Sachems Drop Second Straight Game

Winchester had their chances on Friday afternoon. But for the second straight week the Sachems dropped a game in which they outplayed their opponent.

The 22-6 loss to Swampscott could have easily been switched in Winchester's favor. The Sachems (0-2) doubled Swampscott's possession in the first half, but as the whistle sounded for halftime, and the Sachems looked up at the scoreboard to see a 0-0 tie, they were undoubtedly disappointed with their missed chances.

In the Sachems first three possessions of the game they drove the ball inside Swampscott's 25-yard line. But on all three occasions, Winchester turned the ball over.

"We knew they could score a lot of points," said Winchester coach Paul Sobolweski. "The turning point was in the first half when didn't score. Then in the second half their coach made some adjustments, and we stopped their passing game in the first half, but the second was a different story."

Swampscott was able to capitalize on its first positive offensive play all game as they returned the second half kickoff to Winchester's 38-yard line. A few plays later, Swampscott pounded the ball into the endzone from two-yards out, and with the successful two-point conversion, Swampscott jumped out to an 8-0 lead.

"We turned the ball over seven times," Sobolweski said. "They capitalized on our fumbles and interceptions. If we don't do that, then the game's over in the first half. We have a young quarterback in his first year and Swampscott played tough, but now we have to move on."

Greg Thompson was able to quarterback the offense down the field as the senior finished the game, 12 of 15 for 102 yards and rushed for 52 yards. He would have had his first rushing touchdown of the year when he scampered into the endzone from 25 yards out, only to have the play called back due to a holding call early in the second quarter. From there, a high snap and ensuing fumble ended that drive for the Sachems.

Winchester did get on the board early in the fourth quarter. The Sachems cut the lead to 15-6 when Thompson hit Will Herbert for a 15-yard touchdown pass. The failed two-point conversion, however, still left the Sachems down two scores.

Now Winchester has the difficult task of travelling to play reigning league and Super Bowl champion Reading this Friday at 7 p.m.

"They're an awesome team," Sobolweski said of the Rockets. "We have to try and stay healthy, fight and play tougher if we want to have a chance to win that game."