Nipmuc Regional couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They fell just short of the St. Paul Knights by a score of 35-32 on Thursday. Despite 96 more yards than the Knights, the Warriors couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.
When it comes to explaining why Nipmuc Regional lost, don't look at Jacob Nagda. Despite the final result, he rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown, and also picked up 98 receiving yards. Nagda got the majority of those receiving yards when he pulled down a pass and took off for a gain of 63 yards. Nipmuc Regional also got a significant boost from Eben Consigli, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 104 yards.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Nipmuc Regional was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 249 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as St. Paul only rushed for 145.
A big part of the win came down to the chemistry between James Kelly and his top target John Walsh Karam. Kelly threw for 169 yards and five touchdowns while Walsh Karam picked up 133 receiving yards and four touchdowns. That's the most rushing yards Kelly has posted since back in September of 2023.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Nipmuc Regional will hit the road for the first time this season to challenge Assabet Valley RVT at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for St. Paul, they will face off against Gardner at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
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