Hull finishes perfect year with Div. 8 title

FOXBORO — It was a sterling morning of atonement for Hull after last year’s disappointing loss to Randolph in the Div. 8 Super Bowl.

Boasting a roster even stronger than in 2021, Mike O’Donnell’s squad was dominant early against KIPP Academy, scoring on its first four possessions, on the way to a 27-6 win Saturday at windy Gillette Stadium.

The unbeaten Pirates dominated the Lynn-based Panthers (8-5) for their third Super Bowl victory in school history.

The Pirates (13-0), who outscored playoff opponents 144-25, scored on their first four possessions. Hull went up 27-0 against a Panther team that averaged over 30 points in scoring during the season.

Hull head coach Mike O’Donnell was pleased with the outcome after last year’s loss to the Blue Devils.

“We were right here supporting Randolph last year,” said O’Donnell in the press area. “I was pleased because we played as well as we could and they beat us. But I told them later that we didn’t want to be on the outside next year and we had to work our tails off to get back here. Hard work pays off and these guys are like a family.”

Senior back John Gianibas punished the defense with 188 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. Hull picked up 311 rushing yards to 299 for KIPP.

Gianibas is among the best backs in the state. “John’s a very skilled, talented and talented player,” said O’Donnell. “He’s one of the strongest kids on our team pound for pound. He’s in the weight room all summer. He’s tough to take down and he’s shifty. You put those things together and have him at the goal line, he’s going to bring it.”

Panther quarterback John Setalsingh completed 17 passes on 38 attempts for 222 yards. KIPP’s lone score came late in the half when Setalsingh hooked up with Morenel Castro (three catches, 56 yards) on a 15-yard pass. Hull’s Luke Dunham picked off two Setalsingh throws to kill drives and Gianibas had one interception.

Hull quarterback Luke Richardson hit Ethan Campbell with a 19-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead at 7:47 to close out a 73-yard drive. Dunham’s first interception and 50-yard return set up the Pirates’ second score, an eight-yard romp by Gianibas.

Gianibis rushed for 37 yards on Hull’s next possession, including a nifty 19-yard run to stretch the Pirates’ lead to 20-0. A 10-yard gain by Gianbis highlighted Hull’s next scoring drive. He pounded his way in from a yard out for the 27-0 advantage with 1:43 left until the break.

KIPP finally got on the board with 12 seconds left in the half when Setalsingh hit Castro with a 15-yard strike.

“We knew they’d make plays. They’re too athletic not to,” said O’Donnell. “We tried to keep as much of the game in front of us and attack.  Vic Mafo had six catches for 97 yards for the Panthers and Chanel Gutierrez pulled in six catches for 97 yards.

HULL 27, KIPP ACADEMY 6
HULL (13-0) 13-14-0-0 – 27
KIPP (8-5)   0-6-0-0 – 6
H – Ethan Campbell 19 pass from Luke Richardson (Logan Chenette kick)
H – Gianibas (kick failed)
H – Gianibas 19 run (Chenette kick)
H – Gianibas 1 run (Chenette kick)
K – Morenel Castro 15 pass from Juan Setalsingh (pass failed)

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/Mx6Dm2A