It’s no secret Bow (4-1) head coach Paul Cohen likes to run the football. And even though opponents might focus on stopping the run all week in practice, once again, the Falcons’ physicality proves to be too much.
That was the case on Saturday in Bow’s 31-10 win over Merrimack Valley (2-3). After forcing a quick three-and-out from the Pride, running back Hollis Jones capped off a long first possession, powering across the goal line for a 2-yard touchdown run.
The lead grew to 14-0 early in the second quarter after a 19-yard touchdown run from Owen Guertin. Bow carried a 17-3 lead to halftime.
MV didn’t find much more success in the second half, consistently struggling with Bow’s pressures on defense.
“That was one of the things that we wanted to shut down,” Cohen said of preparing for Pride QB Buddy Eddy’s speed. “He’s got the arm, he’s got the ability to scramble, he’s a smart player and he can certainly run their offense well, so how you contain that is you just put pressure and set the edge and make sure that he stays in and he doesn’t throw when he wants to throw.”
Pride head coach Joe Raycraft was quick to acknowledge the challenges Bow’s different defensive looks gave his offense.
“You have to be physical because if you don’t, they’re not gonna let up,” he said.
And Bow did not let up, adding two more rushing touchdowns in the second half, one from Jones and another from Blake Scarinza (80 yards on four carries), punctuating a strong homecoming performance.
Ryan Lover (109 yards on 16 carries) and Logan Gordon (85 yards on 12 carries) led Bow’s ground game.
“I’m really proud of them,” Cohen said. “We said, ‘This is gonna be a telling moment for you guys. We came off a big away win, so what’re you gonna do at homecoming on your turf and a neighborhood rivalry?’ And I think the question was well answered today.”