Merrimack knocks off Salem

By rbrown
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Updated: October 1, 2016

NHIAA WEEK 5
Merrimack 39, Salem 20
at Merrimack

Quarterly Report

Salem		7	0	0	13	20
Merrimack		14	7	12	6	39

Moments That Mattered

Salem trailed 27-7, but looked like it would make it a two-score game until the Blue Devils fumbled the ball away on the Merrimack 5-yard line on their opening drive in the third quarter. The Tomahawks then drove 95 yards to take a 33-7 lead with 1:27 left in the third. Joe Eichman capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run.

Beyond The Box Score

The victory improved Merrimack’s Division I record to 4-1. The Tomahawks now own sole possession of first place in Division I South. Salem fell to 4-1. The loss led Bedford (5-0) as the only unbeaten team in Division I.

Talking Points

Merrimack coach Kip Jackson: “We are a team that’s built to score quickly, so if we get down by 14 or 21 we’re not going to be that fazed by it. Other teams that run the ball a lot, it puts them in a difficult situation. We have a lot of skill-position players. We can go two-deep on 7-on-7 teams and really be competitive. Every team has depth issues on the line and we’re no different.”

Salem coach Rob Pike: “We knew we had to play great to defend them and to move the ball on them. They’re a great defense too. Everybody talks about their offense, but they fly around on D. They play with a lot of energy. They’re a good, aggressive defense.”

Footnotes

Merrimack quarterback Justin Grassini completed 28 of 42 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns. He passed for 484 yards and seven touchdowns in a victory over Concord last week. … Justin Weiser, Tyler DeNeill and Danny Vanecek caught Grassini’s TD passes. … Merrimack also received three rushing touchdowns from Joe Eichman. … Salem’s Josh Sibanda, a junior wingback, scored all three Salem TDs (two rushing, one receiving). … Merrimack has scored 205 points in its last four games, and 225 points in the last 17 quarters. … Merrimack will play at home against Londonderry next weekend. Salem will be at Memorial.