After missing a game-winning field goal with two seconds to go in the fourth quarter, the Vineyarders were unable to capitalize in the overtime period, losing 22-14.
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School football team fell to the Nantucket Whalers Tuesday at Fenway Park during the 44th annual Island Cup.
The Whalers were able to stop the Vineyarders in overtime.
The Whalers were able to stop the Vineyarders in overtime.
After missing a game-winning field goal with two seconds to go in the fourth quarter, the Vineyarders were unable to capitalize in the overtime period, losing 22-14.
The game kicked off a series of high school rivalry games being held at the Red Sox stadium, a change from the usual venue at the Island high schools.
Prior to the game, both teams arrived on their buses and filed into the ballpark around the same time to their separate respective entrances. It was still drizzling after a day of steady rain.
Hundreds of Islanders traveled to Boston to watch the game, packing the stands.
Ten minutes before kick-off, the Whalers and Vineyarders were introduced with their respective pre-game hype videos to loud, cheering fans. Colors were presented by the Duke’s County Sheriff’s Office as the Minnesingers and Nantucket High School’s Accidentals and Naturals joined together to sing the national anthem.
The nail-biter started slowly. In the first half, the Vineyarders struggled to find their groove, with Nantucket dominating the overall play. The first touchdown of the day was scored by Whaler David Guillen-Taveras, who punched in a two-yard run.
The disjointed first half led to six punts overall from both teams combined. Nearing the end of the second quarter the Vineyard saw their first real chance at a touchdown, but were unable to capitalize as the pass was incomplete in the end zone.
Vineyarders had some highlight reel plays.
Vineyarders had some highlight reel plays.
During halftime, both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard dancers got the chance to showcase their skills with chants, leaps and turns. Martha’s Vineyard combined the high school cheer team and the dance team sponsored by RISE for a routine of dancing and tumbling.
The Vineyarders gained momentum at the start of the second half, converting their first third down attempt of the game, with William Nicholson running 12 yards for a touchdown.
The point after attempt was wide left, putting the score at 7-6 Whalers. That momentum was quickly smothered when Whaler Eli MacIver ran 45 yards for a touchdown seconds later, putting Nantucket up 14-6.
The game swung the Vineyarders’ way yet again, with Guilherme Oliveira scoring a touchdown for the Vineyard. Oliveira then jump-passed it to Syius Rivera to tie the game with a key two-point conversion with around 8 minutes left to play.
Fans on both sides were anxiously watching as the clock ticked down. With a chance for the Vineyarders to win the game in the last two seconds of regulation, Victor DeSouza — who kicked the game-winning field goal in last year’s Island Cup — missed a 27-yard attempt. The kick went wide right, sending the game into overtime, where both teams got a chance to score with the ball at the 10-yard line.
Nantucket started with possession. Whaler Arann Hanlon rushed the ball in for a touchdown, and converted the two point conversion, putting Nantucket in the lead 22-14.
The Vineyarders had a chance to respond but were setback with penalties and a strong defensive effort from the Whalers.
Players and fans didn’t have much time following the game to soak up the atmosphere under the lights of Fenway Park. After the final whistle blew, the buses were ready to roll for everyone to catch the last boats back to their respective Islands.
Comments
Still so proud of you boys!
Kasey Stevenson San Diego, CAStill so proud of you boys!
What a game! MV had the
Danny East ChopWhat a game! MV had the momentum going into OT, but, then the announcement came; “the MV fan bus has to leave early to catch the ferry”. How embarrassing. The Nantucket faithful had a good hoot at the Islanders expense and our players watched their fans file out in front of a ruckus Nantucket crowd right as OT was getting underway. Took the wind right out of those MV sails. Be sure to thank the SSA for again showing the locals just how out of touch their leadership is with the community they serve!
The SSA should have
Albert GosnoldThe SSA should have inconvenienced other passengers for football?
The locals elect the County Commissioners who hire SSA management.
The locals are out of touch.
The whole MV high school
Moira Silva West TisburyThe whole MV high school shined last night - - the band, Minnesingers, dance team, cheerleaders and of course our football team!!
Thank you to everyone who supported this memorable event and especially to those super dedicated football coaches who put in countless extra hours in the weeks leading up.
The dance team was amazing-
JeffThe dance team was amazing- they deserve more credit!!!
A disappointing loss, yes!
MJF WTA disappointing loss, yes!
But the team played hard and had a chance to pull the game out at the end.
The players worked hard all year and were very well coached.
We on the busses to the game were told that the timing of the game’s end might be tight to the boat schedule. It’s too bad that that turned out to be true.
We found out about the games end as we were pulling out into very heavy Boston traffic and thanks to our driver made the boat with all of five minutes to spare!
Life on a ferry schedule-dependent island!
But still a great effort and experience for players, coaches and fans!
Vineyard Pride!
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