The Chelsea High football team dominated Minuteman Tech in Lexington on Saturday afternoon, securing a 32-6 victory. Juan Martinez was the standout performer, accumulating 220 yards on just eight carries with two touchdown runs of 84 and 82 yards. This win improved the Red Devils’ overall record to 3-4, and more significantly, moved them to 2-0 in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference’s Small Division. “Juan had a career day,” noted CHS head coach Mike Stellato. “He gave us a tremendous performance.” Stellato was eager to acknowledge his offensive line’s contribution in creating openings for Martinez. “Our line did a nice job all game,” the coach stated, highlighting the performances of senior guard Andres Romero, senior offensive tackle Andy Rath, and senior center Brayan Blanco. Blanco’s impact extended to the defensive side, where he anchored the middle linebacker position and played a crucial role in the Red Devils’ defensive effort. “Our defense really came through for us,” Stellato explained. “They played tough when we needed them to.” Chelsea’s defense set an aggressive tone early, stopping Minuteman at the Red Devil 10 yard line after the Minutemen had driven 65 yards in nine plays following the opening kickoff. Taking over on downs, the Red Devils needed just three plays before Martinez broke loose on an 84 yard run to the Minuteman two yard line. Martinez scored on the next play and added the PAT conversion for a 7-0 Chelsea lead. After the kickoff, Minuteman started from its own 35, but a second down slant pass was intercepted by CHS outside linebacker J.J. Rivera, who returned it for a touchdown. Martinez’s PAT made it 14-0. The Chelsea defense forced a three-and-out, and when the Red Devils got the ball back at their own 18, Martinez struck again with another long scoring run. Though Minuteman managed to score before halftime, Chelsea held a commanding 20-6 advantage going into the locker room. A Chelsea fumble on a pass play early in the second half gave Minuteman the ball at the CHS 35, but the Red Devil defense responded by forcing a turnover on downs at the 15 yard line. “The defense made a huge stop for us,” said Stellato. “If Minuteman had been able to score after the turnover, it would have changed the entire complexion of the game.” Chelsea quickly reasserted control when quarterback Jordan Virella led an eight play scoring drive, punching in a touchdown from the two yard line to extend the lead to 26-6. The Chelsea defense then dominated the remainder of the game, preventing Minuteman from mounting any comeback. Late in the contest, the Red Devils added another score on a six play, 40 yard drive, with sophomore fullback Raul Flores scoring from two yards out for the final 32-6 margin. “It truly was a total team effort on both sides of the ball,” stated Stellato, who also praised special teams player Luis Garcia and defensive back Troy Crossley alongside the previously mentioned contributors. The Red Devils will face CAC Large Division opponent Whittier Tech on Friday evening at the Stadium. “This game will be a challenge,” said Stellato. “They have the same 3-4 record as we do, but we have not beaten a Whittier team in quite a while.” The game kicks off at 7:00.
Devils demolish Minutemen 32-6 – Martinez runs for 220 yards, scores two TDs;Chelsea hosts Whittier Tech Friday evening
