KIPP Academy claims first Thanskgiving week win in 25-0 shutout over Lynn Tech

LYNN – KIPP Academy made sure to send its seniors off in style.

The Panthers established a strong running game and won the turnover battle en route to a 25-0 victory over Lynn Tech for the team’s first ever Thanksgiving week win.

“There’s nothing better,” said KIPP Academy coach Jim Rabbitt. “Records don’t matter and to win on Thanksgiving is a special thing because it’s so unique to this region. … We are looking forward to this rivalry for the foreseeable future.”

KIPP Academy’s (9-2) defense and specials teams got started early as they thwarted a 16-play, 45-yard opening drive from Lynn Tech with a turnover on downs. After trading punts, junior captain Daniel Oluwasuyi broke free for an 83-yard TD run to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead.

The teams then traded three fumbles, with KIPP scoring off the second straight fumbled snap for Lynn Tech (6-5). Junior captain Dave Filias ran it in from two yards out to build a 13-0 lead with 4:41 left in the half.

The Panthers added a 20-yard TD reception by Filias from sophomore Piero Canales to build a 19-0 halftime edge after a whiffed punt for Lynn Tech.

“I can’t say enough about Dave,” Rabbitt said. “He’s quite a man of character too.”

Filias also recovered two fumbles and eclipsed 100 total tackles on the season.

“It feels great,” said Filias about sending seniors Jonathan Caraballo and Kemyi Suarez off with a win. “We’ve been working all season for this game. It feels great to send the seniors home like this.”

Canales scored on a 10-yard keeper up the gut to make it 25-0 with about 10 minutes left in the fourth. A few drives later, senior back Jonathan Caraballo ran out the clock after a Bhenzel Cadet fumble recovery with 2:07 to go.

“Kemyi played a little bit of defense in the second half and Jonathan came in in the fourth quarter,” said Rabbitt about his seniors. “I’m just proud of those guys. Only one year in the program, but they left an impact. They knew their roles and played them very well.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2OqLEcn