Bridgton Holds On Against Springfield 34-27

The Bridgton Academy Wolverine Football team was able to hold on and survive its only home contest of the year, defeating Springfield College JV 34-27. In what was a highly contested game the Wolverines caused their only turnover of the game, with Springfield on the one yard line and under one minute remaining in the game.

The game did not appear as it would be highly contested as Bridgton easily marched down the field and scored on its opening drive in just four plays. Springfield would answer right back, scoring on their opening drive and taking a 7-6 lead. On Bridgton’s second drive they were forced to punt on fourth down. On the third series Bridgton ran 20 plays and scored to once again take the lead, however Springfield answered right back with a score of their own.

Coach Marcella called the early stages of the game a, “battle, which we did not have the answers for defensively,” yet the Wolverines were able to hang on and as time expired in the first half Kenny Brock (Burlington, NJ) was able to find Brett Parenteau (Manchester, NH) in the corner of the end zone with his, “best ball all year,” according to Marcella. Melikke Van Alstyne (Salem, MA) converted on the two point try to take a seven point lead into the half, 20-13.

Springfield dominated the clock in the third quarter, taking the kick-off and putting together a 12 minute drive capped by a touchdown to even the score at 20-20. Once Bridgton got the ball they went on an 11 play drive in which Van Alstyne caught passes to keep the drive alive and also score a touchdown. On Bridgton’s next drive they went 10 plays to score and go up 34-20 with eight minutes remaining.
Springfield answered back scoring again with under five minutes to play. After only the second three and out for Bridgton all day, Springfield got the ball back at the 50 yard line and 3:30 to play. Springfield marched down the field, with time running down and out of time outs they were forced to play quickly, miscommunication and the Bridgton defense caused a fumble with Springfield on the Bridgton goal line. Speaking of the play Marcella said, “We were fortunate to come away with the win, getting a turnover was huge.”

For the first time this season the Bridgton offense did not have the upper hand in time of possession, nor plays run. Yet were able to hold on and win.
Brock finished the day completing 14 of 23 passes for 215 yard and 2TDs, he also rushed for 85 yards on 12 carries. The offensive line once again did not allow a sack and continues to improve. “Different offensive weapons are starting to emerge and step up,” said Marcella.

The defense had four players registering double digit tackles, lead by Stephen Goniprow (Barrington, RI) with 19, and Jonathan Balcacer (Peabody, MA) with 12 from the secondary, Jack Wright (Forest Hill, FL) and Chris Higgins (Cumberland, ME) round out the quartet.

Bridgton travels to Navy Prep on Saturday to face the triple option offense for the second week in a row. Coach Marcella believes that Navy, “runs a more efficient and discipline version,” as compared to Springfield. Navy scored 54 points a year ago, so the Wolverine defense will be tested again to stop the option.