This story has been updated with more information.
SOMERVILLE – The regular season is over, an unbeaten record and division title secured. Now, Somerville can become the first Pioneer football team to play for a state title.
They have played like a serious contender to do it all season
Somerville’s 45-7 triumph over Watchung Hills on Friday night sealed the Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division title. The 2024 team joins the 1983, 1979 and 1953 Pioneer teams that have gone 9-0 – the ’83 and ’79 clubs finishing 11-0 with section titles.
The current Pioneers should be the No. 1 seed when the South, Group 3 playoffs begin next weekend.
Senior Terrell Mitchell scored two touchdowns and became the 11th Pioneer to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Senior quarterback Brenden Pacheco threw three touchdown passes — two to Josh Rodriguez, another to Max Nuzzi.
“The division was a huge accomplishment but obviously the kids are hungry for more,” said coach Matt Bloom
Watchung Hills came into the game without three injured captains – seniors Brayden Kelly, Byron McCann and Jake Arakelian. The Warriors (5-4), who still have an outside chance of making the North, Group 4 field despite losing three straight, were down 20-0 after one period and 33-0 at halftime.
“They are a good football team. I hope they make a long run in the states,” said Watchung Hills’ coach Rich Seubert. “We have to get the guys better who are playing.”
After the game, Bloom said expectations were very high since the team was eliminated by Manasquan in the South 3 playoffs last season.
“Any guy can have a night where they are the big reason why we win, that’s because of the depth we have talent-wise, the cohesiveness that we have, it can be anyone’s day,” said Bloom.
Mitchell scored on a five-yard run off Somerville’s first drive. He scored on a 23-yard run just before halftime. The three touchdown passes came between his two. Mitchell has scored 18 touchdowns this season and Pacheco has thrown for 19.
“It’s a good group here. They know it’s not about the stats, but the wins,” Bloom said.
The two teams met for the first time since 2001. Somerville leads the series 23-12-2.
