BELCHERTOWN - The Belchertown defense just could not handle Athol quarterback Eric LaFountain Friday night.

The Red Raiders' signal-caller accounted for 290 total yards and four touchdowns in a 40-8 victory over the host Orioles.

LaFountain did most of his damage on the ground, with a game-high 198 yards rushing on 24 carries and a pair of touchdowns.

"Our number one concern on defense was not to let the quarterback kill us, and he killed us," said Belchertown coach John Mayo. "He's too quick for us and he can throw the ball well. They had a good balanced offense.

"We were there a number of times, we just couldn't put him to the ground," he added.

Belchertown (2-7, 0-6 Intercounty) gained just 174 total yards, and only 26 on the ground. The defense played a solid first half and tried to keep the Orioles in the game, but a late second-quarter score by LaFountain made it 21-0 at the break.

"When they scored on the last play of the half, that was a killer," Mayo said. "That kills you psychologically, and it put them up three scores. Then you have to gamble on both sides."

Alex Izatt had a nice game for Belchertown. He reeled in an 84-yard touchdown pass from Chris Ladd midway through the fourth quarter for the Orioles' only score.

Ladd hit an open Izatt in stride along the right sideline and the junior took it the rest of the way.

Izatt also intercepted a pass by LaFountain in the second quarter with Belchertown trailing 14-0. However, the offense quickly gave the ball back to Athol (8-1, 4-1), who proceeded to score the touchdown to make it 21-0.

"We didn't do much on offense," said Mayo. "They're a good team, both sides of the ball, they're a strong defensive team. We've been struggling and we're young on offense.

He added, "It puts more pressure on the defense, and it's the same kids playing (on both sides of the ball), so when you're not moving, you get down and it affects your defense."

Ladd, just a sophomore, completed 7-of-19 passes for 148 yards and the touchdown. He missed long on a number of deep balls.

"I thought Chris was a little antsy and he rushed a few throws," Mayo said. "But I love the kid. He's a really good athlete, he's a competitive kid, a smart kid, and he's going to be very, very good."

Sophomore Jake Loughman was Belchertown's leading rusher with 28 yards on 10 carries. He also had two receptions for 51 yards.

"We're working hard, and we have great kids," said Mayo. "I've been coaching a long time, and I can't remember being around a group of kids I liked more than this group."

Mayo added, "If we were losing like this with seniors, I'd be concerned. But we're doing it with young kids."