Blizzard blows by Oilers; Local gridironers win their home opener 20-6.

Byline: Craig Holt 

CLINTON - The Clinton Irish Blizzard played well enough to win in their season-opener against potent Brockton 10 days back, yet lost by a single point.

Last Saturday, the Blizzard played well enough to win against a tough Randolph contingent. This time, the results were more to the locals' liking.

After a slightly sluggish start, Clinton caught fire and managed to dominate at both ends of the gridiron, particularly in the third quarter, and this proved more than enough to jump-start quarterback John Riccio's game. Riccio uncorked three touchdown passes, two landing in the arms of Ernie Adams, in sparking the Blizzard to a 20-6 win in Clinton's home-opener at Fuller Field.

The victory was the first of the season for the Blizzard, who improved to 1-1. The Oilers, who opened their season with a 14-13 triumph over Charlestown, slipped to 1-1.

"We played well, though we stuttered a bit in the first half, which is what we did down in Brockton," ninth-year Clinton coach Ed Peete said. "We were up, 14-0, in that game and then things changed. Maybe first-game jitters in a big game, first one of the year. But down the middle, we're 50-50 rookies and veterans. In this game, they all came together. All in all, it was a very satisfying win against a very good football team."

Though the Blizzard held the upper-hand in the first half and maintained a 7-0 lead at the half, it was the locals' superior third quarter play that ultimately put the game away.

Clinton took possession on its own 34-yard line to start the period and immediately rattled off three straight first downs, thanks to rushes of 11 and 29 yards by Scott Allard, and a 17-yard burst by Tyron Gamble. Allard's 29-yard run advanced the hosts to the Randolph 9-yard line. Four plays later, Matt Surrette caught a 9-yard TD toss from Riccio for the score that proved decisive. Jamie Cairns booted the extra point, giving the Blizzard a 14-0 lead.

The Blizzard defense forced the Oilers to punt on their first possession of the third period. Randolph put together a decent drive on its next possession, but was stopped dead in its tracks when Clinton's Gareth Watts intercepted a pass and motored all the way into the Oiler's end-zone. The TD was called back due to a penalty, but the Blizzard retained possession on the Randolph 42-yard line. After a short gain by Gamble, Allard scooted 20-yards for a first down, advancing the ball to the Oiler's 9-yard line. Riccio then passed to Adams for a TD. Cairns hit the extra-point, upping the Clinton advantage to 20-0.

"We had a little talk at halftime and we said that the veterans had to step it up and carry these guys a little bit, and the rookies have to learn that we have a reputation here," Peete said. "In the third quarter, everyone - rookies and veterans - just came out and got the job done, on both sides of the ball. We jelled when we had to, and that was impressive since we didn't practice this week because of all the rain."

Randolph scored late in the game when Andre Barboza caught a 35-yard pass from quarterback Ryan Meyers. The Oilers were unable to score on the two-point conversion attempt, keeping the score, 20-6.

The Blizzard took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter in a scoring sequence that had its roots in a big defensive stop. Clinton took possession on its own 9-yard line after stopping a 49-yard Oilers' drive. Randolph had four chances to punch it in from the 9-yard line, but the Blizzard defense caused four straight incomplete passes. Meyers was pressured on each play, while Daniel Perry and Alejando Miranda hounded the Randolph receivers. Both Perry and Miranda deflected passes on potential TD tosses.

Riccio and his mates responded with a vengeance, marching 91yards for the game's first TD. The TD was dramatic as well, as Riccio lofted a 29-yard pass to Adams on fourth and six for the score. Cairns converted the extra-point, giving the Blizzard a 7-0 lead.

Clinton's defense was solid in the first half. Derek Guimond had an interception in the first period while Chris LeBlanc picked off a pass in the second quarter.

"We've got good, quality veterans on this team and it shows," Peete said. "So we're going with a veteran-youth type movement, and I believe that it's the best for all the players. The veterans have to teach the young kids. And the young kids are willing to learn. It's a good situation."

Clinton returns to the gridiron this Saturday when it plays Charlestown at 7 p.m. at Fuller Field.