Fight to the Finish

Many big games don't live up to the hype, but this one certainly did. In a boisterous, raucous atmosphere that validates what the designers of the new MIAA playoff system were hoping for, the Pioneers came up just short to an outstanding Bedford team 14-7.

The Bucs did what no other team this year even came close to doing - they shut down the high-octane Pioneer offense. The other way to look at it however, is that the Lynnfield defense played nearly as well today as the highly touted Bedford defense.

To get the winning score, the Bucs needed a great punt return and then 10 plays to travel 48 yards. They punched it in with 9 seconds left but amazingly the Pioneers used those nine ticks to get in position to toss a potential game tying TD into the end zone as time expired. They never quit.

The Pioneers shouldn't hang their heads. They've played great all year, including today, and have a chance to win as many games as any Pioneer team in LHS history. Two games left including the big Thanksgiving rivalry game with North Reading.

Plenty of football left. Let's enjoy the rest of the season.