Offense Falters As Big Green Win 14-12

In the best defensive effort in weeks the Bridgton Academy Wolverines held Dartmouth College JV to just 14 points; however the offense was not able to put up points like they had in previous weeks as Bridgton fell 14-12 to the Big Green.

On the road for the fifth consecutive week the Wolverines looked to break out from their losing streak, playing against their final Ivy League opponent. Bridgton got off to a tough start by turning the ball over on their first two drives, including on the second play of the game. Both turnovers, a fumble and interception, resulted in short fields for Dartmouth. The Big Green was able to find the end zone on each possession, quickly jumping out to a 14-0 lead. From that point on the defense would step up and give one of the best efforts of the season. The offense would get into the red zone three times but not come up with a score.

The start of the second half saw Bridgton force Dartmouth to punt after three failed plays. The ensuing drive by the Wolverines an impressive one as they marched the length of the field and was capped by a six yard touchdown run by Kenny Brock (Burlington, NJ). On the next Dartmouth possession Brian Wilcox (Jericho, VT) recovered a fumble and took it to the 25 yard line. Four plays later Brock once again ran in for another score, after BA did not convert on the two point attempt the score was 14-12.

The third quarter came to an end with Bridgton marching the ball down the field, taking it to the Dartmouth 15 yard line, however the Wolverines could not get into the end zone and turned the ball over on downs. From there on Dartmouth was able to run the clock out, and walk away with the win.

Brock threw for 152 yards, completing 16 of 29 attempts. Keith Williams (Simi Valley, CA) caught four passes for 42 yards, and Nick Marcella (North Bridgton, ME) caught three passes for 40 yards. On the ground Brock gained 75 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns. Phil Bigelow (East Orange, NJ) racked up 79 yards on 11 carries and Nick Finger (Millbrook, NY) ran for 55 yards on 10 carries.

Defensively Stephen Goniprow (Barrington, RI) recorded 15 tackles, including a sack. Wilcox added a sack to go along with his fumble recovery, and Cameron Ziny (Natick, MA) also added a sack. Casey Gogeun (Ashburnham, MA) and Chris Higgins (Cumberland, ME) played very well for the Wolverines.

“This is the first game in a while you can say the offense did not play their best,” commented Head Coach Rick Marcella. “It was frustrating to not support such a solid defensive effort. The turnovers killed us, as we held them without a score after their first two drives,” added Marcella.