Lynn English quarterback Jordan Javier Lark said he knew he could count on receiver Chris Lessard if he needed someone to make a big play.
“Chris is the go-to guy when things get a little rough,” said Lark, the Bulldogs’ 6-feet-4-inch signal caller.
Lark threw a 40-yard spiral downfield and Lessard and a Swampscott defender contended for the football, but Lessard came down with it, completing a spectacular 68-yard TD pass play and giving the Bulldogs a 27-7 lead on their way to a 27-14 win.
“Chris made a great play on the cornerback and scored,” said Lark, who had earlier connected with Lessard for a 34-yard TD pass and Kyle O’Connor for a 10-yard TD pass. “Whenever I throw the ball up there, I expect Chris to catch it all the time. He’s our No. 1 receiver.”
Lessard said the play was originally designed as a post pattern. But when he saw Lark scrambling, Lessard move quickly to another spot on the field.
“Jordan pointed me to the outside and deep when he was rolling out – he had about five seconds back there because the line held up – and I went the other way and it was the defender and me 1-on-1 and I caught the ball,” said Lessard. “Jordan has the arm. You saw how far he can throw the football. I just keep running and when he sees me, he throws it.”
Lark said the Bulldogs’ offensive line was “the key to the victory.”
“The offensive line played great,” said Lark who took control of the offense after starting QB Lucas Harris sustained an injury in the first quarter.
English improved its record to 2-1, 1-0 in the Northeastern Conference Large.
“I’m very proud of the kids,” said English coach Peter Holey. “They made plays when they had to make plays. Jordan stepped up in a big way when Lucas got hurt and Chris Lessard showed the athlete that he is.”
BULLDOG NOTEBOOK
Lineman Chris Tinkham had an outstanding game. “Chris dominated on both sides of the ball despite being double teamed often on defense,” said Holey.
Tinkham is attracting considerable attention from UMass/Amherst and is a candidate for a scholarship.
Zach Lozzi had a 39-yard return for a touchdown. Schuyler Hogan intercepted a pass deep in English territory to stop a Swampscott drive.
English plays Gloucester Friday night at refurbished Newell Stadium. “This is our first game at the new stadium,” said Holey. “I don’t think we’ve beaten Gloucester there in a while. I think our last two wins against Gloucester were at Manning Field.”