By Mark Puleo
MediaNews Group
HUDSON — Friday night was Senior Night and the Hudson seniors went out and dominated in a 42-19 victory over North Middlesex.
After the game, North Middlesex coach Sandy Ruggles was pleased with his teams fight against undefeated Hudson (7-0)
“Down 21-0, we certainly didn’t quit. We got the late score and guys never gave up,” he said.
Coach Ruggles was happy with his team’s performance in the third quarter, despite the lack of results.
A big 54-yard touchdown on a screen pass was called back for a block in the back, costing the Patriots (2-5) much needed points and momentum. On the following play, Evan Cain struck for a dazzling 76-yard punt return for his second touchdown of the game to put the Hawks up 35-7 as the third quarter came to unfortunate end for North Middlesex.
“Giving up that late special teams touchdown certainly hurt, but again, our kids didn’t quit, and that’s certainly a positive,” coach Ruggles added.
The Patriots fight and tenacity finally paid off on their opening drive of the fourth quarter. Backup quarterback Matt Wetherell connected with senior captain wide receiver Dylan Woods on an impressive 74-yard touchdown to move the score to 35-13.
Hudson wasn’t done yet either though, as it scored on its next possession. North Middlesex was able to add on one more rushing touchdown at the end, but it was too little, too late.
North Middlesex trailed 28-0 when sophomore Ryan MacDonald pulled down a two-yard touchdown pass to put the Pats on the board, 28-7, going into the intermission.