Billerica High football cruises in opener

It was an evening that had just about everything for the Billerica High football team.

A 38-0 victory at home, a touchdown run by a lineman, a few crafty two-point conversions and a post-game song with the fans and the Indian cheerleaders.

“I thought our kids did a good job coming ready to play,” said BMHS coach Duane Sigsbury. “We focused on coming in, taking care of business and working hard. Defensively, I thought Coach (Devin) Lakin and the guys on the defensive side of the ball did an unbelievable job of preparing. I’m proud of our guys.”

While the Billerica offense was productive all night, the BMHS defense was overwhelming.

Visiting Lowell managed just 36 yards of offense in five first-half possessions with one only first down.

The next Raider first down came midway through the third quarter with Billerica in front 38-0.

Senior Jason Chaffee had the first big stop defensively on a third-and-seven play from Lowell’s 35-yard line. Chaffee made a tackle two yards shot of the first down, forcing a punt that was kicked out of bounds after traveling only 13 yards.

BMHS was in the end zone four plays later on a 10-yard run by senior quarterback JT Green. Junior Mike Murnane took the snap and ran in the two-point conversion to make it 8-0 just 3:01 into the action.

The Indian defense made another big stop on fourth-and-two from the BMHS 48-yard line. Billerica then marched 52 yards for another score, making it 16-0 with 46 seconds to go in the opening quarter.

Green connected with junior Gus O’Gara for a 23-yard touchdown pass and Murnane took the snap again and hit big 6-foot-3 senior Scott Einarson with the 2-point conversion pass.

The next BMHS drive went 87 yards in 11 plays, making it 23-0.

Green connected with O’Gara three times on the way to the end zone before handing off to senior lineman Keith Johnston for the touchdown on a 3-yard run with 5:43 remaining in the half. Chaffee followed with the extra point.

Sigsbury laughed after the game when comparing Johnston’s run to William “Refrigerator” Perry of the Chicago Bears, who famously scored several touchdowns as a fullback in 1985.

Just before halftime, BMHS scored one more time when Green busted loose for a 49-yard run, setting up a 9-yard touchdown pass to Murnane. Murnane added another 2-point rush to make it 31-0 with 1:08 to go before intermission.

The Indian defense made one more statement before halftime as an Einarson sack led to a fumble that was recovered by junior Cole Dillon.

Billerica started the second half with a touchdown before taking its foot off of the gas pedal.

Sophomore Judd Dorival’s 21-yard run and a 25-yard pass to Murnane set up the last score, a 4-yard run by Green with 8:33 left in the third quarter. Chaffee boomed the extra point to complete the scoring.

The BMHS defense would prevent the shutout.

Senior Jason Martin made an excellent play to break up a fourth-down pass from the Indian 45-yard line and sophomore Nathan Boldebuck caught a fourth-quarter interception that initially hit junior Joe Micciche before bouncing to Boldebuck.

Late in the game, Sigsbury inserted both freshmen Tim Murphy and Michael Schein into the contest while sophomore Peter Vincent saw some time at running back.

The Indians play a non-league game at Westford Academy on Friday at 7 p.m.