KENNEBUNK – After a couple of stalled drives, Cheverus High got its offense in gear and off the Stags went.
Cheverus ground out 363 yards to dominate in a 40-0 rout of Kennebunk High on a rainy Friday night at the Rams’ field.
Except for two incomplete passes, the Stags ran every play, carrying the ball 52 times.
Fullback Evan Jendrasko crashed through the middle of the line, rushing 22 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Peter Gwilym ran around the ends, gaining 96 yards and scoring twice on 11 carries. Tailback Spencer Cooke bounced through the line 15 times for 84 yards and a score.
After a scoreless first quarter, Cheverus (5-0) scored four touchdowns in the second.
“We came out a little flat and it showed in our play,” Jendrasko said. “Then we realized what we had to do and we played hard.”
Cheverus’ defense held the Rams to 46 yards rushing and 48 passing. Defensive end A.J. Bennett appeared often in the Kennebunk backfield. Defensive back Liam Hobbins intercepted a pass and also returned a fumble 12 yards for the final TD.
“We played pretty physical football on both sides of the ball, and that was the key,” Stags Coach John Wolfgram said. “They played us tough in the beginning. But after we got rolling, we played pretty well.”
Cheverus’ offensive line, led by Sam Sanders, Eric Bryant, Tom Sullivan, Mike Dedian, Zach Dulac and Christian Deschenes, continually punched holes through Kennebunk’s defense.
“They’re very physical and they have a lot of talented backs,” Rams Coach Joe Rafferty said. “Too many times, we did not play well. At times, we did.”
The Rams (1-4) had their moments. Defensive tackle Charlie Stewart stopped the Stags’ first drive with a third-down tackle. He later blocked an extra-point kick attempt. Taylor Landry sacked Gwilym to foil Cheverus’ second possession.
On offense, Rams quarterback Matt Dube completed 5 of 10 passes for 48 yards. Vann Brazz had two catches for 40 yards.
But the Rams could not sustain a drive, punting six times, while recording four turnovers. The rain helped cause three lost fumbles for both teams. Twice in the third quarter, Cheverus lost the ball inside the Rams’ 5-yard line. But Cheverus sealed it with two fourth-quarter scores.
“They’re a very good team, no doubt about it,” Rafferty said. “I think they’ll go pretty deep in the playoffs.”
Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be contacted at 791-6411 or at: kthomas@pressherald.com
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