Crusaders Flex Muscles; Football Team Defeats Hudson 21-0

Last Friday night, Groton-Dunstable football team defeated host Hudson 21-0 behind touchdowns by Matt Manning, Drew Moore and Mack Eberhardt and by employing a stingy defense.

Teams were scoreless in first quarter but a 45 TD yard run by Matt Manning and a 54 yard pass and run from quarterback Mack Eberhardt to sophomore Drew Moore for the team's second touchdown gave the Crusaders 14-0 advantage at the half. Both extra points were good by freshman kicker Corey Romich.

Eberhardt tallied team's third TD on a 25 yard run and the defense did the rest.

Hudson quarterback Dan Mendes was an impressive 10 of 22 for 111 yards.

With the win, Crusaders improved to 5-1 overall. Currently, they're locked in a first place tie in Mid-Wach C with Tyngsborough and Lunenburg all with 2-0 records.

The only blemish on GD's schedule thus far is their 41-6 loss to Westford Academy (Dual County Large). Dominating wins against Maynard (3-3), Murdock (1-5) and Clinton (1-5), did not tell much about GD. The 28-27 squeaker over Quabbin (4-2) indicated a tough, determined Groton-Dunstable team. However, with the triumph over Hudson (3-3MidWach B), a team with convincing wins versus Westborough that they could be something special this year.

Five games remain against teams none of which have losing records. Oakmont (3-3), Littleton (5-1), Gardner (3-2), Lunenburg (3-3) and Thanksgiving Day game with Tyngsborough (6-0) round out a competitive second half schedule.

Top four Division 3 teams will advance to Central Mass. football playoffs the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. With season about half over, there are plenty of important games to be played. Currently, Auburn (5-0), Groton-Dunstable, Tantasqua and Quabbin lead the power ratings based on wins and strength of schedule in Division 3.