Backed by a suffocating defensive performance that completely neutralized the ground game, the Norwood High School football team kicked off its season in style last night, securing a decisive 26-7 triumph over Don Bosco.
Defensive Lockdown and Second-Half Offensive Surge
After a scoreless first half that left the contest deadlocked in a 6-0 yawner, the Mustang defense slammed the door, shutting out Don Bosco and failing to yield a single first down throughout the final three quarters. Norwood limited Don Bosco to a mere 66 yards rushing—54 of which came from Xerxes Hammond before he exited in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury—while rendering Don Bosco’s passing game nonexistent as quarterback Paul Nee completed just two of eight attempts for two yards.
“We have a lot of improving to do. We made some mistakes, but overall I thought we played pretty well for our first game,” reflected Norwood coach John Doherty, who praised his defense and a running attack that churned out 140 yards on the ground.
Senior middle guard Barry McDonough earned the team’s defensive “Bone Award” for relentless play, anchoring a unit that featured standout efforts from linebacker Paul Dyer—who recovered a mishandled pitch-out at the Don Bosco 6-yard line—and punter Joe Travers, whose booming 64-yard punt pinned deep in opponent territory set up the game’s turning point. Coach Doherty acknowledged making key offensive adjustments after intermission: “I kept trying to play power football and I should have listened to my assistant coaches earlier. We should have been popping those quick openers like we did in the first half.”
Scoring Breakdown and Fourth-Quarter Explosions
Norwood drew first blood in the third quarter when John Doherty Jr. capped a short drive with a 3-yard straight-ahead plunge following center Paul McCracken.
The Mustang offense broke the game wide open in the fourth quarter:
- Steve Cronin powered up the middle for a 3-yard touchdown, set up by a 19-yard halfback option pass from game-ball recipient Fernando DeCosta to Don Whitney and a key block by Brian Cox to spring Cronin.
- With 1:31 remaining, Joe Pusateri burst through a gaping hole blown open on the left side of the line by Cox, Billy Moore, andWhitney, dashing 34 yards for a touchdown. Holder Mike Conti converted a high snap into a successful two-point run around left end, stretching the lead to 20-0.
Following a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Don Bosco’s Ron Ferrara against Norwood’s second-string kickoff unit, junior Kevin Doherty answered immediately for the Mustangs, returning the ensuing kickoff 74 yards straight up the gut to seal the opening-night victory.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Football Stories
-
🏈 Norwood vs. Dedham: A Century of Thanksgiving Football Rivalry
From Gridiron Glory to Community Tradition — A Norwood Perspective 📜 Introduction Every Thanksgiving morning, before the turkey hits the oven, Norwood residents gather with unmatched anticipation—not just for family and food, but for football. The annual Norwood vs. Dedham game is more than a contest; it’s a ritual, a rite of passage, and a…
-
1941 Norwood High School Football Team Drawing
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe
-
Mustangs Rebound for Victory-October 12, 1992
Quarterback A.J. Grant and running back Eric Deshiro lead the Norwood High School football team to a thrilling 28-20 comeback victory over rival Brookline at Parsons Field.
-
Norwood Dominates Needham 24-0 to Remain Unbeaten-October 17, 1983
Wenstrom and Mustangs Stifle Rockets The Norwood High School football team put on a masterclass in all-phases dominance on a crisp autumn Saturday, defeating Needham 24-0 to improve their stellar record to 5-0. With the shutout victory, the Mustangs captured a coveted tie for first place in the Bay State League standings alongside Natick. The…
-
Norwood High Football Opens Bay State League Play with 29-13 Victory Over Milton-September 28, 1981
Defending Super Bowl champs Norwood High open their Bay State League football season with a hard-fought 29-13 victory over Milton behind strong ground performances.
-
Football Team Opens Season With Dominant Defense-September 13, 1980
Norwood High School’s football defense shuts down Don Bosco over the final three quarters, propelling the Mustangs to a 26-7 opening-game victory under coach John Doherty.
-
Norwood Football Defeats Milton 20-6 Behind Junior Quarterback John Doherty’s Aerial Attack-October 1, 1979
Junior quarterback John Doherty throws three touchdown passes to lead Norwood High football to a 20-6 victory over Milton in Bay State League play.
-
Norwood Defeats Natick 7-3 Behind Lockdown Defense and Late John Armour Touchdown-September 24, 1979
John Armour scores the game-winning touchdown with two minutes remaining as Norwood’s defense seals a hard-fought 7-3 victory over Natick.
-
Top Billing for Norwood vs. Natick: Unbeaten Clash Highlights Eastern Mass. High School Football-October 8, 1976
Unbeaten Norwood High School travels to face fourth-ranked Natick in a premier Eastern Mass. high school football clash between BSL leaders.
-
Norwood Mustangs Edge Out Needham 12-7 Behind Defensive Stand and Mike Gulla’s Two Touchdowns-September 29, 1975
Mike Gulla scores two touchdowns and the Norwood defense holds firm as the Mustangs defeat Needham 12-7 in a hard-fought Bay State League football contest.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.