By Zach Smith
On Thursday night, the Rangers opened up the 2013 season against the fourth ranked Nashoba Chieftains. The Rangers played hard, but couldn’t obtain the win in a 42-21 loss. The game ended early in the fourth quarter due to lightning. The win gives Nashoba their 27th consecutive win.
Nashoba got an early touchdown in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. The Rangers tied the game at 7 after senior Jack Chuma caught a 37 yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Dan Orlando. After tying the game, Nashoba scored 28 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 35-7 lead.
Despite distant lightning flashes in the distance, Orlando threw a 9 yard touchdown pass to senior Mike Gallo to make the score at halftime 35-14.
Nashoba scored again on a rushing touchdown in the third quarter to take a 42-14 lead. As the quarter started to wind down, the rain started to pick up and lightning in the distance became more frequent. Early in the fourth quarter, Orlando threw his third touchdown pass, the second one to Chuma, to make the score 42-21. After Nashoba got the ball back, the rain got really heavy and the lightning was getting really close to the school. The PA announcer came on and told people that the game was suspended, and for them to take shelter in the cafeteria or their cars while the storm lasted. The game never resumed. Nashoba won the game 42-21.
Despite the loss, the Rangers played really hard and have improved on offense, defense, and special teams from last season. The fan turnout was a great bonus for the Rangers. The next game for the Rangers is on Friday at 7pm at North Middlesex.
Statistics:
Orlando went 11/15 for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Leading the Rangers in receiving was Chuma, who had 2 receptions for 59 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior Mike Power had 3 receptions for 44 yards.
Gallo had 3 receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Leading the Rangers in rushing was Orlando who carried the ball 7 times for 38 yards.
Gallo had 5 carries for 8 yards.
Defensive wise, leading the Rangers in tackling was Chuma with 11 tackles.
Senior Kevin White had 8 tackles.
