Whaler Football's Season Comes To An End Against Pentucket

The Whaler football team’s season came to an end Friday afternoon, losing to Pentucket 35-15 in the MIAA Division 6 State Tournament. Despite the score, it was a hard fought game that ultimately came down to a few key plays and a few key calls.

The Whalers, who entered the game as the division’s #9 seed and with an 8-0 record, fell into a 7-0 deficit with 6:22 to go in the first quarter after their opening drive stalled and they were forced to punt it to Pentucket, who capitalized on their first drive.

Nantucket quickly tied it 7-7 after driving the field and capping their second drive off with a three yard touchdown run by senior Canton Jenkinson with 9:15 to go in the second quarter.

After Pentucket made it 14-7 with 1:02 left in the second quarter, Nantucket began their possession at their own 38 yard line with 56 seconds to go in the half. The Whaler’s drove the field and set themselves up for a play five yards out from the end zone with three seconds to go in the half. Nantucket opted to go for it, but was unable to convert - keeping the score 14-7.

Pentucket received the ball to begin the second half and after driving the field, found themselves in a third and 14 situation at the Whaler 42 yard line. Unfortunately for Nantucket, they got beat on a deep ball for a 42 yard score and Pentucket extended their lead to 21-7 with 7:24 to go in the third quarter.

Nantucket appeared to respond quickly when Jenkinson took it to the house for a 76-yard score the very next drive to make it a 21-14 game, but the play got called back for a chop block. The next play, Pentucket forced a fumble and took over at the Whaler 13 yard line. They’d go on to extend their lead to 28-7 with 4:12 to go in the third.

Pentucket scored another touchdown with 8:20 to go in the game and Nantucket scored again in the fourth on an Arann Hanlon touchdown run, followed by a two point conversion from Lombardi to Tristan Grimes to make it 35-15.

From the players to the coaches to the cheerleaders to the many fans who made the 140 mile trip to support the Whalers, it was a strong showing for Nantucket, who had the longest trip of any football team in the state in round one.

Nantucket's senior class includes:

Arann Hanlon (C)
Jeremy Jenkinson (C)
Andrew Lavin (C)
Rashawn Wray 
Gaven Smith
Amare Bramwell
Canton Jenkinson
Noah Stringer
Tristan Grimes
Vallon Jeanty
James Phillips
Ashley Klatt
Ben Yates
Nick Yates
Patrick Valero
Dakara Turner
Jay Nolasco

You can view more photos from Friday's game here. The Whalers season is not over, as they will play a home consolation game Friday, November 14th against Medway High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. at Vito Capizzo Stadium.