Despite Thursday (Sept. 14) night’s perfect football weather, the Marblehead Magicians (0-2) lost to King Philip 34-6 for their second loss of the young season.
Marblehead’s offense took a few series to find its rhythm. The Warriors held a 7-0 advantage after the first quarter, thanks to a fourth down score with 1:10 remaining in the frame. King Philip added another six points from a 6-yard touchdown run by Aidan Astorino, and the onslaught began.
In the first quarter, the Magicians didn’t have any success running the ball, failing to net positive yardage by halftime. One thing Marblehead did find, however, was its bootleg passes and screen passes against the overcommitting King Philip defense.
On third-and-15, quarterback Colt Wales threw a screen to Brady Selvais who took the pass 40 yards across midfield. Unfortunately for the Magicians, they failed to convert the ensuing fourth down for a turnover.
Marblehead held King Philip from scoring and got the ball back. On third down, Wales evaded a King Philip lineman and hit Crew Monaco on a seam route. Monaco put on the afterburners, taking it 73 yards for a touchdown. After a failed extra point, the Magicians trailed 13-6 with 2:20 left in the half.
King Philip used up 2:04 before finding the endzone for the third time in the half. This time, it was a pass that found the corner of the endzone for a 20-6 halftime lead.
The Magicians got the ball to start the second half and got two first downs, but the drive ended with an interception. At the end of the third quarter, King Phillip led 27-6, and Marblehead failed to score points the rest of the way.
Marblehead hosts North Andover Friday at 6:30 p.m.