Wolverines Drop Close Game to Navy Prep

LtCol Thomas L. Rollins '68 conducting the coin toss before the Bridgton vs. Navy Prep game that took place on Saturday, September 29th. Rollins, who had been inducted into the Bridgton Academy Hall of Fame the night before, was joined on the field by fellow 2012 HOF inductee, Carlos A. Canino '84, along with Tom Austin, who coached both men when they played football here at Bridgton.

The Wolverines played well and had a chance in the closing minutes of the game to take the win, but fell short 25-20 to Navy Prep. The Wolverines take on Merrimack College on Sunday, October 7th at Merrimack.

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The Navy Prep Midshipmen won the opening toss, deferring to the 2nd half. Bridgton Academy opened the game with an explosive kick return by Devon Lofton, setting the Wolverines up in Midshipmen territory. The Wolverines capitalized on the field position, ending the drive with a red zone completion to Eris Nahoum for a touchdown. The Wolverines fumbled the snap on the extra point, putting the score at 6-0. However, Navy Prep would answer back immediately, returning the ensuing kick for a touchdown. Jared Osumah blocked the Midshipmen extra point attempt, tying the game at 6-6. The Wolverine offense refused to let the momentum shift, and grinded out a 9 play, 74 yard drive to answer back with a touchdown and point after, putting the Wolverines up 13-6.

 

 The Wolverines and Midshipmen continued to test each other physically over the next several series, with both defenses holding strong. The Midshipmen eventually found their way through the Bridgton defense, scoring a touchdown late in the second quarter, and another missed point after set the score at 13-12 heading into halftime.

The Midshipmen opened the second half with a scoring drive, fueled by a controversial play. Navy Prep then attempted a 2 point conversion, but was denied by the Wolverine defense, making the score 13-18 Midshipmen. The Wolverine offense faltered the following possession, and again the Midshipmen capitalized on a controversial play for a score. The extra point put the score at 13-25. After the Wolverine offense stalled again, the defense put together a great stand, stopping the Midshipmen in the redzone and giving the Wolverines the opportunity to get back into the game. 

The Bridgton Academy offense put together an impressive 90 yard drive for a score, fueled by the arm of Brock Dale, key receptions from Taylor Hughes, and physical play from Geeavontie Griffith and the offensive line. Brock Dale finished the drive with a quarterback sneak for the score, and the extra point set the score at 20-25.  

On the following possession, the Wolverine defense put together a critical stop, giving the Wolverine offense the chance to win with under 2 minutes remaining in the game. The Wolverines failed to convert on several key attempts, and turned the ball back over to the Midshipmen. Navy Prep ran out the clock—the final score  of the game was 20-25, Navy Prep.