Dragons coast into first place

Latin Academy 34, Dorchester 16

October 01, 2011|By Lorenzo Recupero, Globe Correspondent

Fleet-footed Latin Academy quarterback Kyle Dance easily runs past a pair… (WINSLOW TOWNSON/FOR THE…)

Latin Academy is officially in first place.

Its 34-16 triumph over Dorchester at White Stadium yesterday in the Boston South League opener put the Dragons atop the league for the first time in seven years, according to coach Rocco Zizza.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in first place in October,’’ said Zizza, whose team missed out on the postseason with a 5-5 record in 2010.

“We’re a lot more physical this year and it’s going a long way for us.’’

The victory extended Latin Academy’s win streak to three games, and earned the Dragons (3-1) their third consecutive Mason Cup, given to the winner of the game between the Dorchester rivals since 2008. The Cup is named in honor of Hall of Fame coach Joseph Mason, who coached at Dorchester for 37 years.

The Dragons’ offense had its best game of the season, taking the pressure off the defense, which had given up only 6 points since a season-opening 27-6 setback at Millis. The defense did contribute a goal-line stand to preserve a 20-8 halftime lead.

Sophomore quarterback Kyle Dance put up his best numbers of the year, having a hand in three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) and running for 155 yards on 10 carries.

“We are still a power team rushing the ball, but we now have a QB who can run the ball, and that really opens up our offensive playbook and today it really showed,’’ said Zizza.

Dance showed off his passing touch, completing all seven of his attempts for 91 yards, including a game-sealing 67-yard strike to sophomore Devaughn Riley in the fourth quarter.

“[Dance] runs hard and is very athletic. Every time he carries the ball, it’s for positive yards,’’ said Zizza. “He can really make it happen when he scrambles.’’

Earnest Kellough, the team’s leading rusher, had 175 yards on 13 carries and two TDs.

Senior Elijah Smith threw a touchdown pass to Kadeem Collins at the start of the second quarter to give Dorchester (1-2) an 8-7 lead. Dorchester’s other score came when Smith ran it in from 3 yards out with 34 seconds left in the game.