Video used with permission of Jack Hoppe ('24)

Video shows that the football never crossed the endzone on the game-winning score by Danvers.

New evidence surfaced early this week showing that football officials may have wrongly declared Danvers victorious over the Rocket football team last Friday. 

Starting the season with a 0-2 record, the Rockets needed a win and Danvers was the team to beat. The game was sent into overtime with both teams being given a drive opportunity to finish off the game.  Reading scored a touchdown, but missed their two-point conversion try.  With a last second two-point conversion of their own, Danvers secured the win, but there was speculation from the Reading team and fans surrounding the call. 

When looking back at the film captured of Danvers’ game winning play by videographer Jack Hoppe (‘24), it is clear that the officials did not make the right call. One of the Reading football coaches Mr.Blanchard remarked, “Obviously the evidence is pretty clear.” But due to the way that high school football runs, Blanchard explained, “Without review and replay, there’s an element of human error.”

Senior Captain Josh Robichaud, who was on the defensive line during the play, said he did not believe the officials had made the right call but, “The team played a tough game and we’re just moving on to the next one.” 

Coach Blanchard stated that although they lost the game, “We ultimately talk about the process over product,” and in this situation they were able to execute the play, giving the team “A positive thing to latch onto and learn from.” 

The Rockets will face the 2-1 Woburn Football team at home this Friday night, giving them a chance for redemption. This will be the team’s first Middlesex Liberty Division game.  Keeping their heads high, Captain Robichaud said, “We’re a young team, we’re building, we’re gonna keep building.  Next year’s team’s going to be great, but all we can do right now is finish off our season strong.”