In a thrilling, action packed Senior Night and Homecoming game against the Wachusett Mountaineers, the Blue Devils came out on top for the first time since 2015.

Both teams had a 5-1 record heading into the night and the Blue Devils were ranked number 3 in Central Mass while the Mountaineers were ranked number 1.

After the Blue Devils obtained the win over Wachusett, 48-27, Leominster is ranked Number 1 and bumps Wachusett down to number 4. 

The night started out by recognizing the Seniors from our band, our cheerleaders and our football players. Senior Band members include Lauren Ogonowski, Anya Levine, Ryan Leon, Skye Sweeney, and Danae Neuhaus.

Senior Cheerleaders include Kenzie Cumming, Maisee Thao, Saige Davis, Karys Santucci and Ella Parisi. 

Senior Football Players include Ricky Encarnacion, Bryan Aguilar, Ma’kai Stinson Newton, Jared Viola, Steven Diaz, Cameron Cote, Joshua Cormier, Jonathan Alpizar, Logan Arce, Jiovanni Roman, Anthony Salvatelli, Devin Patel, Hamlet Almanzar, Delmahr Wright, Henry Marte, John Escabi and Korrin Sullivan.

After the Senior celebrations, the Mountaineers won the coin toss and chose to receive the ball first. But they wouldn’t be on offense for very long.

On the opening kickoff, the Blue Devils kicked it to the Mountaineers, but the Mountaineers were quickly stopped when LHS Senior Steven Diaz, stripped the ball from the Wachusett ball carrier and the ball was recovered by LHS Sophomore Aramis Reyes. 

Leominster was now on offense and scored on their first offensive drive.

Steven tells us that the first play of the game “fired him up” and gave him high hopes for the rest of the game.

The offensive and defensive line, mainly led by seniors, dominated the line of scrimmage all night.

As far as scoring goes for the Blue Devils, LHS Senior Rikervin “Ricky” Encarnacion, scored 3 touchdowns in the game, all in the first half, giving him a total of 107 receiving yards in that game alone. Overall, in 6 games, Ricky has 501 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. 

In the third quarter, LHS Senior Bryan Aguilar had a total of two catches in the game and both resulted in a touchdown. His two touchdowns gave him a total of 96 yards for the game. 

LHS Sophomore Xavier Cora also carried a touchdown into the end zone for the Blue Devils that game. This would be Xavier’s first touchdown of the season and first varsity touchdown overall. 

LHS Senior Ma’kai Stinson Newton capped the scoring with a punishing touchdown run in the 4th quarter, his fifth touchdown of the season. Ma’kai had 27 carries in the game for a total of 145 rushing yards. 

Blue Devils kicker, LHS Junior Daniel Thompson, had his best game thus far and completed 6 out of 7 extra points. 

The Quarterback, LHS Freshman Osiris Lopez, threw 4 touchdown passes along with no interceptions and strong protection from the offensive line prevented him from being sacked. Osiris had 310 total passing yards in the game and has 1,550 passing yards this season. 

If the Blue Devils beat their opponent, Shrewsbury, this Friday, October 28, 2022, they will have a secured spot in the playoffs.

Overall, the Blue Devils had a stellar game, and this win was huge for them going into the playoffs.