FHS Football Headed to "Final Four"
By Standard-Times Sports Editor Laurie Los Lee -
November 15, 2024
FAIRHAVEN ALUMNI STADIUM — On a night when Justin Marques became the state’s all-time touchdown leader with the 102nd of his career, it was his 103rd touchdown that football fans will be talking about for years to come. Marques scored the go-ahead touchdown in overtime and fellow senior Cameron Burke added the crucial 2-point conversion as the defending Div. 6 Super Bowl champs prevailed, topping No. 6 Lynnfield 36-34 in a thrilling Elite 8 matchup at Alumni Stadium. “I can’t even believe it right now,” Burke said. “It feels surreal.” Facing a fourth-and-goal from the Lynnfield 2, Marques bulled his way into the end zone. “Coach had a great call for us on fourth down,” said Marques, who finished with 40 carries for 184 yards and four TDs. “With the season on the line, he put his trust in me and I thank him for that. It paid off.” Fairhaven head coach Derek Almeida added, “To win in that fashion and to have that record tonight, what else could you ask for?”
In a back-and-forth battle, Lynnfield scored on third down of its overtime possession when senior quarterback Tyler Adamo connected with senior Lovinelli Madux on a 10-yard scoring strike to pull within 36-34. On the 2-point conversion attempt, Fairhaven junior Josh Vieira tipped a pass attempt by Adamo and Marques came down with the interception, ending the game and sending Fairhaven’s fans into a frenzy. “It feels great, but we’re not done yet,” Marques said. “We have to bring it home now.”
Fairhaven (9-1) will face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between No. 7 Swampscott and No. 2 Stoneham in the Div. 6 Final Four at a date, time and location to be determined.