Flutie, Dunlap lead Natick Past Needham, 49-28

Entering Friday’s game, Needham seemed confident that they’d be able to defeat Natick. But the Red and Blue had a different plan, as they overpowered the Rockets in the second half and left Memorial Field with a 49-24 victory. 

“This is huge. That’s a great team,” Natick head coach Mark Mortarelli said. “Unfortunately, they’re under-manned, a couple of guys got hurt during this game, [and] of course the quarterback’s out, but anytime you beat Needham, they’re very well coached and they’re very balanced. It’s just huge for us.”

“Well, they’re an excellent team,” Needham head coach Dave Duffy said. “They executed flawlessly on offense, and we did have some injuries, can’t use that for excuse. [We’ve] got to get ready for the rest of the year.”   

Natick opened the game with a Troy Flutie touchdown to wide receiver Alex Hilger before Needham responded on the ensuing possession with a field goal by senior place kicker Andrew Murowchick. 

The Rockets then caught the Red and Blue off guard with an onside kick, which set up Ryan Charter’s first of two touchdown strikes to Mike Vespa. However, the Rockets' lead wasn’t totally safe, as Flutie and freshman Brian Dunlan rushed for two scores before the break.  

In the second half, Vespa capped off a seven play series, and scored the team’s only rushing touchdown before Natick responded with four more touchdowns. Flutie threw and ran for a score, while Dunlap and junior Nick Lee each sprinted by Needham’s defense for points.

“[This win] is great. It gives us so much confidence heading into Wellesley, Walpole and Framingham. I feel great about those games, [and] I really feel like we can win those and go farther,” Flutie said. 

As for Duffy, he explained after the team’s second loss that Charter would be just fine, despite the loss.

“He’ll be fine. It’s his second game starting. [The] first one went smooth, this one didn’t, so he’s got to get back into it like everyone else,” Duffy said.

Needham will return to the gridiron next Friday, Nov. 4 when they travel to Framingham, while Natick will head home to host Wellesley.