Ah, the thrill of high school playoff football. The best teams in the state this year concluded their seasons at the MIAA State Championships at Gillette Stadium, and the Division 6 Super Bowl on December 3rd, 2021 was one for the books. The teams going head to head for the title? None other than the Abington Green Wave versus the Rockland Bulldogs- a South Shore League rivalry with deep roots. To say that the rivalry intensified the game would be an understatement. Fans packed the stands from both towns; the seats were split into seas of green and blue. The Bulldogs claimed the victory over the Green Wave in a final score of 23-13.

Both teams dominated during the regular season into the playoffs, arriving in Foxborough with records of 11-1. Abington’s lone loss came to Rockland back on October 8th, while Rockland fell to Middleborough just a week later on the 15th. Senior captains Eddie Reilly (quarterback), Shea McClellan (linebacker), and Tommy Fanara (running back) led the Green Wave. Senior quarterback PJ Celestino and junior receiver Lucas Leander held the captaincy on the Bulldogs side.

Even as the temperatures dropped lower and lower, the game began heating up quickly. Rockland got on the board right away, as Celestino connected with Leander for the first points of the night. Leander then ran the ball in for another six points with a successful extra point, and Abington quickly responded with a rushing touchdown from junior Izzy Ricketson.

As the first half expired, Celestino returned Abington’s punt 99 yards for touchdown, giving the Dogs another six points to make the score 20-7.

Each team scored once more in the second half, with Abington senior Mason Kilmain rushing for a 3 yard score and Rockland senior Jerry Esposito kicking a field goal.

Reilly reflected on the season he and his teammates had: “It was a magical ride with a group of guys that will have a special place in my heart forever. Unfortunately we just came up short.”

He also gave a shoutout to the fans and all of Green Wave nation: “On behalf of everyone on the team, we want to thank everyone that came out and supported us”.