Belchertown turns tables on Ware in 29-0 opening win

WARE — The opening drive may not have produced a touchdown, but it sure set the tone as the Belchertown football team opened its season with a 29-0 triumph over Ware at Veterans’ Field.

Ware had ran roughshod over Belchertown in recent meetings. The Indians had been stacked with outstanding upperclassman, while the Orioles had no choice but to throw inexperienced players into the fire.

Call it role reversal. This time, it was the Orioles with the skilled upperclassmen and the Indians in a rebuilding mode under new coach Jim Haupt.

Last season, Ware beat Belchertown, 49-0.

“We were inexperienced last year and just couldn’t tackle,” Belchertown coach and former Ware football standout Ed Wyzik said. “This year, our players have experience and they know how to tackle.”

They sure do as the Orioles were outstanding on defense. They forced five turnovers on three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Belchertown did not need to punt until there was 4 minutes, 22 seconds remaining.

“We pounded the ball,” Wyzik said. “The guys in the backfield can get the job done.”

It all started with the opening drive that resulted in a 36-yard field goal by Hunter Klingersmith that easily could have gone another 10 yards. It’s what the Orioles did to get those three points that showed they no longer are a team that gets pushed around.

The Orioles did the pushing to the tune of a nine-minute drive. Keeping the ball on the ground, Belchertown decided to grind it out and got the tough yards during a 14-play drive.

There was one hiccup when Cal Daskim was thrown for a 10-yard loss on a sweep. But Klingersmith, a former soccer player, drilled the field goal through the uprights for the early lead in what was arguably the best game of his career.

“I’d say so,” Klingersmith said. “I’m so proud of the way the team has bounced back from last year.”

In addition to his field goal, Klingersmith helped the secondary limit Ware to one pass completion. He also had a key 30-yard reception in just an outstanding all-around game.

“He’s an all-purpose kid — no matter where we put him,” Wyzik said.

Then the defense took over. Ware’s offense may have been stuck on the sideline for most of the opening quarter, but once it got the ball, it didn’t do much with it.

“Our defense is much better than last year,” Wyzik said. “We were aggressive.”

Matt Fournier came up with the first of three Belchertown interceptions. His pick six from the 15-yard line provided the Orioles with a 10-0 advantage.

The defense continue to frustrate the Indians and the Orioles were able to strike again prior to intermission.

Dennis Denehy scored on a 6-yard touchdown run as the Orioles extended their lead to 16-0 with 6:04 left in the half.

Another Ware turnover provided Belchertown with a touchdown before the half. Owen Sedlacek scooped up a fumbled and raced 44 yards into the end zone as the Orioles extended their lead to 23-0.

Following a scoreless third quarter, Joel Wyzik scored on a 4-yard run as the Orioles increased their lead to 29-0. Klingersmith kept the drive alive with a clutch 30-yard reception from John Flink.

Belchertown 29, Ware 0

First quarter

B-Hunter Klingersmith 36-yard field, 2:02

B-Matt Fournier 15 INT (Klingersmith kick) 2:02

Second quarter

B-Dennis Denehy 6 run (kick failed) 6:04

B-Owen Sedlecett 44 fumble return (Klingersmith kick) 0:00.

Fourth quarter

SB-Joel Wyzik 4 run (kick failed) 10:55

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING—Belchertown: Lovett, 12-45, Flink 4-7, Denehey 2-12, Wyik 8-26, Daskim 7-13, Otto 1-minus 1, Douillard 2-2; Ware: Devin Slattery 11-47, Dillon Slattery 1-3, Smith, 2-25, Viera 11-47.

PASSING—Belchertown: Flink 4-6-83, Otto 0-0-0; Ware: Slatter 1-11-23,

RECEIVING—Belchertown: Klingersmith 1-22, Fournier 1-22, Daskim 1-9, Klingersmith 1-30; Ware: Orzulak 1-23.