Thanks to an exceptional defensive effort and two rushing touchdowns, the Falcons defeated the John Stark Generals, 14-6, and are both tied for second-place in the Division II North Conference with one week remaining in the regular season.
“I don’t think a year ago anyone would think Bow would be 7-1 and a playoff contender in Division II,” Bow football Coach Paul Cohen said.
The wet and windy weather led to several turnovers with John Stark fumbling the opening kickoff and failing to recover a shallow kickoff, giving the Falcons extra chances to run the ball and Nate Alford cashed in on a 2-yard run with two minutes left in the first quarter.
Mac Kimball kicked the extra point to give Bow a 7-0 lead and that score held at halftime.
“We had excellent coverage, in the first half we forced them to run more than pass,” said Cohen, praising the efforts of his defense, particularly defensive end Matt Scanlon.
Scanlon held Generals’ receiver Cooper Gorski, who had five touchdowns against 6-2 Plymouth last weekend, to one reception.
John Stark averaged 41 points per game heading into Saturday’s home game, a stat “that speaks volumes,” Cohen said. “The defense played in an outstanding manner. They did everything we asked them to do.”
The Falcons extended their lead to 14-0 with 4:28 left in the third quarter on a 2-yard Jack Corriveau TD run and Kimball extra point.
Generals quarterback Parker McQuarrie connected on several passes in the fourth quarter and found Leif Mailloux on a 10-yard pass, cutting Bow’s lead to 14-6 with 1:22 to go.
John Stark successfully recovered an onside kick and McQuarrie led a late drive that went as far as the Bow 15 yard line, before a key sack by Alex Berube and incomplete passes turned the ball with seconds remaining.
“The fact that we were able to do this tonight is really very special,” Cohen said. “I said to the guys, ‘you need to play this game like its a championship game.’ And they did.”
The Falcons face Lebanon (5-3) on Saturday while John Stark travels to undefeated Hanover (8-0) on Friday night. Both contests will be key in determining seeds for the upcoming postseason.
Bishop Brady 41, Epping-Newmarket 6
Key players: Brady – Joe Bernard (3 touchdown passes), Rich Sullivan (3 touchdown receptions, returned punt for touchdown), Moses Murenzi (2 rushing touchdowns), Aiden Plumpkin (good run game), Sean Sullivan (defense), Thomas Scott (defense), Dan Kelly (strong play on offense and defense)
Highlights/key moments: Brady jumped ahead from the start and led 41-0 at halftime before sealing the win to lock up the top spot in the D-III South division.
Coach’s quote: “The offensive line played well and opened some big holes for us today.” – Bishop Brady’s Matt Shaw
Records: Bishop Brady 6-1; Epping-Newmarket 3-4
Souhegan 48, H-D/Hopkinton 16
Key players: H-D/H – Henry Yianakopolos (81 rush yards on 7 carries, 2 rush TD, 2-point conversion; forced fumble, fumble recovery)
Highlights/key moments: The RedHawks were hurt by six turnovers in a loss to the Sabres.
Coach’s quote: “The RedHawks were not able to string together a few successful series in a row and were plagued by turnovers.” – H-D/H’s Jay Wood
Records: H-D/H 2-6; Souhegan 3-5
Kearsarge 41, Mascoma 12
Key players: Kearsarge – Justin Norris (6 TD), Damien Petry and Zach Goin (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars rebounded from back-to-back losses with a decisive win over the Royals. The Cougars led 28-7 at halftime.
Coach’s quote: “Great team effort in rough conditions. Norris was unbelievable yet again.” – Kearsarge’s Zach Matthews
Records: Kearsarge 4-3; Mascoma 1-6