WELLESLEY – Sometimes it’s best to save the best performance for late in the season.

In a game he will likely never forget, James Mortarelli turned in his. The senior captain erupted Friday night, finishing with 13 carries for 251 yards rushing and a trio of touchdowns as Natick (6-1) snapped Bay State Conference rival Wellesley’s two-game winning streak with a convincing 28-8 victory on the road.

Always an anticipated battle, this rivalry match started off with fireworks 58 seconds into play when Natick junior Chris Albert picked off Wellesley standout quarterback Bobby Shanahan to give his team possession. Two plays later, Mortarelli scampered loose for a 74-yard touchdown rush, as the Redhawks instantly seized a 7-0 advantage.

Just moments later, however, Shanahan redeemed himself. T

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