Sophomore’s first start at QB a real test
By Emily Adelman, Staff Writer, The Times
Kennett High School sophomore Nick Dunlevy showed promising signs in his first full-game as the quarterback for the Blue Demons. Jim Gill photo.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — It might not have been the start he hoped for, but sophomore Nick Dunlevy may have just given a glimpse of what to expect from the Kennett High School football teams offense in the years to come: a smart, elusive signal-caller with a multi-faceted game.
But because Unionville’s offense started off fast, stayed fast and ended fast, Friday night, Dunlevey didn’t get much time to get acclimated. Ultimately, the Indians were were too much for the Blue Demons, as they dropped a 45-7 decision.
“Nick was very confident while playing,” Kennett High School Head Coach Scott Green said after the game, “We were very pleased with his performance. He didn’t look like a sophomore playing his first full varsity game at quarterback.”
Dunlevy had a strong first performance, throwing 6-10 for 58 yards, with two interceptions and rushing for 56 yards.
“It was intense. It was pretty nerve-wracking playing in front of all of the fans for the whole game,” Nick said. “But after the first hit, the nerves went away and it felt like I was playing a normal game.”
Kennett received the ball on the kickoff, and immediately went three and out. Kennett’s punt landed at the Unionville 49-yard line, where Junior Quarterback Alex Pechin made quick work of the short field. He led the Indians on a three minute scoring drive that culminated in a 29 yard touchdown run by Senior David Daly.
On the next possession, Kennett looked to even the score, but an ill-timed penalty prevented that from occurring. Senior Sean Middleton returned the kickoff to the 32 yard line. Dunlevy then faked a handoff to Noah Turner and rushed 68 yards for the an apparent touchdown, which was called back on account of holding on Kennett’s offensive line.
Dunlevy would throw an interception later in the drive that gave Unionville the ball at their own 30 yard line. Pechin again marched his team down the field and at the start of the second quarter, handed off to senior Dom DiBaggio for the two-yard touchdown. After another Dunlevy interception, Unionville would score on a flea flicker to Daly for 35 yards.
Kennett’s only score came late in the second quarter with Unionville up 21-0. Starting from his thirty yard line, Dunlevy hit Senior Noah Turner for 15 yards to convert a crucial fourth down. Dunlevy then rushed for thirteen yards, gave to senior Tight End Liam Clarke for ten yards, and rushed for ten more yards to get Kennett down to Unionville’s two-yard line. Kennett scored on a two yard run by Clarke to cut the lead to fourteen.
After a made field goal by the Indians as time expired in the half, Kennett was down 24-7.
The second half had Unionville written all over it. The Indians totaled 21 unanswered points to seal the victory 45-7. Junior Austin Hofman-Reardon rushed for a score, and Seniors Dan McClaskey and Chris Koehler reeled in a touchdown each.
Pechin ended the game with 3 touchdowns and 181 yards in the air.
It wasn’t all bad for Dunlevy, who played against some of his former Kennett-Unionville Titans Youth Football League teammates.
“It was fun,” Dunlevy said after the game. “After every play and after they would hit me, they would pick me up and joke around. It was cool to see them and see how much better they got. It was just fun.”
