The Manchester Essex football team put forth their best defensive performance of the season, according to head coach Mike Athanas, and it resulted in a 33-0 win over Greater Lowell at Bishop Fenwick High School Friday night.
"It was a much-needed shutout," Athanas said. "We played really well on the defensive end and (Greater Lowell) didn't move the ball much at all. It was the best defense we played all season."
The Hornets jumped out to an 18-0 halftime lead and scored on their first two possessions. Brian Ciccone had three scores, two on the ground and one receiving while Jack Bishop put the Hornets up 26-0 with a 55-yard, third-quarter touchdown run. Cooper Riehl added a fourth-quarter score to make it 33-0.
Athanas credited Aaron Gray for his play on the defensive line and Colin Lyne, who had an interception in the defensive backfield.
"Aaron has been doing a good job for us lately," Athanas said. "It was just his third start of the season and he has been big for us. Colin's interception was also a great play, he has been very solid in coverage this season."


