Super Bowl games often present major challenges for teams fortunate to be playing in such a prestigious venue. For the King Philip football squad, give them an A-plus for staring disappointment and adversity in the face and overcoming both. And, give them credit for the dramatic and dynamic way they rallied for their second consecutive state championship.
Coach Brian Lee’s Warriors, who eked out a 10-7 triumph over Lincoln-Sudbury in the Division 2 Super Bowl clash at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 1, never quit and displayed exceptional perseverance when Lincoln-Sudbury seemed in control.
Try these negatives on for size: KP trailed, 7-0, at halftime; star running back Shane Frommer was playing hurt (hip-pointer); quarterback Brendan Lydon, who’s never lost a game playing at the freshman, jayvee and varsity levels, left the contest in the third quarter after fracturing his tibia and ankle; and sophomore kicker Cole Baker missed a 39-yard field goal in the final quarter that would have given KP a 10-7 lead.
That’s enough negativity for a half dozen games but the Warriors responded in classy fashion by obliterating adversity and turning disappointment into glee.
*Frommer finished with 137 yards rushing and scored the tying TD, a 13-yard run in the third quarter.
*Reserve QB Robert Jarest connected on a 35-yard pass play that ignited the drive that ended with Frommer’s TD.
*Junior linebacker Jake Webster turned in the defensive play of the game by coming off the edge from the blind side of L-S quarterback Braden O’Connell and forcing a strip sack that KP’s Evan Rice recovered at the L-S 27. That set the stage for Baker’s second chance to preserve the Warriors 25-game winning streak and two straight Super Bowl crowns.
*After failing on his 39-yard attempt, Baker calmly connected on a 30-yard field goal for the 10-7 victory.
Heroes? There were many — Frommer, Jarest, Webster, Rice and Baker. And, how about KP’s defense, which limited a high-octane offense to a meager seven points.
“Our kids displayed the attributes that define our program,’’ Lee emphasized. “They showed commitment, mental toughness, grit, perseverance, resiliency and accountability. It was very exciting to see everyone’s hard work pay off, just a great experience.’’
Lee said he was confident that KP would triumph when Webster’s sack and subsequent fumble by O’Connell occurred. And, he was upbeat about Baker’s second try.
“Don’t forget that Cole’s field goal against Franklin enabled us to win a 17-14 game earlier in the season,’’ Lee noted. “When he connected on the second attempt, I saw the ball go through the posts but I was heavily focused on the protection. I felt we’d be able to hold on with 1½ minutes left in the game. My thoughts turned to special teams and their coverage on the kickoff.’’
Baker, who’s been part of both Super Bowl wins, called the triumphant kick his all-time top thrill. And, he was optimistic about his second chance.
“When I miss a kick, I usually know what I did wrong,’’ he said. “I had leaned backwards and swung awkwardly on the first one. This time, though, I had great protection and just focused on the kick. It’s the best feeling ever and I’m happy for the seniors. When I saw my parents, my mom was so happy she was crying.’’
Webster’s sack turned the tide and Lee knew his defense would answer the call.
“By recovering the ball at their 27, we didn’t have to go far,’’ Lee said. “And, I was sure Cole would bounce back. Jake’s been unbelievable all year (2 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles). He was dealing with a knee injury but played through it. I felt our defense would make a key play. When that happened, I felt we were going to win.’’
Webster called his play “a momentum swing.’’ He was right.
“I knew we needed a turnover,’’ he said. “I had some luck. Making the tackle was huge but swatting the ball loose was the key. This win is my greatest thrill because we bounced back after losing our QB and missing a field goal. We overcame a lot and for those who doubted us, we proved them wrong.’’
Lee pointed to Frommer and Jarest as added keys in the victory. “Shane had a hip-pointer but he excelled all year,’’ Lee said. “He had 1,500 yards rushing, averaged seven yards a carry and had 18 TDs. He even had a TD on an interception from his safety slot. Robert deserves credit. He’s only a sophomore and he didn’t get many snaps during the season. He did do some mop-up duty during the year but it was limited.’’
Frommer said he suffered a hip-pointer in last year’s Super Bowl and that it surfaced during the season just completed. On Monday, before facing L-S in the Bowl, he began icing the area every day. “During the game I didn’t feel any pain,’’ Frommer said. “I just kept going full tilt. Trailing by seven and knowing our starting QB was out, I knew we needed a big play. I took a handoff from Robert, saw the middle clog up, and decided to cut outside to the left. I was glad the TD got us going. Winning two straight Bowl games is amazing. I’m sure when all of us are older, we’ll appreciate the two titles and the 25-game win streak more.’’
Lee, who played on the 1989 Super Bowl title team at Walpole when his father was coaching the Rebels, was emphatic when asked about the role of his assistant coaches, whose planning led to playoff victories over Barnstable, Mansfield and Bridgewater-Raynham. “You need quality assistants to win two Super Bowls and 25 straight games,’’ he said. “We’ve hired guys who have great work habits and plenty of passion for the game and our program. They deserve credit.’’
Lee’s defensive corps held L-S, which averaged 40 points an outing, to seven points, a feat the coach was acutely aware of. “We practiced hard for L-S,’’ Lee noted. “Our coaches put the kids in the right situations. They worked so hard for this game. To play on our defense takes lots of work and plenty of film preparation. Our defense was resilient.’’
The injury suffered by Lydon was a huge setback for the senior who led KP to its first Super Bowl win by beating Reading. Lee said his QB was in terrible pain and was devastated by the injury. “Brendan did a great job guiding us to our first Bowl victory,’’ Lee said. “Because of his efforts, we were able to get to a second straight Bowl game.’’
Lydon, whose injury ended a superb grid career, underwent surgery Dec. 13 in Boston. “It was disappointing to not finish the game but I’m happy for the entire team,’’ Lydon said.
The 46-year-old Lee has coached KP for 13 years. The two Super Bowl victories are cherished but he’s more humbled by the tradition the Warriors have established. “When our school’s name is mentioned, I want people to know that KP has a quality football program that’s highly respected.’’
Mission accomplished because the last time KP lost a football game was in November, 2015 to Natick in a playoff consolation matchup. What’s followed since that encounter is 25 consecutive triumphs that include a pair of 12-0 records.
“You never know what you’re going to have,’’ Lee said. “You win one and suddenly it multiplies. It’s a blessing to have players who are close-knit, confident and business-like.’’
It’s also a plus to have players who can turn adversity and disappointment into a joyful celebration.
Issue Date:
January, 2018
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