Reprinted From September 18, 2009 Salem News

Danvers comes alive, rallies past Pentucket
By Jean DePlacido correspondent

DANVERS - Last week Danvers equaled its win total for 2008. Last night the Falcons doubled it with a come-from-behind 14-7 victory over Pentucket at Dr. Deering Stadium.

The Falcons did it with defense, holding Pentucket to just one touchdown and making some big stops to keep the game close until the offense finally came alive with a pair of fourth quarter scores to put the game in the win column.

"We fought hard all game," said Falcon coach John Sullivan. "We couldn't get much offense going early, but we had some big defensive stands. Bend but don't break describes what we're doing this year. Coming into this game we didn't think last week was any indication of what Pentucket was (a 27-2 loss to Marblehead in the opener).

"We knew we'd have trouble with their quarterback (Mike Doud) after watching the game films. He has a nice smooth motion. That's a very good team. We made some adjustments at halftime and came out and pounded the ball. Then we pounded it in again."

Trailing 7-0 going into the final quarter, the Falcons capped a 76-yard drive on a seven-yard run by Eric Burgos, the workhorse with 66 hard fought yards on 17 carries. Greg Ladd booted the extra point to tie it at 7-7 with 9:32 remaining. Two big catches by Dan Skinner had kept the drive alive. Ladd found Skinner, who had five catches for 50 yards, for a 9-yard gain, and two plays later connected with him again for a 23-yard pick up.

"Skinner had some very big catches tonight and Ladd had some big throws when we needed them," said Sullivan. "Our offensive line played well in the second half."

With the game tied 7-7, Zach Ryan blocked a punt to give Danvers possession at the Sachems' 47-yard line with 6:20 remaining and 11 plays later, Ladd found Skinner in the right corner of the end zone for the lead. Burgos, John McInnis (12 carries for 61 yards) and Clinton Lutz (9-30) took turns carrying the ball. Burgos picked up 12 yards for a first-and-goal at the five, and then Ladd connected with Skinner for the go-ahead score with 1:54 remaining.

On Pentucket's first play from scrimmage Doud, who was 7 for 14 for 98 yards, aired it out, but Corey Walker picked it off.

The Sachems had one last chance with just over a minute remaining when the Falcons couldn't get a first down to run out the clock, but the Falcons put pressure on Doud, who could only move his team to midfield before time ran out.

"We had our chances, but give Danvers credit for coming up big when they had to," said Pentucket coach Steve Hayden, whose team is 0-2. "We couldn't sustain drives early on. Then they came up with that blocked punt and the interception. Those are things we worked on all week in practice so it's disappointing. We have to get better - and we will get better."

On the opening possession, Ladd was intercepted and the Sachems drove to the Falcons' 2-yard line before the defense dug in to make a great goal line stand. On first down Austin Perreault was thrown for a loss by Walker, and after a short gain by Doud on the quarterback keeper, C. J. Lataille was tackled in the backfield by Dan Stanton. On fourth down, Doud was pressured and his pass fell incomplete.

Pentucket got on the board on a 29-yard pass from Doud to Lataille with 8:38 left in the second quarter. On their next possession the Sachems marched to the Danvers 36-yard line before the defense dug in to keep it a one touchdown difference. On third-and-10 Doud went back to pass and was sacked by Shane Tobyne, forcing Pentucket to punt.

The Danvers defense came up big on the opening drive of the third quarter after Nolan Dragon raced 58-yards before a touchdown saving tackle at the 10-yard line by Steve Hennessey, who also came up with a fumble recovery later.