FOXBORO – A two-touchdown day from Sean McCoy helped Mansfield to a 21-7 victory over Foxboro in a rainy Thanksgiving Day matchup.

The Hornets improved to 9-3 on the season and earned the program a share of the Hockomock Davenport league title. It also was head coach Mike Redding’s 300th career win.

“This is really a program accomplishment,” Redding said. “We do it together, we play tough games in the Hockomock, play tough non-league games, I’ve been lucky enough to watch good football for three decades where guys are playing their hearts out like today.”

With a state championship game coming up next week against North Attleboro, Redding noted that securing the victory took any further distraction out of that game.

“It’s cool to do it on a day we beat Foxboro and clinch the league title,” Redding said. “It takes it off the table going into next week, we can just relax and focus on the state title.”

Neither team was able to score in the opening quarter, although Riley Sigman did secure a clutch interception on Foxboro quarterback Mike Marcucella.

Eventually, Mansfield was able to sustain a solid drive, with the passing connection between Tommy Vallett and Andrew DeGirolamo leading the Hornets to the red zone. On a third down play, Vallett tossed a screen pass to McCoy, who broke three tackles to find the end zone.

“The energy just shifted,” McCoy said. “It was unreal.”

A few moments later, Chris Holts secured an interception on Marcucella. Mansfield drove down the field and eventually McCoy secured another touchdown via a six-yard rush.

“The line did their job up front,” McCoy said. “I’m just lucky to run behind them.”

The third quarter featured more tight defense as the rain pounded down. This Hornets defense was able to stifle multiple pushes from Foxboro.

“We’re quietly one of the better defenses in the state,” Redding said. “You have to work for every inch. Defense has been playing lights out.”

Eventually, Foxboro would get on the board with a Ben Angelini touchdown, but two strong rushes from Donovan Minton brought Mansfield to the red zone and Vallett would sneak it for a game-sealing touchdown.

As the clock hit zero, McCoy reflected on helping Redding secure the milestone win.

“He’s a legend,” McCoy said. “Well deserved win for him.”

As the Hornets now prepare for North Attleboro, Redding noted the intense atmosphere as something that should help prepare his team for the big stage.

“To have our best players on the sideline and not play, we just can’t do it,” Redding said. “Fortunately, both teams came out healthy and played good football. I think we will both benefit next Friday for competing so hard today. Hopefully we both get Super Bowl titles.”

Into the record book

Mansfield’s Mike Redding became the eighth coach in state history to reach the 300-win mark when his Hornets defeated Foxboro x-x on Thanksgiving Day. Mansfield will be facing North Attleboro (Redding’s high school alma mater) in the Division 3 state championship game a week from Friday at Gillette Stadium

Ken LaChapelle 400-138-6 (1976-present, Northbridge)

John DiBiaso 372-83-1 (1982-present, St. Patrick’s, Weston, Everett, Catholic Memorial)

Armond Colombo 316-101-5 (1960-2002, Archbishop Williams, Brockton)

Jack Martinelli 314-144-5 (1982-present, Foxboro)

Jim Kelliher 313-209-8 (1974-2023, Abington)

Bill Broderick 303-68-42 (1908-1942, 1949, Rindge Tech, Haverhill, Salem)

Tom Lopez 303-126-5 (1978-2018, Lincoln-Sudbury)

Mike Redding 300-101-3 (1988-present, Mansfield)