WRENTHAM – King Philip once again showed up in a big way facing a scrappy Foxboro squad at home Friday.
With 212 yards on 32 rush attempts along with a pair of forced turnovers, King Philip cruised to a 21-6 victory over Hockomock League crossover opponent Foxboro.
“If we can rush the ball for 200 yards, then we’re going to be asking to slow the clock down,” said King Philip coach Brian Lee about putting together a strong rushing attack. “You want to try and keep guys that can make plays (like Mike Marcucella) off the field and that’s what running the ball allows us to do. Try and stay calm and take control of the game.”
Holding just a 7-0 halftime lead, King Philip (4-0) scored twice in the third with the first coming to open the second half on a two-yard rushing score for senior Drew Laplante to push the lead to 14-0.
After a couple three-and-outs forced on defense, King Philip put together an eight-play drive that was capped by a 25-yard scamper for junior Keigan Canto-Osorio to make it 21-0 with 1:30 remaining in the third.
Laplante finished with 79 yards on 14 carries. Canto-Osario added five for 43 and junior Ryan Greenwood collected 12 for 58.
In the first half, after forcing a punt on their first defensive drive, King Philip put together a six-play drive with three pass attempts, including a 36-yard pass from junior Zach Gebhard to senior Hayden Schmitz down the left sideline to put King Philip up 7-0 with 3:31 to go in the first. This came one play after Gebhard missed an open receiver that was wiped away by offsetting penalties.
“(Foxboro) was not going to let you line up and (just run the ball),” Lee said about the passing game opening up to start the contest. “We’ve known each other long enough, so we knew (Gebhard) has to make some plays.”
Following three and outs from both teams, Foxboro (0-3) got the ball deep into King Philip territory with a 69-yard wheel route catch for junior Ryan Foley off a Marcucella pass to make it first-and-goal from the King Philip 6.
Three plays later, King Philip’s defense came up with an interception by senior Brandon Nicastro with 10:15 left. King Philip then ran 12 straight times to run the clock down to 2:22 in the second.
Foxboro then ran the ball six times to run out the rest of the clock in the first half.
King Philip also forced a fumble recovered by senior Jack Assini to run out the final 2:33 in the fourth.
“Our defense has looked a little bendier than in years past, but I think they’re getting into the groove here,” said Lee about the timely turnovers. “I think (Foxboro) was our most physical opponent and when it came down to it, they got after it.”
The lone score for Foxboro came with 6:45 left as senior captain Nolan Gordon recovered a Ben Angelini fumble in the end zone.
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