BELCHERTOWN – Leading by seven points with under two minutes remaining in the game, the Belchertown football team had its backs against the wall as Pittsfield was staring at a goal-to-go situation in prime position to tie or take the lead.

On first-and-goal from the eight-yard line, Generals quarterback Marcus Jubrey dropped back to pass. He saw an open receiver on a slant pattern breaking toward the middle and floated a pass in his direction. 

Orioles safety Landon Andre had other plans.

Andre jumped in front of the route and picked off the pass at the goal line. One hundred yards later, Andre put Belchertown up by 15 (after a two-point conversion) with a minute and a half to go. The Orioles hung on to win 41-34 in their first game of the season.

“Earlier on they got a two-point conversion running that slant, and I saw that it was the same look,” Andre said. “Right when he made the plant to cut inside, I saw the quarterback’s eyes lock on him immediately. They thought it was gonna be there, but once I saw his eyes I knew I had it.”

While Andre unquestionably made the play of the game, most of Friday night’s contest was highlighted by Belchertown senior running back Chris Daskam and the Orioles offensive line. Running behind his unit up front, Daskam totaled 247 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. 

“The linemen, I gotta give all the credit to them,” Daskam said. “They made holes and did a great job, the rest just came with it.”

Orioles head coach Dan McCarthy knew his offensive line would have to be dominant if they were to have any success this season. The work didn’t start during the first day of practice. Those five guys were grinding all summer long.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” McCarthy said. “I knew my backfield was ready to roll, and I have nothing but love for that offensive line. Those five guys up front, all summer they worked their butts off and became a cohesive unit.”

“I can’t say enough about (Daskam),” he continued. “When I think of a hard worker and a true leader, it’s Chris Daskam. When it comes to business, when it comes to getting the job done, he’s right there. I have full faith when I give him the ball that he’s gonna pick up the yards we need.”

Pittsfield hung with Belchertown step for step for four quarters on Friday. Anytime the Orioles marched down and scored, the Generals came back with an answer. Jubrey had a magnificent dual-threat performance, combining for 401 total yards (234 passing, 167 rushing) and five passing touchdowns – four of them to wide receiver Freddy Conyers, who racked up 130 yards receiving. Da’Sean Brown also added 92 yards receiving and a late touchdown.

“Marcus had a tremendous game,” Pittsfield head coach Brian Jezewski said. “And so did our receivers and running backs. Offensively, we’re in a really good position right now.”

After giving up three passing touchdowns in the second quarter alone, the Belchertown secondary responded by holding Pittsfield scoreless in the third. Senior Nico St. George picked Jubrey off at the Orioles 20-yard line to spark a touchdown drive by the offense. Belchertown’s secondary is young, so McCarthy is happy with how they handled their first game of the year.

“They came in and they adjusted,” McCarthy said. “I’m very proud of them. Our secondary is very young, but they’re starting to get that communication part down. At the end of the day, nothing but proud of them.” (this quote can be replaced by the one below for the Eagle version)

Overall, both offenses moved the ball with ease. The biggest difference came in the turnover margin. Belchertown forced three turnovers – all in the second half – while Pittsfield forced only one. Those second-half miscues – two of which came in the red zone – cost the Generals several possessions, and most likely points.

“We made a couple of mistakes, but I give all the credit to Belchertown, they took it to us,” Jezewski said. “Their running back is as good as advertised, their offensive line is really, really good. I thought we dominated when we had the ball, I thought they dominated when they had the ball – they just happened to have it more than we did.”

Pittsfield is a young team that consists of only four seniors. Belchertown’s roster fields eight seniors, with most of them being essential pieces on offense and/or defense. Jezewski saw the difference on the field Friday.

“Defensively, we gotta get better,” Jezewski said. “We gotta tackle, we gotta be better at the point of attack. We’re a young team, and I think our age got exposed a little bit tonight. But again, Daskam and those kids did a real nice job. They run hard, and when you don’t make the tackle at the point of attack, you’re in trouble. We didn’t do that tonight.”

Belchertown (1-0) has felt disrespected by other teams in western Mass. as well as other voices from around the region. Friday night was just the beginning of what’s to come this season, according to Andre.

“I think this was just the start of Belchertown football,” Andre said. “I think the rest of our schedule has a big thing coming.”

McCarthy added: “People can keep betting against us, western Mass. keep betting against us, but we’re out to prove the doubters wrong,” McCarthy said.

The Orioles host Ludlow next Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Pittsfield (1-1) travels to Wahcnonah for a Berkshires battle with the Warriors next Friday at 7 p.m.

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