Norwood High Football Team Works on Turning Things Around

After two losses in the first two games, Norwood High School head football coach John Sarianides isn't happy with the way the season has started for the Mustangs. 
Now he's looking for things to change in a hurry.

After a 35-7 loss to Wayland Saturday and in a 48-6 loss in the opener at Hopkinton, the head coach wants a better effort and more enthusiasm from his team when they host 0-2 Milton Saturday at 1 p.m.
"Ultimately, it is my responsibility to get that out of them," said Sarianides. "We have go back to the drawing board and try to get that. That's unacceptable back-to-back efforts."
The head coach said the coaches have to do a better job getting the team ready to play, and the players have to step up their game.

"We've got to stay positive," said Sarianides.  "We're a  young and inexperienced football team, and it has shown in the first two games, but we have to come out with better effort and enthusiasm."

What the Mustangs have to avoid against Milton is giving up the big play, something that has hurt Norwood in the first two games. 
Wayland jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead, getting four touchdowns from running back-defensive back Robert Williams. 

"They got the first big play," said Sarianides. "In football, once the momentum goes to the other side, unless you do something to change that, it stays there. There are no 10-0 runs like there are in basketball."

After spending extra time in the locker room at halftime, the Mustangs did play better, getting on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. 

"We talking about the pride," said Sarianides. "We're playing for the town and for the jersey you wear. That was our halftime adjustment." 

Sophomore Jake Vail took over as a quarterback in the second half with senior John Galvin moving to wide-receiver. With Vail at quarterback and Galvin at receiver, the Mustang offense got a big boost. In the final seconds of the game, sophomore receiver Sean Mellen made a falling down backwards touchdown catch on a pass from Vail. Sophomore Chris Bell kicked the extra point.

"Our young kids stepped it up," said Sarianides. "Jake did a great job. Our young running back, Zac Pungitore, did a nice job, and our offensive line played much better in the second half." 

Williams scored on the second play of the game, running for a 54-yard score through the Norwood defense. Eric MacLean kicked the first of five extra points for a 7-0 lead.

After pinning Norwood on their own 2-yard line, Wayland quarterback Robert Jones kept the ball on a keeper, racing for a 38-yard score, leading 14-0.

Then it was time for Williams to score on defense as he intercepted a pass and went 22 yards for the 21-0 first quarter score. In the second quarter, Williams finished off a drive with a 1-yard score. He then caught a short pass from Jones and went 62 yards for the touchdown.