Tony Grinavic Scores Three Touchdowns as Mustangs Remain Unbeaten-November 11, 1957

Lightning-Fast Opening Kickoff Return Sets Tone as Norwood Blanks Wamps for Fifth Successive Victory

NORWOOD — Braintree’s football team found itself trailing by two touchdowns before the Wamps hardly had a chance to catch their breath on Saturday, tumbling to an 18-0 defeat that marked their second loss of the year. With the victory, Andy Scafati’s Norwood squad captured its fifth successive win, remaining undefeated on the season.

Star halfback Tony Grinavic put on a dazzling offensive display, scoring all three Norwood touchdowns. Grinavic fielded Perry Collins’ opening kickoff on his own 15-yard line and raced 85 yards untouched down the sideline for Norwood’s first score. According to Braintree Coach Arigo LaTanzi, it was the first time in his tenure that an opponent had returned an opening kickoff for a touchdown.

First-Quarter Blitz and Defensive Interceptions Stifle Braintree Comeback

Just moments after the opening score, Braintree fumbled the ensuing kickoff, allowing Norwood to recover on the Braintree 32-yard line. Five plays later, quarterback Ed Feeney connected with Grinavic on an 8-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 12-0.

To their credit, the Wamps refused to fold, outgaining their heavier opponents on the ground behind the standout running of sophomore halfback El Aldorisio, who averaged nearly 10 yards per carry. However, Braintree’s frustrated drives repeatedly stalled:

• Fumble Recoveries: Norwood recovered three Braintree fumbles deep in Mustang territory.
• Secondary Interceptions: Norwood’s alert pass defense intercepted three passes thrown by Braintree quarterback Alan Hedlund.
• Defensive Bulwarks: Braintree tackles Dick Harvey (co-captain) and Alan Wolfert, along with middle guard Bob Burns, played stellar defense, but the Wamps were unable to penetrate inside the Norwood 15-yard line.

Grinavic capped off the scoring on the very first play of the fourth period, plunging across for his third touchdown of the afternoon to seal the 18-0 shutout.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger