Medfield Football Airs it Out in 32-16 Win Over Norton Friday

The Medfield High School football team's offense was in need of a big game and finally got it Friday night against Norton in a 32-16 victory.

Moving away from its run-oriented offense, Medfield attacked Norton through the air to pick up its second win of the season behind strong efforts by quarterback Alex Opiela and receivers TJ Valente and Tim Bernard.

Opiela continued a strong season with a huge night Friday, finishing the game with five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) and 301 passing yards on 23 completions.

Valente broke out at the wide receiver position, hauling in 10 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Bernard had two receiving touchdowns, one of 50 yards and the other of 15.

Medfield's Greg Rose recorded two sacks on defense.

The Warriors trailed 6-0 after the first quarter but outscored the Lancers, 32-10 over the final 33 minutes.

“We want to win on every play,” said Medfield head coach Erik Ormberg. “These kids have not stopped competing at any point. For them to come out and play all four quarters and get a win down here on the road, it’s a compliment to their efforts and attitudes.”

BREAKDOWN OF THE GAME:

You would think it would be the offense because of the play of Opiela and his receivers, but it was actually the Warriors' defense that turned the game in their favor.

After trailing, 9-0, Medfield held the Lancers to just seven points the rest of the way.

In the first quarter, Medfield went for it on fourth down and four from its own 21-yard line on a fake punt attempt. The pass was incomplete, giving the Lancers’ great field position.

Fortunately for Medfield, its defense stopped the Lancers at the eight, forcing the field goal.

The rest of the night, Medfield held Lancers to seven points, while the offense took control of the game.

SPEAKING OF MEDFIELD'S OFFENSE....

Opiela and his receivers were the story of the day. The Warriors threw the ball 31 times.

After having so much success in the air, the Warriors went away from their passing game.

“The game plan we had was that we wanted to try balanced as best we can,” said Ormberg. “My quarterback was banged up, so we knew we couldn’t lean on him as much, keeping the ball as much as we did last week (against Bellingham.)”

WHAT MEDFIELD GOT OUT OF THE GAME

Despite being banged up, Opiela delivered a gutsy performance in the win. They also showed they can win in tough circumstances.

Medfield (2-5, 0-2) travels to Medway on Oct. 28 for a 7 p.m. TVL Large Division game.