Holliston beat turnover-prone Norwood, 13-7 – Boston Herald

HOLLISTON — Two standout defensive backs fought hard Saturday at Kamitian Field, but it was Holliston’s Matt Gimblett who was the Panthers’ trump card.

Junior free safety picked off three passes from Caden Sheahan while Panthers quarterback Drew Kafka slipped for one yard in the third quarter, which was enough to give Holliston a 13-7 victory over Norwood and the Tri-Valley Big League title.

“Our defense, especially Gimblett, was incredible,” Holliston coach Mike Yourof said. “They’re some serious downhill defense and they were amazing.”

The Panthers (5-3, 4-0 TVL) held Norwood ace Jack Dwyer to 33 yards on 19 carries while forcing three turnovers in a game they needed not only to win the league but also a playoff berth. -offs of the fourth division.

Gimblett set up the Panthers for what turned out to be Holliston’s only goal of the first half when he ended Norwood’s (4-4, 3-1) first possession of the game with a steal that he returned to the Mustangs’ four.

Moments later, Connor Teague scored from a yard out to give Holliston a 7-0 lead.

Both defenses were in control for almost the rest of the half as both teams punts had their work cut out for them. But with 4:57 left in the half, Norwood was finally able to mount a sustained attack.

Sheehan completed four of four passes for 49 of 69 yards in 11 games. The final two completions came after the Mustangs punted on their second and scored at the 18 when Dwyer made a dash in the end zone with :02 left to tie things up at halftime.

Norwood also got the ball early in the second half but was forced to make a three and exit the game. This is where the change Jurof made in the half paid immediate dividends.

Austin Rodenhiser took over in the backfield and his downhill run did most of the damage on Kafka’s 40-yard keeper midway through the third.

“Austin has its own downhill style and that was the change we made that really made the difference,” Yourof said.

Rodenhiser gained all 67 yards in the second half as Holliston’s defense made big play after big play in the final 24 minutes.

Sheehan’s removal late in the third quarter was followed by Gimblett’s second and third interceptions of the game, the latter coming with 3:20 left after a blocked Norwood punt.

Kafka’s 14-yard completion to Max Maurao on third-and-6 with just over 2:00 to play clinched the championship for the Panthers.

“We’re just a tough group from top to bottom,” Youroff said. “That’s our game plan.”