By Don Wilding
When the Mansfield High football team was still getting its act together for the 1992 season, Hornet coach Mike Redding had, one concern as far as his team was concerned.
'We've got to get off to a good start,' Redding said just after Labor Day weekend. "That will be important." After thumping archival Foxboro in the Hockomock League Jamboree on Sept. 11, the Hornets wasted no time in convincing everyone that they are indeed for real this year. Mansfield traveled to New Bedford, the largest school, in the state, last Friday night and pounded the Whalers, 35-14.
When Omari Walker took the opening kickoff and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown, there was little doubt as to what the outcome would be.
Walker also tallied 119 yards on the ground and accumulated almost 240 yards in total offense. Later in the first quarter, Walker again scored, this time from 10 yards out. Alex Aleman's conversion pass to David Lundell gave the Hornets a 14-0 lead. Walker opened the second quarter with yet another score this one from four yards out. Jamie Sullivan's first of four extra points kick made it Mansfield 21, New Bedford 0.
But Walker wasn't finished yet - just before the end of the half, the Hornet speedster scored on another run from 15 yards out. Gary DeGirolamo scored the Hornets' last touchdown in the closing minutes of the contest on a 21-yard
DeGirolamo finished the night with 57 yards rushing, while Tony Forte (34 yards) and Matt Carpenter (27 yards) also chipped in.