Coach Dubzinski On North Andover Football's MIAA Tournament Win

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover's Scarlet Knights beat Westford Academy, 35-7, in the first round of the MIAA football North Division 2 tournament Friday. That sets them up to face the first seed Reading Friday night, away at Reading High School. The defending-champion Scarlet Knights now won four in a row, going back to an Oct. 11 win at Chelmsford, giving them a 5-3 season record.

"Thought our kids did a good job against a good Westford team," said varsity football coach John Dubzinski. "Will Schimmoeller, Matt Chicko, Freddy Gabin and Ricky Brutus all made big plays for us all night on offense."

Dubzinski was unsurprisingly pleased with the team's defense, which held Westford to just 7 points.

"Defensively, we did a good job containing their quarterback, controlling the line of scrimmage, and covering up their receivers," the coach said.

The week ahead is daunting, however.

"Reading is a great team," said Dubzinski. "They are a number 1 seed for a reason. They are very well coached, don't make many mistakes and are physical."

"We are excited for a chance to compete against one of the premier programs in Massachusetts year in and year out," he continued.

Friday's game is at 7 p.m. at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading MA 01867.