Just a Bit Short: Rockets Fall to King Philip

In one of the most talked about match-ups of the day at Gillette Stadium, the primetime game between the Reading Rockets (8-3) and the King Philp Warriors (11-0) lived up to all the hype. Reading was looked to win their 3rd Super Bowl in 5 years. Unfortunately, Reading came up a bit short, losing to King Phillip 21-18.

Reading was able to score first in this contest thanks to a 79 yard touchdown run for Nick DiNapoli. Unfortunately, Reading was unable to convert on the 2-point conversion attempt.

Slide show by TJ Kelley

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King Philip answered the call from their quarterback, Brendan Lydon, on a 14-yard touchdown catch from Ethan Dunne. The extra point was good for the Warriors from Cole Baker. This made the score 7-6 at halftime.

The second half of action left you on the edge of your seats. To open up the 3rd quarter, King Philip scored first, make the score after the extra point, 14-6. Reading refused to give up. The battle was underway as Reading unleashed their bag of tricks. Junior, Matt Panacopoulos, fired to Eric D’Agostino on a halfback option to the end zone. This made the score 14-13. Reading was unsuccessful on the extra point.

King Philip kept on delivering. Lydon was able to connect with Brett Mazur on a 69-yard touchdown pass. Reading had a tough night in the secondary matching up with the bigger, stronger King Philip receiving core. This made the score 21-13.

Corey DiLoreto, quarterback from the Rockets, helped lead Reading to the end zone once again. He was able to connect with Nick DiNapoli for a 63 yard touchdown pass. Reading was 0-3 on extra points or 2-point conversion tries.

Reading finished the season coming up just short. Reading will look to get back to the Super Bowl for a 3rd straight season for 2017. The Rockets showed great fight, leadership, and great ability to stay competitive against a truly tough opponent.