Arlington Football

Week 5

October 03, 2024

Game Recap

The Ponders dominated their league rival, Lexington, with a huge 50-8 victory on Friday night. The Ponders came out strong with a 14-0 lead in the first. Peter Harrison kept the momentum going early in the second quarter, breaking away for an 88-yard touchdown. Arlington’s offense exploded in the second quarter scoring four touchdowns and taking a commanding 43-0 lead going into halftime. In the third quarter, Jamari Williams ran hard and scored one more touchdown to seal the win! Not only did the offense have an outstanding game, but Ponder's defense held Lexington almost the whole game, allowing them to score only 8 points late in the fourth.

The Ponder run game was relentless on Friday, racking up six touchdowns while minimizing negative plays and turnovers. On defense, Arlington made it tough for Lexington by forcing multiple turnovers and limiting their offense to just a few first downs. Drew Beck had an impressive game with multiple sacks and a blocked punt, playing a key role in the team’s decisive victory. Filling in for an injured Ori Forest, Kyle Gaffny made his presence felt with five tackles. On Offense, Ryan Scull had an outstanding performance scoring two touchdowns and racking up 100+ rushing yards. Jack Zambardino also played a pivotal role, contributing two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown to Peter Harrison. The Ponders maintained momentum throughout the game, playing with intensity until the final whistle. Their offense spread the ball effectively, with four different players finding the end zone, keeping Lexington’s defense off balance throughout the game. With dominating performances on both sides of the field, the Ponders worked well together to secure their first league win of the season.

This Week

The Ponders aim to carry their momentum and intensity into their upcoming bye week. They’ll use this time to get healthy, maintain a consistent practice schedule, and prepare for their next challenge against a tough Reading team on October 10th. Even with the break, the Ponders are focused on keeping their edge by practicing as hard as they would any other week.

Player Q&A

This week, I interviewed Senior Captain Jack Zambardino (QB/K). Jack has been playing football since freshman year. Although he wasn’t sure if he wanted to play at first, his dad encouraged him to give it a shot and he’s been playing ever since.

Jack’s most memorable moment on the field came during last season’s win against Haverhill. It was his first game starting at quarterback at home, and with the stands packed and his whole family in attendance, the 55-44 victory made the experience even more unforgettable. His favorite part of football is hanging out with his teammates and seeing them and the team succeed. Jack’s favorite tradition is singing the fight song with the team after a win. His passion for sports extends beyond football as he also plays basketball during the winter season. 

One of Jack’s strengths is his ability to read defenses, and he’s focused on improving his throwing on the run and building his arm strength this season. He believes that good communication on the field starts with creating strong connections off the field. As captain, Jack has learned valuable lessons about leadership that extend beyond football. His goals for this season include winning a league title, achieving a home playoff victory, and finishing with a winning season.

Elyse Wagner ‘25
Arlington Football Communications Intern