Charlie Breitrose
Watertown senior quarterback looks to lead the Raiders to a fifth straight win over rivals Belmont on Thanksgiving.
The Raiders make the short trip to Belmont for the annual Thanksgiving Day Football clash looking to add another win to a successful season, and extend the winning streak against the Marauders.
The past four years, Watertown has emerged victorious from the game with their arch rivals, but it has not always been easy.
Last year, the Raiders needed a late field goal to defeat the Marauders. The last time they visited Harris Field in 2014, however, Watertown came home with a 21-point victory.
Thursday’s game begins at 10 a.m. Follow the action live here.
9:55 am, waiting for the Raiders to srrive. They usually warm up at Victory Field before traveling to Belmont.
10:05 am, Team had arrived, so has a light sleet.
Belmont won the toss and defered to the second half
11 mins left first, Raiders receive. Start at 32.
8:28 left, Vasken Kebabjian runs for touchdown of more than 50 yards. Watertown leads Belmont 7-0.
8:18 left, Belmont returned kickoff to 15.
On third and 4 Kebabjian converts
4:52 left, Belmont gets one first down but Raiders hold. Gets ball back at own 44.
3 mins left, Kebabjian fumbles but Raiders get it and a first down.
1:46 left. On 3rd and 8 Watertown gets firdt on a pass interference call.
1 min left, Deon Smith runs for 24 yard TD. 14-0 Raiders.
51 secs, Belmont starts at its 33 after return by Dijuan Moore. Quarter ends with Belmont on its own 44.
Second Quarter
9:34 left, Ben Jones breaks free for a 44 yard touchdown. Belmont narrows Watertown’s lead to 14-7
9 mins left, Watertown starts at own 43 after squib kick. Moved it to Belmont 43.
6:23 left, personal foul on Belmont moves ball to Marauder 23
6:11 left, holding call pushes ball back to the 24. John Korte appeared to get a TD catch but was ruled incomplete.
5:46 left, Conor Kennelly kicks a 43 ysrd field goal. Watertown 17, Belmont 7
5:40 left, Belmont starts at its 35.
3 mins left, Belmont fakes a punt from its 49 on 4th and 5 and gets 4. Watertown ball.
2:31 left. Kebabjian takes it to the house on first down for a 54 yard TD. Watertown up 24-7.
1:46 left, Belmont first down on its 46 after pass interference on 3rd down.
1:03 left, Mange Camara intercepts deep ball returns it about 15 to the Raiders’ 38.
24 secs left, Belmont pass moves ball to Watertown 46.
5 secs left, long pass inside Watertown 10 called back for holding.
Halftime.
Third Quarter
10:36 left, Ben Jones runs for a 71 yard TD on first play of third. Extra point no good. Watertown 24, Belmont 13
8:30 left, Watertown punt goes out at Belmont 39.
8:16 left, Jones carries ball to Watertown 41.
6:21 left, Belmont goes for it on 4th and 1, gets 2. First and 10 at Raiders’ 34.
4:18 left, 15 yard Belmont TD called back for holding.
3 mins left, Jones scores on a 10 yard run. Watertown up 24-20.
1:04 left, Kebabjian runs for his third long TD. This time 53 yards. Watertown 31, Belmont 20.
End of third with Belmont ball, 3rd and 2 from their own 41.
Fourth Quarter
9 mins left, Will Ellet catches 35 yard pass to Watertown 20.
8:43 left, Cal Christofori sneaks for first on 4th and 1. Ball at Raider 10.
7:30 left, Adam Deese scores on 4th and goal from the 1, Jones runs in 2 point conversion. Watertown 31, Belmont 28.
7:06 left, Kebabjian carries for 15. Ball on Belmont 50
5:21 left, another 25 for Kebabjian. First and goal Watertown at the 5.
3:15 left, false start penalty pushes Watertown back to 8. Kennelly hits a 26 yard FG. Watertown 34, Belmont 28
2:38 left, Belmont moves ball to 50.
1:41 left, Isaac Huff intercepts Christofori, Watertown takes over at own 34.
Game over, Watertown 34, Belmont 28.
Watertown Raiders
The Raiders enter the Thanksgiving Day game after an 8-2 season, but Watertown is coming off a loss in the North Section Div. 3 final to Triton.
The team features a strong running attack, lead by senior quarterback Deon Smith, along with senior running backs Zach Rimsa and Vasken Kebabjian. When he drops back, Smith often looks to pass to junior receiver John Korte.
Belmont Marauders
Belmont comes in with a 4-6 record, but the Marauders have played well on their home turf, going 4-1 this year.
The Marauders are lead by two players who will be familiar names to the Raiders. Senior quarterback Cal Christofori has been the play caller against Watertown since he was a freshman. The Marauders have also had good performances from senior running back Ben Jones, who scored against the Raiders last season.