HAMILTON – (Radio, Videos) The Hamilton-Wenham Generals (8-0) held the Salem Witches (3-5) scoreless in the second half to win the first game of the D6 North Playoffs, 31 to 10. On the first play of the Generals’ first possession, quarterback Billy Whelan (12/18 for 296 yards and 3 TD passes, 1 INT) completed a 55 yard pass, catch and run play to Cam Peach (6 catches for 214 yards and 3 TDs) that gave Hamilton-Wenham a first and goal at the 3. Two plays later, Ian Coffey punched it in to give H-W a 7-0 lead with 6:17 remaining in the first quarter.
Salem came back on the next series, going 72 yards in 13 plays before Reuben Baez connected for three on a 29 yard field goal to cut the lead to 7-3 on the first play of the second quarter. And, with 6:05 left in the half, Salem quarterback Aneudy Espianl ran 23 yards for a score on a keeper that put the Witches in front 10-7. But, with 2:23 left in the half, Whelan hit Peach for a 35 yard touchdown that finished a 7 play, 73 yard drive to put the Generals back out in front to say at 14-10.
In the second half, Jake Lanciani hit a 20 yard field goal and Whelan connected with Peach for scoring strikes of 34 and 66 yards to put the game into the win column for the Generals.
Hamilton-Wenham outgained Salem in total offense, 336 yards to 195.
Vin Gaskins was the leading rusher for Salem carrying the ball 18 times for 82 yards.
Game broadcast with Rick Moore and Tim Kearns
Salem Coach Matt Bouchard with postgame comments
Salem News sports editor Phil Stacey talks with key Marblehead players after the game
Hamilton-Wenham Coach Jim Pugh with postgame comments
