BALDWINVILLE — It might have been a lopsided loss to Narragansett, but the bright spots were in clear view for the Athol football team.
The Red Raiders lost 48-16 to the Warriors on Friday night, but the running game and the play of freshman quarterback Caleb Cox left the team feeling OK getting on the bus.
“They were positive in the locker room at halftime,” Athol coach Bill LaRose said. “There was no quit and we are headed in the right direction.”
Keegan Lutz and Mason Barrieau both were able to gain positive yards on nearly every carry. An early on-sides kick recovered by the Warriors helped build an early lead. While the offense was able to move the ball, the defense had a very hard time with Narragansett.
“Offensively we looked really good,” LaRose said. “We ran our buck sweep as good as I’ve seen.”
Lutz had two rushing touchdowns, while gaining 75 yards on the ground. Barrieau found some seams off-tackle for 68 yards on 13 carries.
Cox proved he can be accurate with the ability to move the pocket. He finished 4-for-5 for 41 yards and a rush for 8 yards.
“For a freshman he had a whale of a ballgame,” LaRose said. “He was composed and he hit his receivers. The future is bright for Caleb.”
Cox accounted for both of Athol’s 2-point conversions, completing passes to Barrieau.
The defense, led by Dylan Castine and Manny O’Lari showed some flashes against a very talented Narragansett offense.
Castine was all over the field for Athol making tackles from his middle linebacker position.
The problem was when the Warriors passed the ball.
Quarterback Damian Comeau, a multi-purpose threat, torched the Red Raiders in the air.
Comeau accounted for seven touchdowns for the Warriors. The junior quarterback also kicked extra points for Narragansett.
Comeau had four long touchdown passes.
“If we stop the pass I think we have a football game,” LaRose said. “We have to find a way to defend the pass. They know their pass defense needs a whole lot of improvement.”
The score was 33-16 at halftime.
