The first half of Boston Latin’s battle with O’Bryant Friday night was all Augie Groh.
The senior quarterback rushed for four first-half touchdowns, including three in the first quarter, as the Wolfpack rattled off 32 unanswered points to topple O’Bryant, 39-14, at Madison Park.
First, Groh had to shake off a first-play interception. After the Tigers (1-1) jumped ahead on an Elijah White touchdown, Groh and the Wolfpack (2-0) responded quickly.
“My guys were really supportive of me,” Groh said. “They told me to get back out there and we had to put together a good drive to score back.”
His four touchdowns came from 2, 3, 11, and 6 yards out. Groh only totaled 64 yards on the ground, but he made his carries count.
“I think he needed that to really get going,” coach Ray Butler said of the interception. “Good players do that: they have a moment that sets them in the right direction for the rest of the game.”
Senior running back Lawrence Decossa added 101 scrimmage yards, including a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the second half. The rushing performance included starts for two freshmen on the offensive line, Eric Merryman and Emmanuel Tshimuanga, in their second and first varsity games, respectively.
“Both those guys really stepped up and played well,” Groh said. “All those guys are really hard workers, and we’re just working hard to get every yard we can.”
Senior Timothy Gramer also forced a fumble on a punt, recovered it, and returned it 30 yards for a score.
