Turnovers cost Amherst Regional in 18-0 loss to undefeated Chicopee Comp

AMHERST — Turnovers cost the Amherst Regional football team a shot at an upset and a potential postseason berth, Thursday night.

Chicopee Comp took advantage of the extra opportunities to stay undefeated with an 18-0 victory in a downpour.

“There were a lot of mistakes that happen, fumbles and turnovers, but that is just something we have to work on,” Amherst senior quarterback Travis Isabelle said. “We have to come ready next week. We know we have two consolation games, but everybody on this team loves football and loves this sport. We’re going to put our heart out on the field these last two games.”

The Colts (8-0) captured the Suburban South at 5-0. The Hurricanes (5-3) finished 3-2 in league play. A victory could have earned Amherst a share of the title and given it a boost toward a state tournament playoff spot.

“They’re a good football team,” Isabelle said. “We’re grateful we got to play them tonight. It was good game.”

The rain and muddy conditions made it challenging for both teams. The first mistake went Amherst’s direction when a fumbled snap on fourth down gave the Hurricanes possession in Comp territory midway through the first quarter.

On second down, sophomore Brady Klaes gingerly followed his blockers then broke a 30-yard run to the 10-yard line. On first down, however, a fumbled snap gave the ball back to Colts.

Chicopee Comp then went on a near 10-minute, 16-play drive to take a 6-0 lead. Amherst’s defense had the Colts in third-and-11 and fourth-and-7 situations on the drive, but Comp converted each time.

“Our kids were fighting,” Amherst Regional coach Jack Putala. “We worked hard to stop their offense. They have a powerful offense. They have three powerful running backs. We played their triple option in an untraditional way, and it seemed to work pretty well. Things just didn’t fall in our favor.”

On Amherst’s first play on its next possession, a fumbled snap resulted in another turnover. Sophomore backup lineman Alexander Putnam stepped in to play center on the series because starter Yousof Elfawal left the game with an injury during Comp’s scoring drive.

The Colts scored five plays after the second fumble for a 12-0 lead. During the scoring drive, Isabelle, Putnam and assistant coaches were working on snaps on the sideline. Amherst did not have another bad snap the rest of the game.

“He stepped up and played the part he had to play,” Isabelle said of Putnam. “We’re all very grateful he was able to do that.”

Amherst opened the third quarter with possession and quickly found the red zone. Isabelle hit Taylor Alfaro Leiva for a 33-yard reception down the sideline to set the Hurricanes up at the 8. Three plays later, however, Isabelle attempted to connect with Alfaro Leiva, but Comp intercepted the ball at the 2.

“It’s a game of a couple untimely turnovers,” Putala said. “It’s hard to win a game, especially against a good team like this. We had two opportunities inside the 5 and turned the ball over both times. That’s the difference in the game.”

Comp had two interceptions late. The Colts added their final touchdown following a turnover on downs inside the 10 with under a minute to play.

Peter Tanguay had two tackles for a loss, in addition to recovering an Amherst punt that hit a Comp player in the back. Harry West played well with several tackles up front to stop Comp’s rushing attack.

“I’m proud of the way the guys played on defense,” Putala said. “They swarmed the football. They played physical and never quit.”