Third time just as sweet for South Shore Voke

HARWICH — The first two tilts between South Shore Voke and Old Colony in 2019 were heart-stoppers, each ending as one-possession games.

So no surprises here, their third go-around proved to be the most dramatic yet.

Senior Sean McGuirk was the hero Thursday night, scoring the game’s only touchdown, while recovering a fumble in the final two minutes, as South Shore Voke raised its first Small Vocational football title in more than a decade with a thrilling 8-0 blanking of Old Colony.

“For us to shut (Old Colony) out today is just a huge credit to our defense,” South Shore Voke coach Matt Boyle said. “I’ve loved my defense all year, and they fought hard. To shut this team out, and get that big turnover at the end is unbelievable.”

After falling to eventual Div. 8 Super Bowl representative West Bridgewater back on Nov. 15 in the South sectional final, the Vikings (9-4) set their course to the vocational tournament, still in search of some potential hardware. It took every effort at Monomoy High School to seize the trophy, as they entered the half scoreless, with an opponent they know all too well, one they defeated by scores of 14-13 during the regular season, and 14-8 in the Div. 8 South semifinals.

South Shore Voke would draw first blood with 5:45 remaining in the third quarter, as senior quarterback Brian McClain gave a quick handoff to McGuirk. The senior fullback rumbled off a few blockers and in for a 1-yard touchdown run. Junior Joseph Parker punched in the two-point rush, and the Vikings suddenly led, 8-0.

It proved to be the only points they needed. With Old Colony driving late for a potential tying score, the Cougars handed the ball to star running back Thomas Stanton. As he sprinted up the field for a big gain, Vikings senior linebacker Sean Lovell Jr. came swooping in and punched the rock free. McGuirk was there for the recovery, scooping it off the turf with less than 1:30 remaining.

“It means everything,” Boyle said in shock. “This is my first year as a head coach. I love this senior class. It’s one of the favorite classes that I’ve been a part of since I’ve been on the coaching staff. I remember when I played (for South Shore Voke), I won a Voke Bowl in 2004, so to bring the Voke Bowl home today, it means everything to me. I’m so happy the seniors are going out with it. It couldn’t happen to a better group of kids.”

Although Old Colony would receive one more possession, the Cougars’ last-ditch Hail Mary fell incomplete, and the Vikings were crowned champions.

Stanton finished with 105 yards rushing on 18 carries to lead Old Colony (9-4).

“It feels great to come out on top,” McGuirk said. “It couldn’t go any better. It couldn’t go any better.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2Rpz13p