Rodriguez Leads Drury in Opening Day Win
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Drury started the year with a big victory over Smith Vocational, 44-8, at home on Saturday afternoon.
A new season means a fresh start for the Blue Devils and after a tough season last year they looked ready to get things going this year. Right from the start of the game Drury looked impressive on the ground getting back-to-back rushes of more than 30 yards to get into the red zone.
Tim Koloc capped the drive off with a nice pass from Obilio Rodriguez from 12 yards out giving Drury the early 6-0 lead. Rodriguez threw for 76 yards and rushed for 140, including 4 touchdowns -- two on the ground and two through the air.
“For us being young getting off to a good start was huge.” Drury coach Al Marceau said. “I knew if we could get the ball to start and go down and get some points we could get the young kids excited to build their confidence.”
A few series later, Drury was back to pounding the ball up the field. Running back Frankie Cooper had himself a good game, getting 106 yards on the ground and really setting up the Drury offense with Rodriguez. Cooper ended the drive with his only touchdown score of the game giving Drury a 14-0 lead.
Smith Voc did not give up after going down 14-0, but after scoring on a 51-yard reception to bring get back to 14-8, it seemed to stall out. Drury came right back and scored two more unanswered touchdowns before the half, including a 51-yard rushing touchdown from Rodriguez. The Blue Devils went into the half up, 28-8.
Some costly turnovers for Smith Voc ended some decent drives, and it seemed like the visitors would never find their rhythm. Drury tacked on two more touchdowns and looked to run the clock out.
It was a good performance from this young Drury team, but with a matchup against Mount Greylock, a team that went toe-to-toe with Hoosac Valley on Friday, coach Marceau knew they had some things to work on for next week.
“Our defense needs to improve,” Marceau said. “When you’re young and inexperienced the offense takes up so much time, but our defense and communication needs to be better especially against teams like Mount Greylock who like to throw the ball.”
That Drury-Mount Greylock matchup will be next Saturday at Drury.