AMHERST – Senior Night was a moment of pride for the Amherst football team on Friday.
The Hurricanes dropped a 34-14 decision to East Longmeadow, but with two well-executed drives to the end zone, Amherst head coach Mike Dublin remained positive after the defeat in what was a celebrated night for all the team’s seniors.
“I don’t really care too much about the scoreboard,” Dublin said. “I’m very proud of my guys, especially the seniors who have been putting in a lot of work.”
The Hurricanes couldn’t come up with an answer in the first half as they trailed 14-0. East Longmeadow jumped out in front in the first quarter with a 48-yard passing touchdown by Connor Rubidoux to make it 6-0 with 1:59 remaining.
Then, in the second quarter, Preston Longo began his three-touchdown performance. The first one was a graceful 7-yard rushing touchdown putting the Spartans up 14-0 by the end of the half.
Just 10 seconds into the third quarter, Longo attacked again, this time on a 49-yard rushing touchdown straight up the middle of the defense to make it 20-0.
The Hurricanes did not go away however, as quarterback Jameson Dion kept a carry for himself to rush into the end zone for a 5-yard score to cut into the deficit.
The Hurricanes had additional chances in the second half, but they were called for two crucial holding penalties that potentially could have been touchdowns.
After an 18-yard passing touchdown scored by East Longmeadow’s Johnny Ferrentino, Longo struck once more to make it 34-6 in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard TD.
In perfect Senior Night fashion, Amherst senior Tafari Proctor closed out the scoring night with a massive 51-yard rushing touchdown at the 2:59 minute mark. Dion flipped the ball over to Proctor, who then ran to the right side of the field to find open field. Proctor glided down the sideline without a touch.
Coach Dublin continues to express appreciation for how determined his team is no matter the score. The scoreboard does not reflect the effort, the first-year coach explained.
“In practices and games, regardless of what the situation is, these kids are strong enough to put any frustration out of their mind and play the game they love,” he said.
Dublin said he believes the team has made progress, even if the result haven’t shown it. Amherst fell to 0-8 on the year with the defeat, though the 14 points were a season-high.