Rams dominate in opener 38-22

Brad Picard gets a great block from #73 Matt Petrelli

By Steev Riccardo. Patriot Staff photos; more photos follow

DUDLEY – There was little question whether or not the Shepherd Hill Rams were ready to play when they took the field last Thursday night in their season opener against the Westborough Panthers. Those that had any doubts most likely dismissed them by halftime as the Rams opened a 38-8 lead en route to a 38-22 win.

After holding the Panthers on their first possession, the Rams went to work and put together an outstanding six-minute 80-yard drive culminated by a senior quarterback and co-captain Drew Ravenelle twelve-yard run for a score.  Brad Picard added the two-point conversion and the Rams were up 8-0. 

The Rams then looked to get another quick score when they attempted an onside kick but the Panthers were able to recover the ball and advance in all the way to the Rams’ 15-yard line. From there quarterback Dan Orlando was able to get his team in the end zone and, following a two-point conversion, tied the game at 8.

The second quarter may have been one of the best single quarters in Shepherd Hill football history. The Rams scored 30 unanswered points to completely dismantle and deflate the Panthers.

Junior Jake Gelb, who had an outstanding game for the Rams, raced in from 22 yards to start the second quarter scoring parade.  Picard then added another two-point conversion and it was 16-8 and the Rams were up for good.

After holding Westborough to three offensive plays, the Rams were at it again, moving the ball down the field with ease and setting up Ravenelle’s second rushing touchdown run, this one going for 21 yards.

Moments later senior Kyle Amico returned a punt 56 yards and the Rams held a nearly insurmountable 33-8 at the half.

The Rams sat most of their starters, including Ravenelle, in the second half and the Panthers put up 14 unanswered points, but the damage was done.

If you want to start handing out awards, it was obvious that the Rams’ skill players (Ravenelle, Picard, Gelb) all played great, but their line play was incredible and if they play like this every week, they are going to be hard to beat.

Shepherd Hill will take on St. Peter-Marian next Saturday night in Worcester in a key match up.  The Rams were beaten 27-20 by the Guardians a year ago in a fierce battle.

Rams senior Back Brad Picard

The Shepherd Hill cheerleaders were ready to go

Quarterback Drew Ravenelle eludes tacklers

The outstanding Shepherd Hill offensive line takes a breather

Read more about The Shepherd Hill Rams and high school football in the View From The Sidelines column published every week in the Patriot and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with feedback and comments.