Bridgton Runs Out of Time Against Columbia

Coming off of a lopsided defeat to Navy Prep, Bridgton Football traveled to New York City on Friday to take on the Columbia University Lions JV team. Coming off of the loss Coach Marcella said, “It looked like we knew what we were doing out there, against a huge team, by far the biggest we have faced yet.” The Wolverines however, were handed a 49-40 set back.
Trailing 35-12 at the half the Wolverines were not without opportunities as they had a ball dropped in the end zone and threw an interception on the goal line. Coach Marcella said, “We moved the ball well in the first half, and were able to scored on our first drive.” “I told my players, ‘just keep playing’,” in the start of the second half the defense forced Columbia to punt and the offense went to work.
In what could have been the offensive lines best game the Wolverines outscored Columbia 28-14 in the second half. Lead by offensive linemen Jacob Lane (Harrison Valley, PA), Kevin Colon (Lowell, MA) and Daniel Alexander (Sammamish, WA). Kenny Brock (Burlington, NJ) lead the way both passing and rushing, gaining 95 yards on 23 carries and two TDs. Brock threw for 211 yards completing 23 of 47 passes for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Jordan Murphy (Ayer, MA) caught four passes for 43 yards and a score. Keith Williams (Simi Valley, CA) caught three passes for 23 yards and one touchdown. Scott Benzing (Brookfield, CT) caught two passes for 53 yards. On the ground Melikke Van Alstyne (Salem, MA) gained 54 yards on 11 carries, scoring a touchdown. Phil Bigelow (East Orange, NJ) accumulated 68 yards on 11 carries while getting in the end zone once. Bridgton ran almost twice as many offensive plays, (103 – 55), as Columbia did.
The defense was able to slow Columbia down enough to allow the offense to come back, yet the kicking game was the difference as the Wolverines were not able to convert on plays in the red zone and were not able to kick field goals on fourth down. Defensively Stephen Goniprow (Barrington, RI) and Brian Wilcox (Jericho, VT) played very well.
Bridgton gears up to take on Brown University JV on Sunday October, 25th at 1:00 PM. “Brown is the most talented team in the Ivy league that we will face, they are also the best coached team,” said Marcella.