Sports
Waltham Ends Reading's Championship Dreams
The Rockets were eliminated from the postseason with a 28-22 loss on Friday night.
The Reading High School football team was coming off of a dramatic comeback victory in the North Division 2 quarterfinal round. But after falling behind 28-0, there would be no semifinal comeback.
Waltham came to town and pounced early before holding on for a 28-22 victory that eliminated the Rockets one game short of the division title game.
Despite the loss, quarterback Drew Belcher put up strong numbers in the comeback bid. During his final playoff game in a stellar career, Belcher was 31 for 50, adding 241 yards and a touchdown in the air. He also ran for 130 yards and two scores.
Joe Pappalardo was on the receiving end of Belcher's passing touchdown. The wide receiver went over 100 yards on the day.
Trailing 28-22 with just under two minutes to play, Reading hoped to keep its comeback hopes alive. The Rockets, however, were unable to recover the onside kick and Waltham ran out the clock.
Following its elimination from the playoffs, Reading will next play on Friday night against Haverhill in a non-playoff contest. The Rockets also have their traditional meeting with Stoneham on Thanksgiving Day at 10:15 a.m.
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