By Christopher Shaban And Bill Murphy
Eagle Times Correspondents
WESTMINSTER, VT — Football games at Hadley Field in Bellows Falls always seem to have a special feel. The spirit provided by the school band, the fire department on scene hoisting the American flag from their tower truck and passionate fans displaying their love for their favorites in Purple and White provide the perfect backdrop for a special evening. When you toss in a full moon, the atmosphere was over the top.
That’s just what the Bellows Falls Terriers were—over the top, running over Spaulding of Barre 54-7 in their first-round playoff game Friday night, Oct. 27.
A mistake-filled first half had Bellows Falls Coach Bob Lockerby steaming mad, but in the second half, the Terriers played their brand of football and ran away with the victory.
The No. 3 seeded Terriers led at the break but with 2 touchdowns called back because of penalties and a terrific 65-yard run by Gabe Hoar, Spaulding was still in the game. Cole Moore ripped off a 35-yard score and Jesse Darrell would have a terrific night scoring his first touchdown on a 20-yard blast on the Terriers second possession. Moore would end the half scoring from 35 yards out as the half ended with Bellows Falls leading 20-7.
“We just weren’t ready in the first half. We made mental mistakes and we just beat ourselves, and those penalties killed us,” said Lockerby. Things turned around quickly after the coach (for the umpteenth time this season) found the right words at intermission.
Josh Streeter returned the second half kickoff to the Spaulding 44-yard line then two plays later, Darrell ran untouched for 25 yards as the Terriers looked like a very determined team to start the third quarter.
“I can’t explain our slow start, but we sure figured things out. This was not the time to be making mistakes,” said Moore.
Not only was the offense finding their way, but the defense was also on a mission. Reed Hill and Angel Rivera made big back-to-back tackles forcing Spaulding to turn the ball over on downs.
The Terriers went airborne as Moore connected with Darrell on a beautiful 68-yard touchdown pass. Jesse Rivera made a tackle that stood up the rusher and brought lots of pain from his teammates as the defense was on fire. Streeter picked off a Spaulding pass and the Terriers were very hungry on defense. Just before Darrell would grab his fourth score, Curtis Green would snap a tipped pass out of the air, setting up Darrell’s score. Bellows Falls would light up the scoreboard with 20 unanswered third quarter points to lead 40-7.
Green would make another great defensive play with an interception but ran out of room as he headed for a pick six.
“We definitely played the way we can play in the second half, we played very disciplined and with a purpose,” said Green.
With lots of Terriers getting playoff experience, freshman Bryer Barnett scampered in from 8 yards out for his first playoff points as Tristan Boylan’s kick kept the Terriers lead growing to 47-7.
“We still have lots to prove. This season is far from over and we need a great week of practice to get ready for our next game” said Will Hallock.
Stephan James would cap off the night’s scoring with a run late, then when injured Walker James entered the game, he was told to stay away from any Spaulding player.
“I am on my way to a great recovery, but I wanted to play tonight. It was our last home game and it meant so much to be able to step on the field,” said James.
In great Bellows Falls tradition, the team gathered to sing their school song on the field before family and friends met on the field for one final time.
“It felt so special to be on the field and look out on the crowd,” James said.
Bellows Falls will be headed to face North Country Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. with the winner punching their ticket to the state championship game in Rutland the following day.
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