BILLERICA -- Central Catholic football coach John Sexton said that Drew Alsup can be the star of every game - he has that much talent and potential.
On Friday night, Alsup certainly was one of the three big stars as Central Catholic defeated Billerica, 30-16, in a fantastic back-and-forth contest played at Billerica Memorial High.
The senior defensive back came up with two interceptions in the final three minutes of the game. The first was a 55-yard pick-six, and the second came in the end zone with a minute left which officially put the game away.
"I think he's the type of kid who can make those plays all of the time. He's just that type of a player. He's certainly a hard worker and a guy we're depending on and relying on," said Sexton.
Central (2-2) had a 17-16 lead until sophomore quarterback Caden Smith (121 rushing yards, 2 TDs) scored on a 1-yard keeper play, which he set up with an impressive 51-yard run four plays earlier.
On the next scrimmage play, Billerica (1-2) quarterback Steven Gentile - who was having a monster second half with 114 rushing yards - went back to pass, but Alsup cut in front of the receiver for the interception, before returning it for the touchdown.
"Everyone made big plays all night. I was just the one who came up big on that play," said Alsup.
Trailing by 14, Billerica marched right down the field, but on first-and-ten from the Central 19, Alsup picked off Gentile again but in the end zone for the touchback.
"This means a lot especially since we lost to them last year," said Alsup. "It's just great to come out of here with a win. We knew that they got the better of us last year and that we got outplayed. We knew that throughout the entire week of practice so we just worked hard and got a good team win."
While Alsup was the defensive star, Connor Grella was the special teams star as he ran back a 90-yard kick-off return after Billerica's Dan Venezia converted on a 38-yard field goal in the game's first offensive series.
The other Central star was Smith, who in the second half really ran the ball with conviction.
"It brings so much confidence to a team when a young player like that can step up and lead, and he's just a super, tough kid," said Alsup.
The win was big for Central, especially after the tough last minute loss to top-ranked St. John's Prep last week.
"The kids hung in there," said Sexton. "We didn't play great in the first half, particularly on offense but I thought our defense played well. We played a better second half, but the guys hung in there and I'm proud of them."
Central Catholic 30, Billerica 16First Quarter
B: Dan Venezia 38 Field Goal
CC: Connor Grella 90 kickoff return (Drew O'Keefe kick)
Second Quarter
CC: O'Keefe 28 Field Goal
B: Steven Gentile 2 run (Venezia kick)
Third Quarter
CC: Caden Smith 17 run (O'Keefe kick)
Fourth Quarter
B: Gentile 5 run (kick failed)
CC: Smith 1 run (O'Keefe kick)
CC: Drew Alsup 55 interception return (O'Keefe kick)
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Passing: Central, Caden Smith 2-for-6, 2 yards; Billerica, Steven Gentile 7-for-15, 60 yards, 2 INTs.
Rushing: Central, Caden Smith 12-120, 2 TDs; Jefferson Morales 9-31; Armari Mills 3-28; Caden Chase 9-20; Billerica, Steven Gentile 24-145.
Receiving: Central, Caden Chase 1-4; Drew Alsup 1 -- (-2).