Freshmen Kicker Locks up King Philip Football Win Over North Attleboro

With some one of the best players in the Hockomock League

on the field, it’s ironic that the game would come down to a freshman kicker. With the game on the line, 15 year old Derek Roschlein quickly became the hero for King Philip as the Warriors beat the North Attleboro Red Rocketeers, 16-14, at Community Field in North Attleboro.

North Attleboro came out strong in the first quarter with a five play, 63-yard drive that was capped off with an Alex Jette touchdown reception early in the first quarter.

Despite the score and a stalled drive that followed, the Warriors didn’t seem fazed by the North Attleboro drive which was unfamiliar to a team use to stopping their opponents.

“We talked a lot about not being shocked when a great team makes a big play,” KP head coach Brian Lee said. "I didn’t think we we gonna shut them out so when they make a big play, you gotta sick to the plan."

Late in the first, Joe Johnston helped tie the game up with a five yard run that capped up a quick three play drive. Later in the second quarter, Johnston struck again with a one yard score. The missed extra point kept the score at 13-7 going into half time.

The Red Rocketeers took the lead back with under a minute to play in the third quarter when quarterback Ryan Perron connected with James Kummer for a 63 yard touchdown reception that gave North Attleboro a 14-13 lead.

With 41 yards to go a little over three minutes left in the game, the Warriors had one last chance to take the lead.

An 11 yard run from Johnston got the Warriors to the 30 with time ticking away. Faced with a third and 6, a pass to Sam McDonald to the 20 gave the Warriors a fresh set of downs.  

Driving down to the 2 yard line, KP put their faith in Roschlein. In high school for just over two months now, the young kicker could of never imagined a situation like this,

“Never would of pictured this, especially looking up to the kids playing now,” Roschlein said.

With all the attention on him, Roschlein split the uprights to give KP a 16-14 lead with 11 seconds left and later the win after the Red Rocketeers could not respond.

Despite the win, the Warriors are now out of contention for the Kelley-Rex Division title. A win by Mansfield over Franklin locked up the championship for the Hornets.

The Warriors will now enjoy some time off before facing rival Franklin on Thanksgiving at 10 a.m.