After giving up 34 points last week to Westford Academy the Chelmsford Lions (2-0) came out on Friday night and shut out the Acton-Boxborough Colonials (1-1) 26-0 at Leary Field in Acton.

The Lions got superb team defense and senior quarterback Colby Emanouil had the game of his career rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another in the win. Emanouil's two rushing touchdowns came in the first half as the athletic signal caller improvised and ripped through the Colonials defense for scores of 46 and 32 yards.

"He (Emanouil) really showed tonight what he brings to the table," said Chelmsford head coach Bruce Rich. "He had good decision making, he threw the ball well with accuracy and when those plays broke down he was able to stay alive."

A-B moved the ball on multiple drives but could not complete their efforts as the Chelmsford defense came up with big third and fourth down stops to control the possessions.

"Acton-Boxborough has been a great rival for us," said CHS senior linebacker and co-captain Corey Everleigh. "We knew we had to step up and make big stops in the box and make big plays. We just took them out of their comfort zone tonight."

The biggest defensive play of the game came in the second quarter when CHS defensive back Cody Nazzaro halted an A-B drive with a leaping interception at the Chelmsford four yard line.

A-B running back Kyle Sweeney, who scored four touchdowns last week in a 33-8 win over Woburn, was a workhorse for the Colonials on the night as the senior running back ran for 98 hard fought yards. 

A-B also received strong games from senior captain OL/LB Peter Trombly, senior OL/LB Mike Duggan and senior tight end Jake Pilecki.

Pilecki was the favorite target of A-B quarterback Ethan Dukes, who  completed some nice throws tonight despite the blanket coverage from the Chelmsford defensive backs.

Chelmsford wide receiver Vinny Maniscalco caught his second touchdown pass of the season on Emanouil's touchdown strike. Junior backup running back and starting defensive back Connor Brimley also got into the action late in the fourth quarter as he took the ball left and went 29 yards for the games final score.

Chelmsford gets back to action next Friday as they host one of the top teams in the state in BC High. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m at Simonian/ Alumni Stadium.

Acton-Boxborough hosts Lexington (0-2) next Friday night at 7 p.m. at Leary Field. Lexington lost to DCL Small reigning champions Concord-Carlisle 40-14 on Friday night.

Scoring Summary

Chelmsford 26, Acton-Boxborough 0
CHS --- 7 6 0 13 --- 26
A-B --- 0 0 0 0 --- 0

First quarter

CHS - Colby Emanouil 46 yard run (Charlie Kalenda kick) 7-0

Second quarter

CHS -  Emanouil 32 yard run (kick blocked) 13-0

Third quarter

None

Fourth quarter  

CHS - Vinny Maniscalco 29 yard pass from Emanouil (rush failed) 19-0

CHS - Connor Brimley 29 yard run (Kalenda kick) 27-0