The Alvirne High School football team celebrated its first win of the season on Friday, Oct. 3, with a 28-14 victory over Manchester Central during a special Project Blackout game.
Broncos fans had plenty to cheer about from the opening drive. On the first play, Mikey Landmesser broke through the line for a 40-yard run, charging from Alvirne’s 30-yard line to Central’s 30 before being brought down – setting the tone for the night.
Just a few plays later, on third-and-two from the 23-yard line, quarterback Ethan Dudley delivered another explosive run, scoring the team’s first touchdown of the game. It was also Dudley fourth touchdown of the year.
The extra point booted by Suleiman Suleiman was good, giving Alvirne its first 7-0 lead of the year.
The Broncos defense came out strong, forcing Manchester Central into a fourth-and-32 situation and a punt on their opening drive. Central also struggled with costly penalties throughout the game.
Alvirne’s second drive began at their own 35-yard line, and Dudley again delivered a big run, taking the ball nearly 40 yards to Central’s 25. Two plays later, Landmesser powered through traffic and into the end zone untouched from the 12-yard line. Suleiman’s kick made it 14-0 with six minutes left in the first quarter.
The Broncos defense continued to dominate, forcing another punt and giving Alvirne possession at their-own 20-yard line. Although the third drive stalled on a fourth-and-two attempt, the defense held firm again, stopping Central and regaining possession at the 18-yard line.
On that drive, Quinten Tetreault made a key 40-yard reception on first-and-20, setting up a touchdown catch by Jaden Taylor. The Broncos entered halftime with a commanding 21-0 lead.
During the break, the Alvirne High School Marching Band, school officials, cheerleaders, and fans held a touching Project Blackout Cancer ceremony, honoring community members who have battled cancer and presenting them with flowers.
In the third quarter, Manchester Central finally reached the end zone after a 10-minute drive, converting a two-point attempt following a botched snap to make it 21-8.
Alvirne’s final touchdown came after another impressive run by Dudley, who appeared stopped at Central’s 45-yard line, but somehow broke free to score. The touchdown was then negated, due to a penalty, but Dudley punched it in from the one-yard line on the next play, sealing the 28-14 victory.
Dudley finished the game with 10 carries for 124-yards and two touchdowns, the first and last of the game, and went 7-8 for 92-yards and one TD in passing.
Landmesser had 16 carries in the game and went 135-yards with one touchdown. He also had three catches for seven yards.
Quinten Tetreault had two reception for 57-yards and Jaden Taylor got one reception for 25-yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos will travel to Derry on Friday, Oct. 10, to face the undefeated Pinkerton Astros. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.