GLOUCESTER – The Salem Witches hot start to the season continued tonight with a 26-14 win over Gloucester, now 1-3. Salem led 14-0 at the half getting a 42 yard touchdown (pass from Corey Grimes) from Logan Abboud and a 4 yard score from Devante Ozuna. A Grimes to Quinn Rocco Ryan connection that covered a grand total of 1 yard increased the Witches lead to 20-0 with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter.
Gloucester mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter with touchdowns by Nick Carey (4 yd td run) and Caleb DeCoste (5 yd td run) to cut the lead to 20-14 with 4:53 left in the game. But a trick play was executed perfectly as Ozuna took a handoff from quarterback Grimes, ran toward his own end zone, stopped and fired a pass cross-field to Grimes, who had sneaked to the opposite sideline and grabbed the ball at about his own 40 yard line; then ran the remaining 60 yards unscathed. From scrimmage, that play covered 74 yards and sealed the deal for Salem.
The Witches travel to Saugus for a 6:30 kickoff next Friday, while Gloucester hosts Winthrop Friday at 7 p.m.
Game summary
Game broadcast with Rick Moore and Tim Kearns
GLOUCESTER – Gloucester High School football coach Dan O’Connor believes in his kids and believes the Fishermen are a good team and will continue to improve. This week, the Gloucester Fishermen (1-2) host the Salem Witches in our MSONEWSports Game of the Week broadcast. Hear from coach Matt Bouchard of Salem as he previews the game and provides updates on the Witches. Salem is off to its best start in years, posting a 3-0 record with wins over Chelsea, Martha’s Vineyard, and Greater Lawrence prior to Friday’s NEC league opener.
Salem High School football coach Matt Bouchard
Gloucester High School football coach Dan O’Connor
Dan O’Connor Matt Bouchard
