BELCHERTOWN — The Belchertown High School football team had no answer for Monument Mountain’s running game in a 38-14 loss Thursday.
The Spartans’ rushing attack accounted for four touchdowns. The very first play of the game resulted in a 54-yard rushing touchdown that put Belchertown behind quickly.
One bright spot for the Orioles (0-4, 0-3 Intercounty South) was junior running back Bradley Lovett, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
“He’s one of our better ball carriers back there, the only guy that has some weight on him,” first year coach Ed Wyzik said.
This past offseason the Orioles lost a lot of players and currently only have one senior, Ryan French, who didn’t not play in 2016. Wyzik believes that the team will come around as the season goes on.
“We lost our whole defense and on offense there are a lot of new guys out there,” Wyzik said. “Right now we’re taking baby steps, just trying to get better and better every week.”
After putting up a total of eight points over their first three games, the Orioles’ offense got going against the Spartans. Belchertown had 184 yards of total offense, all on the ground.
“Our sweeps were working good tonight and the counter game is starting to come too,” Wyzik said. “Running game worked this week, next week, hopefully the passing will come.”
Even though junior quarterback John Flink did not complete any passes, he still made his presence felt as he jumped between two defenders to score a 1-yard rushing touchdown on a fourth-and-goal situation.
“It was his first career rushing touchdown,” Wyzik said. “The kid’s got a big heart and hopefully the score gives him the momentum he needs.”
Despite being winless, Wyzik remained optimistic.
“Every team that we have played so far holds a winning record,” Wyzik said. “We’re still building here, just trying to find what works for us.”
The Orioles head to North Adams to play winless Drury on Oct. 7. The Blue Devils (0-3, 0-3) play at Amherst Regional on Friday.