SPORTS: Crusaders Stun Fitchburg
G-D sophomore quarterback Corey Romich ran for a touchdown and passed for two others to help lead the Crusaders to a 28-20 win over visiting Fitchburg (2-4, 1-1 Mid-Wach A).
GD (4-2, 2-2 Mid-Wach B) jumped out to an early first quarter 7-0 lead on a Romich 1-yard run set up by sophomore Shane Dawson's fumble recovery on the opening kick-off. (Eric Yanchenko kick).
In the second quarter, Red Raiders' Demetrice Williams scored on a three yard run to close the Crusader advantage to 7-6 after the PAT was missed.
Senior running back Tristan Lynch scored the Crusaders second touchdown on a three-yard run and moments later, classmate Joey Stewart snared a 20-yard TD pass from Corey Romich (Eric Yanchenkokick) to push the Crusaders lead to 21-7 at the half.
The Raiders' Darius Flowers put six more points on the board in the third quarter on a 3-yard run but the two-point conversion failed and Fitchburg trailed 21-12 heading into the fourth.
Despite having a losing record, Fitchburg is a formidable opponent, playing a difficult Mid-Wach A League schedule including games against Shepherd Hill, St. John's, Shrewsbury, Wachusett. The win over Fitchburg, a team with history and talent, was impressive.
Corey Romich's five yard TD pass to Joey Orlando (Eric Yanchenko kick) in the last quarter gave GD a 28-12 lead and some breathing room.
But Fitchburg made the game interesting late when Steve Bartolomeo scored on a 10-yard rush. The drive was set-up by a 47-yard run by Flowers. The two-point pass conversion was good and Fitchburg trailed 28-20. Joey Orlando had seven tackles including one as time expired when quarterback Darius Flowers was tackled after leading Fitchburg inside the 10-yard line as time ran out.
Linebacker Shane Dawson had 10 tackles, a sack, interception and a fumble recovery. Romich carried the ball four times for 50 yards and was five for nine for 40 yards including the two touchdowns.
In Division 4 Central Mass. Power ratings, Groton-Dunstable is sixth behind Shepherd Hill, St. Peter- Marian, Hudson, Doherty and Tantasqua. GD plays at Westborough Sat. 10/26 at 1 p.m.
