The Somerville High Football team lost another tough non-league battle 24-0 to St. John's Prep at Dilboy Field. The Highlanders will open their Greater Boston League season this weekend against Malden.

By Mike Rubin

The Somerville High Football team lost another tough non-league battle 24-0 to St. John’s Prep at Dilboy Field. The Highlanders will open their Greater Boston League season this weekend against Malden.

Not only did the weather wreak a havoc on the Somerville High School football team, but so did St. John’s Prep.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Highlanders succumbed in a tough 24-0 shutout loss to Catholic Conference leader St. John’s Prep in Friday night’s non Greater Boston League showdown at Dilboy Field. With the loss, the Highlanders fell to 2-4 overall.

“Our defense did a spectacular job against them,” said coach Harry Marchetti. “Unfortunately, our offense couldn’t get much going and when you don’t score points, you’re not going to win games. St. John’s Prep has more size up front, and they were able to contain us for the most part. We just couldn’t get anything going.”

Plagued by the Eagles defensive unit throughout the first half, the Highlanders failed to generate a first down until late in the third quarter as Josh Scarry mustered through a 21-yard run.

Midway through the first quarter, the Eagles grabbed a 6-0 lead as quarterback Tommy Gaudet engineered a quick drive and delivered a one yard quarterback sneak into the end zone.

After both teams traded possessions, the Eagles struck again, driving down the field before increasing the lead to 12-0 on another quarterback sneak by Gaudet..

Defensively, the Highlanders were guided by nose tackle Stanley Georges, who recorded 12 tackles, including several for a loss and a forced fumble. Unfortunately, the Highlanders failed to capitalize on any offensive opportunities.”

“Our defense was all over the field,” said Marchetti. “On offense, we couldn’t capitalize on anything, and we were forced to punt all the time. If our offense played as well as our defense, then we would’ve won the game.”

With a 12-0 lead through three quarters, the Eagles secured the victory with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns.

Early in the quarter, the Eagles extended the lead to 18-0 on a 69-yard touchdown run by Tyler Coppola before securing the victory on Gaudet’s third touchdown of the game.

“We gave it a great effort against a great team,” said Marchetti. “Hopefully, the tough level of competition will help prepare us for the league games.”

The Highlanders will return to the gridiron this week when they’ll face-off against Malden.