running style to pound his way for extra yards and gave the Sabers a difficult time.

Not only did he make plays on offense, but Thermitus made key tackles on defense and special teams as well. On this drive, Thermitus burned the Saber defense for 60 yards for the long touchdown. This boosted the lead to 27-7 and would end up sealing the victory for the Cavs.

HB will back at home on Saturday to host Alvirne, while Souhegan heads home for a Friday night kickoff against Manchester West.